A meditation on loss and the space left behind when someone (in this case, the character’s cat) is no longer around, from Marianna Sztyma

In this industry insight we talked to Jeremy Wortsman of Jacky Winter about the Australian illustration scene, working globally, geographical trends and the secret to a long career, “Everyone needs to spin a lot of different plates to survive!”

From ‘Down Under’, AOI member Andrea Innocent lives and works as part of the Illustration scene in Melbourne. She describes her travelling years in Japan and how its historical art style influenced her own practice, plus the journey to finding satisfaction and grounding in teaching and leading workshops in Australia.

Starting with September’s Activism issue Varoom has a new Editor.

‘There is a groundswell zeitgeist perspective shift occurring. But much too slowly in my opinion.’ The superstar illustrator on his enthusiasm for tackling political and social issues with image and comment.

Jim Butler won the WIA2018 Professional Books Category for his limited-edition artist’s book ‘Blackrock Sequence’.

A Latvian story of three friends, a horse, a raven and a crayfish setting up home together – a charming tale about friendship and compromise.

New confidentiality/NDA agreement templates for members!

10 years ago, the way we communicate and promote ourselves online changed dramatically with the arrival of social media platforms. Love it or hate it, these have now become an almost integral part of our daily professional routine. But how beneficial is it really for Illustrators? AOI Member Matthew Griffin shares his thoughts on the matter.

Sabrina is the first graphic novel to be longlisted for the Man Booker. “Oblique, subtle, minimal, unmanipulative: the style of the pictures is the book’s worldview.”

Esther Goh is the WIA2018 winner of the Editorial Professional category, sponsored by Eye magazine, for her project Emojiworld.

With the Tour de France in full swing Peter Allen interviews Nick Higgins on his new cycling book, which appeals just as much to those who are a part of cycling as those who aren’t.

Illustration duo Hvass&Hannibal are paired with Angela McAllister’s poems, with the most succcessful images able to enter completely into an imagined space.

Lis Ribbans has recently taken the helm as Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the ‘invaluable’ British Copyright Council (BCC), of which AOI is a member – and we talk to her about her role, what the BCC has on its plate and how the AOI can play its part.

In case you didn’t know, the AOI is in Seoul Illustration Fair this week! In anticipation to the fantastic breadth of talent on show, we rounded up 10 exciting Korean Illustrators who you can’t miss at the fair this year.

The Artworks Illustration Agency share their experience this year at both New Designers and New Blood, and give helpful advice to new graduates.

The AOI are pleased to be joined by Member Jiyeun Kang at Seoul Illustration Fair this month. Come and meet us at the World Illustration Awards booth where we can answer (in English and Korean) any of your questions about your career in Illustration.

Mini Grey has taken on Little Red Riding Hood, absorbed the story and repurposed the plot so it is more relevant for our present troubling times.

Jon Cockly of AOI agency member Handsome Frank talks about pricing for illustration commissions and the success of the agency.

War is hugely significant within the history of our species and this book communicates this without glamorising the blood, guts and gore. The illustrations have a depth and energy, giving an insight into the era and environment described by the succinct text.

Yes, yes, there were so many distractions in the past couple of weeks and it’s been too hot and … and … we heard you! Due to many requests, we..

Membership Assistant Marianna Madriz not only supports AOI Members week by week, but she also skilfully balances her workload as a freelance Illustrator. We celebrate the launch of her first illustrated children’s book Little Guides to Great Lives: Frida Kahlo and go behind the scenes of the book.

The short section on IP in the Paper makes no specific reference to copyright but recognises how “Intellectual property rights play an essential part in encouraging the universal benefits of innovation and creativity”.

With the UK seeking new trade agreements as the country withdraws from the EU, there are considerations which creator organisations want to ensure Government take notice of, including that copyright should not be used for bargaining on trade agreements.

Impress the jury with your illustrated interpretation of a London story and be in with a chance of having your work displayed at the famous London Transport Museum and winning the top prize. Deadline for submissions 16 July

For Varoom’s Love issue we asked six industry professionals to write a love letter to an image-maker and image they fell in love with. In an extract Benjamin Castro, from Adidas Originals and Renee Lam, Art Director, 72 and Sunny reveal whose work they have fallen for.

Calling all emerging illustrators!

Wishing to escape his drab normality, Joe plants a seed… The Extraordinary Gardener is a enjoyable dip into the wonders of imagination, hope and the natural world. There is much to enjoy about an adventure in these leaves.

Fantastic competition for illustrators interested in licensing their work.

We talk to Animation Director and Illustrator Stevie Gee about his success in Design, Advertising and Music, as well as a variety of weird and wonderful products. Also highlight his triumphant win(s) at the World Illustration Awards.