New Designers: Industry Insight Panel Discussion – Illustration First Moves

Join the in-person Panel discussion for tips on how to start working as an illustrator.

This friendly panel of illustration professionals will share their insights and advice for getting your personal and professional practice up-and-running. From finding the right opportunities and people to work with, to nurturing an online presence and nailing application forms, we’ve got you covered. Bring your notebook and lots of questions! To learn more about the event and to book tickets head to their website.

Speakers:

Olivia Ahmad (Chair) is a UK-based curator and editor specialising in graphic arts and design. She is Artistic Director at House of Illustration in London, where her recent work has included exhibitions on socialist design  and developing the UK’s only dedicated residency for illustrators. From 2018-2021 Olivia was editor of Varoom, the UK-based contemporary illustration magazine published by the Association of Illustrators. Her books include New York: Lucinda Rogers Drawings 1988-2018 (ed., West Street Press) and 100 Figures: The Unseen Art of Quentin Blake (Tate Publishing).

Sarah Morris is the Membership Manager at the AOI and a former Illustration Agent, with a wealth of commercial knowledge and passion for illustration, design and supporting the industry. A people person and nurturer of talent, Sarah is passionate about championing creativity, new talent and is committed to helping make the industry more accessible.

Sharpay Chenyuè Yuán is an illustrator based in London. She graduated in Visual Communication from the Royal College of Art in 2021. Sharpay’s work explores social histories by combining drawing with field and archival research. She is House of Illustration’s first Engine House Graduate Resident and her work has been displayed at Tate Britain and her project Pearl’s Daughters has been shortlisted in this year’s V&A Illustration Awards. Sharpay’s editorial illustrations have appeared in The New York Times and Die Zeit.

George Morton is an artist agent and freelance illustrator. Since graduating from his illustration degree nearly ten years ago, he has accumulated a broad range of experience from an array of creative agencies working across branding, design, illustration, events and advertising. A freelance illustrator himself; he has worked with clients including Amnesty International, Condé Nast and Vans. George joined artist representation agency Grand Matter in 2018 and now works as a Senior Creative Agent at the agency; working with artists and clients across all types of commissions, whilst also heading up social media and assisting with studio campaigns and editorial projects.

Chanté Timothy is an illustrator who loves experimenting with movement, vibrant colour, character design and storytelling. Chanté is a Pathways into Children’s Publishing 2019 – 2021 Alumni and here illustrations can be found in seven children’s books including Hey You! by Dapo Adeola, Daddy Do My Hair: Beth’s Twists by Tola Okogwu, and Legacies by The Black Curriculum.

About New Designers:

Full of disruptive thinking, ambitious ideas and fresh approaches, New Designers presents the work of 3,000 hand-picked graduate design talents from around the country. Hosted at London’s Business Design Centre 29 June – 2 July & 6 July – 9 July, the show explores every discipline of modern making.

The work on display is complemented by an extensive range of design-focused talks and events, a hands-on printing workshop and prestigious Awards programme.

To learn more about the event and to book tickets head to their website.

(image: Panel Members L-R Olivia Ahmad, Sarah Morris, Sharpay Chenyuè Yuán, George Morton, Chanté Timothy)