Rosie Thwaites
Must Play

Children's Publishing

Un-commissioned | New Talent

Why did you make this work:
This piece reflects on the reopening of schools after the pandemic lockdown. With record numbers of children needing mental health support, it seems reconnecting with the world through play rather than panicking about missed schoolwork should be the priority. In our education system 'play' is largely seen in opposition to 'work', rather than as the valuable developmental tool it really is.

How was the illustration used:
Envisaged as the editorial illustration for an article about 'post-pandemic schools' and child mental health in a newspaper or education/parenting journal.

How did you make this work:
A real teacher wrote the line in red pen and my son wrote the sentences in black. The figures were created with ink and brush. These elements were composed and finished in Photoshop. I think this 'meta' journey from the 'real' at the top of the page to the loose inky characters echoes the journey from reality to fiction (work to play) occurring across the image, giving it extra depth and charge.

Commissioner Company :
N/A

Social Media:
instagram.com/rosie_posie_thwaites

Personal Website:
rosiethwaites.com/
Agent Website:
https://belllomaxmoreton.co.uk/

College:
Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University (graduated 2021)
Course:
MA Children's Book Illustration
Year of Graduation:
2021


Currently Based:
London, UK

Biography:
I write and illustrate picturebooks and chapter books for children, often satirical. I also make education content for clients. I graduated from ARU's Children's Book Illustration MA in 2021. Before this, I ran a London-wide arts education programme for disadvantaged children, and taught Art in schools. I did my BA in Art at Goldsmiths. I live in London with my partner, 3 kids, and lots of pets.

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