Illustration can be a lonely business at times – and we all benefit from getting out of the studio and chatting with others who are in the same boat.  We want to help connect illustrators and strengthen our creative community so they can support and learn from each other.

To help with that, we facilitate a number of meet-ups, both in-person and online.  AOI meet ups are led by our fantastic volunteer members. They are open to all illustrators, but AOI members receive a discounted rate. Find out what is going on near you – and get in touch if you’d like to get your own meet up going.

 
Birmingham
Brighton

Flock is a creative meet-up for illustrators based in and around Brighton and open to creatives of all backgrounds and career stages. With a mix of events including talks, workshops, socials and some friendly drink and draws, there’s something for everyone! Flock is run by Tim Alexander.

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Bristol

PIP (Put into Practice) is a get together for any illustrator in the Bristol area, hosted by Jess Knights. The quarterly events include panel discussions, drink & draws, workshops and illustrator insights.

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Cardiff

Illustration Club is an informal meet up, open to illustrators at any and all stages of their education and career. Hosted by Chris Evans, AKA Queerbis, an activist Illustrator originally from west wales. Hosting meet-ups such as Drink and Draws, workshops and talks. With the ambition to cultivate our community of illustrators and provide a common space for us to explore ideas and grow together.

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Children's Picture Books

An online quarterly meet up hosted by award-winning picture book author/illustrators and educators Birgitta Sif, and David Barrow. Open to those at all stages of development – from those just starting out, graduates early in their career, more established illustrators and authors or anyone with a passion for picture books. Discover a range of talks, discussions and workshops with all manner of professionals involved in the world of picturebook making. An online space to provide insight, inspiration and have some creative fun!

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Disabled Illustrators

The Mixer is an online meet-up for illustrators who identify as a person with a disability, visible or not, in the widest possible definition. Run by London based illustrator & animator Alexandra Ramirez the event is hosted online, making sure it covers all accessible needs for everyone to attend. It’s a safe bubble to make new friends, get inspired and feel supported. Each meet-up will be your opportunity to blow some air, seek advice or simply share your art, tips and tricks to making it within the creative industry. Everyone is welcome to join.

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Falmouth

Hive is a fun and relaxed meet up, open to illustrators based in Falmouth, Penryn and the surrounding areas at any stage of their career. Hive is hosted by AJ Higgins with co-host Freymo who are both local illustrators. Expect workshops, Drink & Draws, talks and a space for illustrators to meet and chat about all things illustration! Launching Autumn 2024.

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Glasgow

Illo G is the Glasgow meet up – a friendly place to meet and connect with others in the illustration field. There is a mix of socials, drink & draws, feedback nights, panel discussions and events with guest experts. Hosted by children’s writer and illustrator from Brazil, Tita Berredo, Illo G is an exciting and resourceful group for local illustrators.

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Leeds
London

Blend is the London AOI Meet Up, hosted by Lana Lê, an American illustrator and graphic designer. All Illustrators across London are welcome to share ideas, inspiration and more through meet ups, talks and drawing sessions.

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Manchester

Drawn In is the AOI meet-up group for illustrators in Manchester, hosted by Nicola Mullen. Through meetups, we draw together illustrators from across the city to connect and support each other. Meetups are a chance to meet and chat to other illustrators, listen to talks, take part in workshops and draw in the good times together! Whether you’re new to illustration or you’re a seasoned pro, you are most welcome. Join the community on Instagram @drawninmcr

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Oxford

RAD is the Oxford meet-up, hosted by illustrator & cartoonist Josie Peters. Open to illustrators of all backgrounds and career stages, RAD is a supportive and lively community for sharing skills, insight, inspiration, and joy! Join us for workshops, masterclasses, guest speakers, fun creative activities, and more.

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Preston

Hand Drawn & Quartered is a creative meet up for illustrators based in and around Preston and across Lancashire. Offering a range of social events, workshops, guest speakers and more, the meet-up welcomes illustrators of any level to this creative community. Hosted by Rachelle Panagarry, illustrator and illustration lecturer, and various guest hosts throughout the year.

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Newcastle

Mischief is an illustrators community for Newcastle to support and inspire one another. The meet-up is a place and space where you can learn new skills, attend masterclasses and workshops run by special guests, make new friends, find collaborators, enjoy inspiring talks and hang out together at friendly drink & draws. Hosted by Carl Wilson and Kirsti Beautyman.

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Norwich

Crisscross is the Norwich AOI meet-up group. Their focus is to bring together the creative community through fun workshops, supportive business and financial sessions, networking opportunities and a whole lot of drawing! Hosted by illustrator and printmaker Julia Tray and co-hosted by illustrator Emily Foster.

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Sheffield

Sheffield Illustrators provides a community for illustrators in Sheffield, South Yorkshire and North-East Derbyshire. The meet-up is open to creatives of all backgrounds and career stages and has regular events throughout the year.

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Yorkshire

Drawvik is a meetup group for illustrators in and around York. Open to illustrators of all backgrounds and career stages, it’s a supportive and lively hub to share inspirations, exercise some creative muscles and connect with like-minded folks. Hosted by Ollie Dean, Becki Harper and Marc Godfrey-Murphy, there’s a range of relaxed social events to get stuck into, including classes, critiques, panel discussions and guest speakers.

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