AOI Webinar- Tax for Illustrators

This webinar is suitable for illustrators at the start of their career, and for those who’d like a refresher on all things tax. Some consideration will be given to the benefits of being a registered company, but this is targeted at sole traders. It will be delivered by Russell Smith, founder of RS Accountancy. The session will cover: Completing your..


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Glasgow Illustrators Meet Up

Laurieston 58 Bridge Street, Glasgow

Hi there Glasgow Illustrators! Come and join our Illustrator Meet Up for a social at the Laurieston on the 20th of January 7pm. If you've not had the pleasure of the Laurieston before (one of the best pubs in town), then know its easy to find. Just go to the street outside Bridge Street underground station and you'll see it..


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WEBINAR! Negotiating with Confidence

Love the excitement of a new commission but feel awkward about the negotiations? The aim of this webinar is to give you the tools you need to negotiate with confidence! Join us for the next instalment of our webinar series, this time exploring the do’s and don’ts of client negotiations. The webinar will run from 4.00pm – 4.45pm GMT on..


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NORWICH AOI: ‘GO CRIT YOURSELF’ CRITIQUE AND IDEA SHARING

The Bowling House Norwich

Give yourself - and your work - a new year's boost! Join us in the gorgeous top floor room of the Bowling House for a chilled evening of idea sharing and informal critiques with your fellow Norwich illustrators. Bring along sketchbooks, portfolios (digital or print), current work, old work, anything at all! The evening will be focused on having a..


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AOI Illo drawing meet-up: Circus Arts

National Centre for Circus Arts Coronet Street, London

Our first meet-up for 2020 is an active live draw at the National Centre for Circus Arts. You’re invited to come and draw performers training in their class sessions. The mix of disciplines taught may include: rope, tissu, multi corde, cloudwing, teeterboard, Chinese pole and juggling. The classes are from 10am - 12pm on Thursday 6 February. Please arrive by..


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Wonderbly Portfolio Breakfast

Wonderbly 21 Brownlow Mews, London, Greater London, United Kingdom

Wonderbly is delighted to host a morning of portfolio consultations in their London office. Art Director Paul Coomey, Illustrators Adam Hancher and Marija Tiurina and other industry professionals will give expert advice in areas including children’s publishing, surface pattern design and editorial. Your portfolio will be shared in a supportive, intimate, and collaborative environment. Not only will you be able to..


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Glasgow Meet Up

The Laurieston 58 Bridge Street, Glasgow

For our next Drink and Draw with @theaoi we're back at The Laurieston, a bar that loves the colour red as much as @titaberredo, who also happens to be thinking up our next draw challenge for the night and has graced us with her lovely set of instrumentalists for this months post, thanks Tita! Open to members and non-members, everyone..


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Regional Somerset AOI Meet Up

The Archangle Hotel 1 King Street, Frome

Come join us in the very first Somerset Illustrators meetup! Supported by the AOI, but open to all. Sit down with two talented illustrators, Sam Pierpoint and Ben the Illustrator, who will be here to talk all about their work and practise. From how they keep their creative practise fresh and where they find inspiration, to how they manage their..


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AOI Webinar: Illustration Business Planning: Vision & Growth

In this webinar we will explore how to make a plan for your illustration business. We will look at clarifying markets, planning for growth and reasons why you might need to set-up or convert from being self-employed to a limited company. We will also explore how the nature of illustration is changing in terms of illustrators creating their own content,..


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Fresh Eyes – AOI Panel Discussion

Arnolfini 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, United Kingdom

AOI Advisor Georgia, brings together illustrators Ana Jaks, Thomas Patterson, and Aleesha Nandhra to discuss the thrills and challenges of what the first years look like in building a career as a freelance illustrator. Each speaker offers a fresh perspective and will share stories on the little and BIG moments they have celebrated in recent years - and also, those very natural tricky bits,..


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Froglump X PIP presents Doodlebury

The Island Gallery Space 1st Floor, Bridewell Street, Bristol, United Kingdom

Become a tourist in an afternoon of drawing games, collaborative creations and illustration challenges set in the imaginary town of Doodlebury, on its rare leap day appearance. Illustration trio, Froglump, join forces with PIP (an AOI meet up) to host an illustrative adventure around the world of Doodlebury. Imagine yourself as a tourist in this new town, as you're taken..


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A Conversation with Matt Saunders and Jon Cockley

theprintspace Gallery 74 Kingsland Road, London

AOI | Yo Illo Talks 2020 welcomes celebrated visual storyteller Matt Saunders and his agent, Jon Cockley, co-founder of Handsome Frank, for an intimate conversation about their collaborative partnership. Matt has created art for some of the most famous licencing properties, including Star Wars, Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse, and Harry Potter/Pottermore. Jon has represented many talented artists in the UK,..


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Exeter Meet Up: Tile Illustration Workshop *CANCELLED*

Exeter Phoenix Gandy Street, Exeter

**PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED***   Have you ever thought about taking your illustration in a new direction? Perhaps you'd like to use your skills to make presents, or create beautiful things to sell. Whichever it is, come to our tile illustration workshop, also our first Exeter meet-up of 2020. Scotty Gillespie, illustrator and ceramicist will discuss his own process, and talk about crossing boundaries between..


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Publisher Portfolio Consultation: Faber and Faber

Faber & Faber 74-77 Great Russell Street, London, United Kingdom

The AOI is pleased to run an exclusive event with Faber & Faber, award winning publishing house, and creators of the FAB Prize! In a small group of 10 you will share your physical or digital portfolio in a supportive, collaborative and inclusive environment. Faber Creative Director Donna Payne, and Children's Art Director Emma Eldridge will offer their advice during..


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Working in the US – a session for Illustration Agents CANCELLED

Sheridans 76 Wardour Street, London

***Please note this event is cancelled due to Coronavirus*** Led by Sheridan's Associate Gabriella Playford, this session will look at the legalities of working in the states. It is aimed at AOI Agent Members.  In particular the session will look at; -Differences between US and UK contracts and the implications of this -Common pitfalls in US contracts and how to..


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Spotlight on Montana Forbes

This is an online event, hosted by Demio

As part of our new Spotlight On series, join us for an informal lunchtime talk with talented fashion illustrator and AOI board member Montana Forbes. Montana will be discussing her work and sharing her insights on the fashion illustration industry. We will then have a Q&A, for any questions you would like to ask Montana, including her advice on illustrating through a..


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Spotlight on Dan Woodger

This is an online event, hosted by Demio

As part of our new ‘Spotlight On’ series, join us for an informal lunchtime talk with the awesomely talented illustrator, animator and AOI board member, Dan Woodger. Dan will be discussing his practice and his unique experience of the illustration industry to date. We will then have a Q&A, for any questions you would like to ask Dan, including his tips for staying motivated during..


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Spotlight on Niki Groom

This is an online event, hosted by Demio

As part of our new #SpotlightOn series, join us for an informal lunchtime talk with talented fashion and live event illustrator Niki Groom, a.k.a. Miss Magpie. Niki will be discussing her practice and her unique experience of the illustration industry to date. She will also be sharing her valuable advice on selling work through your website. We will then have a Q&A, for any questions you would..


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Spotlight on Genie Espinosa

This is an online event, hosted by Demio

As part of our new #SpotlightOn series, join us for an informal lunchtime talk with awesome illustrator Genie Espinosa. Genie will be discussing her practice and how she made the jump into full-time illustration. She will also be touching on how she manages her anxiety through her work. We will then have a Q&A, for any questions you would like to ask Genie, including..


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Virtual Glasgow Drink and Draw

Virtual

Heads Up! Virtual Drink and Draw with AOI Glasgow coming to an internet terminal near you 7pm on 23rd April 2020! We'll be checking in through Zoom, and as ever offer a friendly welcoming space to chat and draw at a time when meeting other illustrators could be even more invaluable than usual. It would be fantastic to see old..


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NORWICH AOI: EPISODE 6 ONLINE HANGOUT

Virtual

Isolation doesn’t have to mean feeling isolated. During this confusing and disorientating time it’s more important than ever to stay connected, grounded, and communicating with likeminded folks. We invite you to join us for a group video chat to discuss everything and nothing! From a general check-in to see how everybody is faring, how we and The AOI can help,..


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Spotlight on Dapo Adeola

This is an online event, hosted by Demio

As part of our new #SpotlightOn series, join us for an informal lunchtime talk with talented children’s book illustrator, Dapo Adeola. Dapo will be discussing his practice and his unique experience of the illustration industry to date. We will then have a Q&A, for any questions you would like to ask Dapo, including his experience of illustrating during this strange period..


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Spotlight on Vic Lee

This is an online event, hosted by Demio

As part of our new #SpotlightOn series, join us for an informal lunchtime talk with talented illustrator, mural designer, mapmaker and wordsmith, Vic Lee. Vic will be discussing his decisive approach to his career, and exploring the idea of 'Staying Scared, Keeping Fearless'. We will then have a Q&A discussion, so you can ask Vic any burning questions !   "I will talk..


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Spotlight on Claudine O’Sullivan

This is an online event, hosted by Demio

As part of our new 'Spotlight On' series, join us for an informal lunchtime talk with award winning illustrator Claudine O'Sullivan. Claudine will be discussing her practice and her unique experience of the illustration industry to date. We will then have a Q&A for any questions you would like to ask Claudine, including her tips for illustrating during lockdown. We are..


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Psychological Stress and Wellbeing Workshop (on Zoom)

Virtual

Dr Sally Easton is an attachment psychologist and psychotherapist. She manages a wellbeing college for a mental health organisation, works with young people with multiple complex needs, and delivers training in mental health and wellbeing. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology, post graduate degrees in teaching and research, a doctorate in psychology and is a certified Third Wave CBT..


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Spotlight on Neal Layton

This is an online event, hosted by Demio

As part of our new 'Spotlight On' series, join us for an informal lunchtime talk with award winning author and illustrator, Neal Layton. Neal has the ability to delve into the science and interpret it in such a way that young children can understand, and he'll be discussing his recent picture books A Climate in Chaos and A Planet Full..


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ABZ illo meet up!

Virtual

Calling all North East (Scotland) illustrators! Join us for the first ever ABZillo lockdown-friendly digital meet up for an informal evening of doodling and a good old fashioned chin wag from the comfort of your home. BYOB. The meet up will be streamed via ZOOM. Registration is FREE but tickets are limited!


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AOI WEBINAR: TAKING CHARGE AND STARTING OUT AS AN ILLUSTRATOR

Everywhere

A successful illustration career doesn’t happen from one day to another, and definitely not spontaneously. While creating a strong body of work is important, communication and consistency are also key. This webinar, especially designed for illustration students about to graduate, will cover the following: The importance of being proactive and investing in different avenues in order to grow. Key questions..


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Spotlight On: Stephen Collins

This is an online event, hosted by Demio

As part of our 'Spotlight On' series, join us for an informal lunchtime talk with talented cartoonist, illustrator and graphic novelist Stephen Collins. Stephen will be discussing his experience 'writing with pictures', a creative process that has encapsulated his career. We will then have a Q&A for any questions you would like to ask Stephen, including on his graphic novel..


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Spotlight On: Lucy Truman

This is an online event, hosted by Demio

As part of our 'Spotlight On' series, join us for an informal lunchtime talk with fashion, beauty, travel and lifestyle illustrator Lucy Truman. Lucy will be discussing her career, personal work and recent mental health images. We will then have a Q&A for any questions you would like to ask Lucy, including on her children’s book work. We introduced our..


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Pro tips for editorial illustration from Charlotte Dumortier / PIP: a Bristol AOI meet-up

Virtual

Belgian-born and Antwerp-based illustrator Charlotte Dumortier joins us for our next AOI online Bristol meet-up. She'll be revealing her top tips for working in editorial illustration, how friendships can lead to work and her experience setting herself up as a business. Hosted by Dave Bain & David J McMillan, you'll be able to join in with your own questions for..


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Spotlight On: Tristan Manco

This is an online event, hosted by Demio

As part of our new #SpotlightOn series, join us for an informal lunchtime talk with art director and author Tristan Manco. Tristan will be discussing his new book Stencil Graffiti Handbook which is a a DIY guide to making stencil art and celebrating it as a creative and protest art form. We will then have a Q&A, for any questions..


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Somerset Illustration Virtual Meetup

Virtual

Join Somerset Illustration Meetups for our first virtual meetup. There will just be 20 spaces up for grabs for this FREE (but ticketed) virtual session, just bring a sketchbook and some pens. This will just be an informal chat about how we're getting on whilst we have a drawing session. We want to know what you'd like from our meetups going forward..


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Working in the US – a session for Illustration Agents

Virtual

Led by Sheridan's Associate Gabriella Playford, this session will look at the legalities of working in the states. It is aimed at AOI Agent Members.  In particular the session will look at; -Differences between US and UK contracts and the implications of this -Common pitfalls in US contracts and how to avoid them - IP considerations and the concept of..


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New Designers – AOI Mini Business Masterclass

This year New Designers have been working hard behind the scenes to move their ND CONNECTS and ND EDUCATES programmes online. From portfolio feedback to live chats with experts, all events will be available on the New Designers website and Instagram channel between 1 – 11 July 2020. As part of this awesome programme of talks and workshops, the AOI will be running their..


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Glasgow Drink and Draw July

Virtual

Feeling low or feeling high, feel welcome along to our next Drink and Draw 7-9pm on the 16th of July. As ever, it will be a friendly connection for new faces and familiar ones.  Join us for some mutual support connecting through the mist ? We will be reaching out over Zoom - reserve your place here.


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Site Collective and NorwichAOI collaborative drink & draw via Zoom

Virtual

Join Site Collective and NorwichAOI meet-ups as they collaborate on an evening of casual creative activities and chats; from character illustrating, to portraiture, to pictionary. Admission is free with no ticket required, just visit the Facebook events page for the Zoom link (to be posted soon!) and more info. See you there!


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AOI AGM 2020

Virtual

The AOI's AGM will run from 6pm on Monday 27 July. It is expected to last for 30 minutes. The financial year 2018 - 2019 (October 2018 - September 2019) will be considered, with the Annual Report and Accounts presented. The meeting will be chaired by David Gilbert, and there will be a chance to ask questions. All Members are..


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AOI WEBINAR: TAKING CHARGE AND STARTING OUT AS AN ILLUSTRATOR

Everywhere

Please note that this webinar is mainly for students, recent graduates and very new illustrators. Book now.   A successful illustration career doesn’t happen from one day to another, and definitely not spontaneously. While creating a strong body of work is important, communication and consistency are also key. This affordable webinar, especially designed for new illustrators entering the industry, will..


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Spotlight On Sam Taylor

As part of our 'Spotlight On' series, join us for an informal lunchtime talk with animator Sam Taylor. Sam Taylor is a director, producer, and co-founder of The Line Animation Studio. He was nominated for a BAFTA for 'Everything I Can See From Here', a short film he wrote and directed with Bjorn-Erik Aschim, and for an ADC Young Guns..


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The AOI’s Complete Guide to Freelance Illustration

Virtual

The AOI’s Complete Guide to Freelance Illustration Harnessing our experience as the world’s leading professional body for illustrators, The AOI have a designed this 6 week interactive online course to help illustrators take proactive steps to progress in their careers. Each week you will explore an essential aspect of freelance illustration, covering self-promotion, licensing, contracts, finances, agency representation and more..


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THE AOI’S COMPLETE GUIDE TO FREELANCE ILLUSTRATION

Virtual

THE AOI’S COMPLETE GUIDE TO FREELANCE ILLUSTRATION Harnessing our experience as the world’s leading professional body for illustrators, The AOI have a designed this 6 week interactive online course to help illustrators take proactive steps to progress in their careers. Each week you will explore an essential aspect of freelance illustration, covering self-promotion, licensing, contracts, finances, agency representation and more..


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Somerset Illustration Meetup with Emma Block

Virtual

We look forward to welcoming you to our next meet up where we will talk to Emma Block and explore different streams of income. Emma Block is an illustrator based in London. Her work varies from editorial illustration, publishing, packaging and branding. Emma's first book, The Joy of Watercolour, was released in 2018. Most recently she has been teaching wildly..


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Confident Public Speaking for Illustrators

Virtual

This session is particularly aimed at illustrators who are underrepresented in public speaking contexts. As well as developing key skills the session will support confidence in proactively seeking opportunities and when speaking in public at schools, panels, festivals and beyond. Areas covered include; Develop a helpful mindset in pursuing speaking opportunities What makes a great speaker? Making the right first..


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Drawing Architecture – An AOI London ILLO Meet-up with Elizabeth Lander

Virtual

Bring your pens & pencils and take part online in AOI London’s ILLO Meet-up! Join Elizabeth Lander for a live architecture drawing session. You may have seen Elizabeth Lander’s #idrawchicken series – an archive of illustrated chicken restaurants around London on Instagram. Elizabeth, a Caribbean illustrator, is known for documenting a community’s culture reflected in its architecture, as seen in..


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The AOI’s Complete Guide to Freelance Illustration

Virtual

The AOI’s Complete Guide to Freelance Illustration   Back by popular demand - we are excited to introduce the second edition of The AOI's Complete Guide to Freelance Illustration.  Harnessing our experience as the world’s leading professional body for illustrators, The AOI have a designed this 6 week interactive online course to help illustrators take proactive steps to progress in..


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Talk & Drawing workshop with Dan Woodger

Virtual

Our Manchester illustrator meet up, hosted by Small Fry, continues with a drawing workshop & talk from illustrator and animator Dan Woodger. Get your ticket. For our first Small Fry event of the year, we have the amazing Dan Woodger hosting a talk & drawing workshop. He’ll be taking us on a journey through his process and projects, including his..


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Diversity and Equality Roundtable: ‘Thinking Globally’

Virtual

The AOI are happy to announce the next set of roundtable talks focussing on Diversity and Equality in Illustration. The first session of 2021 will be themed ‘Thinking Globally’. Chaired by AOI Board member and Illustrator Montana Forbes, we will look at the impact the extraordinary global changes have had on our work and what it means for our practice...


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Free

AOI Disability Resource Roundtable

Virtual

Building on feedback from previous sessions we have developed a resource intended to support the commissioning of disabled illustrators and generally open up the conversation. We would like to invite feedback on the resource, so we can ensure it is practical, relevant and useful. Jhinuk Sakar will lead a friendly, informal discussion focussing on the draft resource and we welcome..


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Brighton illustrators Drink & Draw

Virtual

Open to all illustrators – this is the very first Brighton illustrators Meetup! In association with the AOI. Get your ticket.     Join the Flock! Please join us for the the very first Brighton illustrators Meetup! In association with the AOI. This first event will be a FREE online Drink & Draw. An opportunity to meet new friends, catch..


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Free

Finding Beauty In The Everyday – Drink Chat Draw

Virtual

Join Devon and Cornwall Illustrators for an evening of drawing based on themes of the every day. In conjunction with RAMM Lates and The AOI. RSVP now! For many of us, it’s been a year of repetition. The same rooms, the same people, the same routine. But did you find unexpected beauty in elements of the everyday? Did the process of..


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Free

In Conversation with Jon Klassen

Virtual

PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT AND OUR WAITLIST IS FULL.  Internationally renowned Illustrator Jon Klassen is best known for his best-selling Hat Box trilogy (I Want My Hat Back, This Is Not My Hat, We Found a Hat), among many other loved titles. In celebration of the release of his highly anticipated The Rock From The Sky..


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Drawing Inspiration – An evening with Pam Smy

Virtual

Join us for an evening with the inimitable Pam Smy as she talks us through her influences and working practice. Join us for our first AOI Children’s Picture books Meet-up event - an online quarterly meet up hosted by picture book illustrator Rachel Stubbs, and author-illustrator and educator Emily Haworth-Booth. Open to those at all stages of development – from..


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Happily Ever After – with Morag Hood and Helen Kellock

Virtual

  Enter through a secret Zoom door to join a conversation with published children’s illustrators, Morag Hood and Helen Kellock. Book your ticket. Join host, Illo_G in exploring the professional and multifaceted world of children's publishing, from materials to the finished article. How does a children's illustrator create "happily ever after" in their artwork or career? Listen in as Morag..


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Blend Drink & Draw

Virtual

Join us for our first drawing meet-up for Blend (a new name for the AOI London illustrators’ meet-up) : a Drink & Draw with special guests from The Good Ship Illustration : Katie Chappell, Helen Stephens, and Tania Willis. Get your tickets here. Bring your drawing materials — and a drink — and join us for a fun evening as..


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AOI AGM 2021

The AOI will hold the Annual General Meeting on Monday 24 May at 6pm. This will be held on Zoom and is open to all members to attend.  We’d love to see as many of you as possible and would like to spend some time listening to your experiences of the past year and  understanding how we can best emerge..


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Free

Brew Drink & Draw / Leeds illustrator meet-up

Online

Join BREW - the first illustrators meet-up for Leeds. RSVP for free below or via Eventbrite. All illustrators are welcome and all you need to bring is a drink, yourself and drawing materials for various prompts and fun times. This event is run by The AOI and hosted by illustrator Hannah Lock. This event is FREE, simply RSVP. Follow Brew to..


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Free

Finding Healthy Creativity with Aki Schilz

Online

Join us for discussion and activities surrounding healthy creativity and the ways we can reshape and rethink our creative processes. Book below or via our Eventbrite. “Productivity” is a word which has taken on pretty toxic meanings over the last few years. It’s resulted in an increased pressure on creative folks, especially those who run their own businesses or are..


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Blended Practice: Design x Illustration

Online

Small Fry bring together a panel of creatives to reveal their discoveries about the power of having a blend of practices. Small Fry bring together a panel of creatives to reveal their discoveries about the power of having a blend of practices. RSVP below or via our Eventbrite. Having a background in both illustration and graphic design is such a strength..


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