How do you make illustration friends?
Illoguild question #23
Hey there,
This time, we're diving into the wonderful world of making illustration friends. Because let's face it, creating art is much more enjoyable when you have a supportive community by your side. From motivation to guidance, handling rejections to receiving valuable feedback, and maybe even sharing an Aperol Spritz or two.
It’s also about how we handle networking in the illustration world. It’s is more than just making professional connections - it's about forming genuine friendships that can lead to exciting opportunities, including your dream job!
We have an Illoguild Live on 20 May April discussing ‘Networking in the Illustration Industry’. You can sign up for free here. (And you can catch the replays of all of our live discussions here).
We also had a Illoguild Live last month where we discussed Recapping the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. You can catch the replay here. We talked about our own experience with rejection and how to stay positive and motivated.
This month we shine a spotlight on the talented author and illustrator Brenda Harris. She draws inspiration from
And lastly, the illoguild has new books to celebrate this month! 🎉
“Does a Bear Wash its Hair?: Animals eat, sleep and poo, just like you!, Illustrated by Adam Ming is out this month. It’s the sequel to Does A Monkey Get Grumpy?: Animals have feelings, just like you! Don’t forget to read all the way to the ‘Announcements’ to find out more.
So here’s how members of the illoguild make friends, connect and network:
Jen shares practical tips on Networking through showing up, having fun and staying curious.
Noreen reflects on her bonds with illustration friends and how it compares to making friends in junior high.
Carla discusses the how, where and why of making illustration friends and forming genuine connections.
Adam shares his wisdom.
Damjana embraces meeting fellow illustrators and creating connections.
Jennifer talks about combatting loneliness as an illustrator.
Brenda discusses how she knits her network:
Katie writes about 3 ways she makes connections with others as an artist:
Announcements
Join the our Illoguild Live on 20 May: the illoguild goes Live to talk about experiences at this years Many Ways to Network. Join the live event for free.
You can catch the replays here.
Does a Bear Wash its Hair?: Animals eat, sleep and poo, just like you!
Written by Moira Butterfield And Illustrated Adam Ming (Illoguild member) is out. CONGRATULATIONS ADAM!!!! 🎉
“Learn all about the incredible daily routines of animals in this bright, fact-packed sequel to Does a Monkey Get Grumpy? Did you know that some crabs get dressed? Or that young meerkats have to go to 'school'? Or that sloths have very particular pooping habits? From brave plover birds who clean crocodile teeth, to orangutans who make cosy treetop beds, animals have the most fascinating routines - just like us! Whether they're keeping clean or using tools to catch their dinner, explore the daily habitats of 15 animals across the planet - including sloths, meerkats, alpacas, wolves, foxes, crabs and more. With bouncy rhythmic text and fascinating facts, this book will help children identify daily activities, while teaching them how very similar the lives of humans and animals really are.”
Illoguild Illustrator Spotlight
Q and A with Brenda Harris
What inspires you?
My husband and two kids (ages 6 and 11) are a wealth of inspiration. Not only do they encourage me to be the best version of me, but their playfulness gives me so many ideas to draw and explore!
What are you working on?
I am currently finishing illustrations for the 3rd book in the Operation Aviation Series called Moose on a Mission. It is written by Teri Weber and published by Elva Resa Publishing. Fly with Mytai is available now and Toad the Tanker is available for preorder!
What’s your dream project?
I would love to write an illustrate my own book! To be both the author and illustrator of a children’s book is my dream.
What is a career highlight for you?
A career highlight so far is going to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. I’ve always wanted to go and I got to connect with so many other amazing creatives in the industry! I’ll be sharing more about my experience in my newsletter: On The Creative Road!
You can see more of her work on Instagram and her Website.
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