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.

 
Brighton

FLOCK brings together artists and illustrators, building a community who can support and inspire one another. The Brighton meet up is organised and run by illustrator and designer (Melanie Smith). FLOCK is a space where new skills can be learnt with Masterclasses and workshops, special events, talks and some friendly drink & draws!

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Bristol

PIP (Put into Practice) is a get together for any illustrator in the Bristol area, hosted by Dave Bain. 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 all stages of their career, hosted by Matt Joyce. Hosting meet-ups such as Drink & Draws, workshops and talks, with an aim to bring together local Cardiff illustrators and foster a sense of community.

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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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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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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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Birmingham

Picnic is a creative meet up for illustrators based in and around Birmingham. Offering a range of social events, workshops, guest speakers and more, the meet-up welcomes illustrators of any level to this creative community.

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Newcastle

The Illustration HUB is a creative meet up group for the North East. With a mix of events including talks, workshops, socials and panel discussions, the HUB welcomes illustrators from all backgrounds and at all stages of their creative journey. The HUB is hosted by The School of Illustration, aka illustrators Nick and Frances Moffatt, who aim to build a friendly, supportive and inspiring community for illustrators based across the region.

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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

AyUp is the Sheffield AOI meet up, hosted by illustrator and muralist Will Rea. The quarterly events include talks, workshops and projects. AyUp aims to build a supportive, creative community for illustrators from all backgrounds and stages in their career.

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