AOI Meet Ups
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 all illustrators find a creative community so they can support and learn from each other.
To this end, we facilitate a number of meet-ups, both in-person and online. These AOI meet ups are led by our fantastic volunteer members and are open to all illustrators, at any stage in their career – including students. Some meet ups are free entry and ticketed meet ups include a discounted tier for AOI members. Find out what is going on near you below – and get in touch if you’d like to get your own meet up going.
Check our upcoming Meet Ups and meet our Meet Up Hosts.
Our Meet Up Groups
Illustrators North
Belfast
Illustrators North has a vision to build a community of thriving illustrators in Northern Ireland, via events and meet-ups and more!
Hosted by Ashwin Chacko and Clive McFarland.
Picnic
Birmingham
Picnic is a creative meet up for illustrators offering a range of social events, workshops, guest speakers and more.
This meet-up is run by Abbie Reilly, Jen Leem-Bruggen, Katherine Tromans, Pickle and Tom Woolley.
Flock
Brighton
Flock is a mix of events including talks, workshops, socials and friendly drink and draws. There’s something for everyone.
The meet up is run by Tim Alexander and Sean O’Brien.
PIP
Bristol
PIP (Put into Practice) is hosted by
Jess Knights.
The quarterly events include walk & draws, workshops, illustrator insights and seasonal celebrations.
Illustration Club
Cardiff
Illustration Club is an informal meet up providing a common space for Cardiff illustrators to explore ideas and grow together.
These meet ups are hosted by Naomi Clarke.
Copenhagen Connects
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen Connects has a vision to create a community that fosters ideas and encourages discourse for illustrators and image makers in the nordic region to connect with fellow global creators and commissioners.
These meet ups are run by Montana Forbes and Morten Voigt.
Hive
Falmouth
Hive is a fun and relaxed meet up group open to illustrators based in Falmouth, Penryn and the surrounding areas.
This meet up is hosted by AJ Higgins alongside co-hosts Freymo, Ellie Jahnz and Matt Johnson.
Illo G
Glasgow
Illo G is an exciting, friendly and resourceful group open to all local illustrators in and around Glasgow.
This meet up is run by Tita Berredo.
Kent Illustrators
Kent
Kent Illustrators is the Canterbury-based meet up group welcoming all illustrators from across Kent. It’s a space for skill-sharing, professional development and industry advice.
The meet up is hosted by Mathilde Heu.
BREW
Leeds
BREW is a social hosted on the first Wednesday of every month. Why not pop it in your calendar and come down? We would love to see you there!
Hosted by Ekaterina Sheath with co-host Vicky Hughes.
Blend
London
Blend is a mix of inspiration, interaction, and information. A few things they have done together: drawing at a circus school or a city farm, Sketchy Brekkies, and visiting illustrator’s studios.
Hosted by Wendy Warren.
Drawn In
Manchester
Drawn In is the AOI meet-up group for illustrators in Manchester, giving a chance to meet and chat to other illustrators, listen to talks, take part in workshops and draw in the good times together!
This meet up is hosted by Nicola Mullen alongside Nathan Hackett, Catherine Booth, Jordan Yates and Louise French
Mischief
Newcastle
Mischief is an illustrators community for Newcastle. A space where you can learn new skills, attend masterclasses and workshops run by special guests, make new friends, and much more.
Hosted by Carl Wilson and Kirsti Beautyman.
Crisscross
Norwich
Crisscross brings together Norwich’s vibrant, creative community through fun workshops, networking opportunities and life drawing sessions (sometimes including dogs!).
Hosted by Julia Tray.
Hand Drawn & Quartered
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.
Hosted by Rachelle Panagarry and various guest hosts throughout the year.
Sheffield Illustrators
Sheffield
Sheffield Illustrators is a growing community of illustrators meeting regularly to connect, create and forge collaborations. They welcome illustrators from across South Yorkshire, North-East Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire.
Hosted by Kimberley Kay, Adam Thornton and Amelia Sanders.
Drawvik
York
Drawvik is a supportive and lively hub to share inspirations, exercise some creative muscles and connect with like-minded folks. Hosted by Ollie Dean and Becki Harper, there’s a range of relaxed social events to get stuck into, including drink and draws, guided drawing tours and panel discussions
Children’s Picture Books
The online Children’s Picture Books meet ups provide the chance to discover a range of talks, discussions and workshops with all manner of professionals involved in the world of picturebook making.
Hosted by author/illustrators and educators Birgitta Sif, and David Barrow.