Looking Back: Recent AOI Meet Ups
A summary of what our Meet up groups have been up to in Cardiff, York, Leeds and Manchester.
Since 2019, the AOI Meet ups have provided a welcoming, informative and supportive space for illustrators to connect and learn from each other (and to have a bit of fun in the process!). Supported and promoted by the AOI, our Meet Up Hosts are given free rein to organise events fit for their local communities, and it’s always a delight to see what they’re organising next.
13 Meet ups have taken place since the end of August. They have included a Life Drawing in Birmingham, a night of professional insights from local illustrators in Sheffield, intimate sessions themed on Reportage in Preston or Animation in Kent, a special ‘Sketchy Brekkie‘ in London, and online evening of Picture Book inspiration, and so much more.
As we rapidly embark on the second half of Autumn, we reminisce on recent illustration activities across four major cities in the UK.
Reportage Illustration Draw & Talk in Cardiff
On 24th August the sun came out for Illustration Club! For their last summer meet up, they invited guest illustrator Dan Peterson to lead the session.
Meeting outside of St Fagans’ National Museum of History, Dan talked about his experience as a Reportage Illustrator, his preferred mediums, how he uses his iPad as well as traditional methods to draw live, and more. Throughout his presentation, Dan gave tips not only on how to tell a story through sketches, but also on how to draw crowds, buildings and trees at a fast pace.
After entering St Fagans, participants were given an hour and a half to wander around the site and create a series of drawings, with suggestions to use the new pub (The Vulcan) as a good storytelling point. As everyone went around drawing, Dan caught up with different people to chat to them and give advice.
The weather had really come out so it was such a lovely day for it! We all came back together at 3PM, where we met at the café. We all placed our sketchbooks face up on the table, showcasing a page of our sketches. It enabled everyone to look through all sketches, chat and socialise with each other. Dan also showed us his client work on his iPad.
Naomi Clarke, Cardiff AOI Meet Up Host.
This was a great way to end the event.
York Book Fair Meet Up & Social
For the September York Meet Up, Drawvik went on a field trip to Britain’s largest antiquarian book fair: York Book Fair.
The fair was a great place to find inspiration, boasting shelves full of beautifully illustrated vintage books from some of the earliest commercial illustrators, such as Beatrix Potter and Edward Bawden. It was also an interesting and comfortable place to draw, capturing people slowing browsing, surrounded by piles of leather bound books.
Becki Harper, York AOI Meet up Co-Host.
Time was scheduled at the bar area after drawing and exploring. Conversations varied from practical industry advice from those who have specific experience, to speculating about how illustration will look in the future with the advent of new technology. As usual, there was the opportunity to check out all participants’ sketchbooks and discuss materials.
As the colder, darker nights draw in, Drawvik will be returning this 13th November with a cosy Drink & Draw evening. This meet up is free and all are welcome to join.
Halloween Drink & Draw in Leeds
After a wonderful summer of sticker making and speed-networking events, BREW switched things up again for their October meet up! Fully embracing the Halloween season, all participants were invited to chat and draw whilst creating fantastical creatures for a special Exquisite Corpse bunting.
Ever since we transitioned to our monthly meetup we have seen BREW grow and grow. It has been wonderful to see familiar faces coming back each time and new friendships blossom. We have had so much positive feedback, each time highlighting how great it is for illustrators to have a space to meet others and find support.
Ekaterina Sheath, Leeds Meet up Host.
As if this wasn’t enough of a (trick or) treat, Kat and Vicky will be back later this month to host a free Light Night walk and after-drinks with all local illustrators. So don’t miss it if you’re in the area!
Publishing and Agency Insights in Manchester
Drawn In, the AOI Manchester Meet up group for illustrators, hosted their Autumn event at House of Books and Friends on 17 October with Mark Mills, founder of The Plum Agency. With a focus on children’s book publishing, Mark generously shared his vast knowledge and experience working as an agent and representing illustrators in children’s publishing.
Mark shared insights into the cultural differences of children’s books, the importance of the Anglo-American market and knowing where you fit in. He also gave his thoughts on the characteristics of a good portfolio, advice on what to include in an email to agents and why not to be afraid of rejection. Following Mark’s talk, live portfolio reviews followed with illustrators Catherine Booth, Emile Bryan and Clair Sullivan.
I actually thought I’d be more nervous having a live review in front of a crowd, but everyone was so lovely and welcoming. Having such personal feedback was incredibly helpful in pinpointing key areas for me to tweak and refine. I’ve come away feeling really positive and keen to get stuck in with revisions. I especially resonated with the idea of more white space, letting the characters and elements breathe a little on the page. It made so much sense!
Clair Sullivan, Illustrator.
The Drawn In team would like to extend a big thank you to Mark from The Plum Agency and to the Manchester illustrator community for making this such an inspiring and insightful event!
We hope to see you at an upcoming AOI Meet up very soon! Check if there’s one in your area here.
Are you also based in Oxford? We are looking for a new Meet Up Host in this area! More details here.
See all upcoming AOI Meet ups
Learn about our Meet up Hosts
Cardiff AOI Meet ups: Follow Illustration Club
York AOI Meet ups: Follow Drawvik
Leeds AOI Meet ups: Follow BREW
Manchester AOI Meet ups: Follow Drawn In
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