April Travel Blog: What the 2024 Bologna Children’s Book Fair has taught me
Good morning friends! I’m back, fresh-faced and buzzing after a wonderful trip to the 2024 Bologna Children’s Book Fair. In just a few days, the faces I met and the discussions I was a part of have left me feeling utterly inspired and energized to start creating again.
The thing is, there has always been this other part of me, the part that I am continuously witnessing and comforting, that fears taking the next step. During my Italian trip, I really came to understand that the most important step for us to take, is just to take action. Now I’m back and slowly re-shaping my routine to support me, I’m listening to my soul more and more, and balancing what I must do, by showing up every day with my most important tasks, with nurturing my creativity. The creative part of me that is the most valuable, and yet had previously been pushed further down my perceived scale of importance. Being surrounded by illustrators, new and established at the Book Fair, has lit a fire in me. That excitement that comes from my inner artist has been awakened again, and this time I’m choosing to act upon it.
On this bright Monday morning, as I listen to the blustery spring breeze, candles lit and tea brewing (ahh it’s good to be home!) I now have time to reflect and digest my trip to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and what resonated with me the most, I think, is important to share.
Refreshing Routines
Yesterday was also my first Artists Way Book Club after a week of rest, which I have to say was entirely needed. I feel refreshed, energized and creatively inspired, compared to the weeks leading up to Bologna which left me a little frazzled. At this most recent meet-up I voiced my wish of wanting a daily creative practice - a simple act, but one that hasn’t been executed for quite some time, due to my avoidance of feeling like a novice. I admire greatly the sketchbooks by Becca Hall or Lucy Salmon and am in awe of their consistency to show up to their daily drawing routine. It is not necessarily their illustrative ‘style’ that captures me - I do love their illustrations but I am also a fan of my own work, and believe in my own unique creative voice (something that has also taken years to learn) - but rather the way they are showing up as illustrators.
With this in mind, I have returned from the book fair with a dedication to carve out time each morning, just for half an hour or so, to draw. Because drawing is important to me, and my craft needs to be nurtured. Bologna taught me that anyone can have talent, but persistence and a good dose of hard work is so important in moving your practice forward at a consistent and expediential rate. In a Masterclass with Oliver Jeffers on Day two, I made this note on my phone, quoting the man himself. It is a valuable idea that I will keep with me moving forward:
‘Talent without effort is nothing, you only get what you put in. And that’s got to be a joyous experience.’
~ Oliver Jeffers
Even as I write this, I can witness the creative flow I am in. No planning on what I have to write, just a stream of consciousness that comes from listening to what lights me up. And that is because I began my day with an observational sketch. That’s it! My dear friend Jenny told me that observational sketching helps us understand what WE are drawn to, and this in turn helps us tap into our unique creative voice (which is always available to us by the way!) and this act alone can fuel us for the rest of the day, week or even the year! By tapping into this mindful act every morning we not only inspire ourselves for the remainder of the day, but over time we build confidence by showing up again and again and listening, witnessing or just playing with whatever wants to land on the page.
I also bring up this idea of inner joy, because this was undoubtedly the single most important phrase that kept coming up for me during the fair. I listened to talks by Oliver Jeffers, Felicita Sala, Beatrice Alemagna, and each spoke about joy being the seed that transformed their work into their most successful projects. Creating art first and foremost for their inner child, or inner artist, was repeated again and again, and slowly it became apparent to me that this was the secret sauce to being an illustrator who not only enjoys what they do, but can sustain themselves through a long career, and connect with their audience emotionally. Play and enjoyment comes first, creating for the industry second.
Asking the right questions
Witnessing these established artists up-close has also inspired me to begin embodying the illustrator I wish to be, by implementing small easy habits that over time will have a lasting positive impact on my practice. You can do this too by asking; What does Oliver Jeffers (or insert any other inspiring creator here) do on a daily basis that I can also do AND that my inner artist finds exciting? Remember that joy should come first. My own answers to this question inspired me to purchase some markers I saw Felicita Sala using at her book signing, because I’ve been loving using felt tips and markers in my sketchbook recently and decided to treat myself! Another small but significant change I am going to make is to keep my sketchbook in my bag, and pack a pencil case with all the necessities so I don’t have to think about when or where I can draw. If I feel the spark of inspiration, I will have my sketchbook close by, which hopefully will allow my ideas to flow more easily, and keep me accountable by removing the excuse of ‘I can’t draw because I don’t have what I need’. We’ve all been there!
After the exhilarating buzz of the first day, and seeing my illos for Danzando sotto la Pioggia big and bold on Curci’s stand (so amazing!) I enjoyed a well-earned bowl of mushroom pasta with my dear friends Jenny and Amber. Over the course of the evening our conversation veered towards the topic of procrastination - a common hurdle we all face so it seems. It was a moment of honesty as we discussed our own individual challenges. For me, that has been the act of networking, and actively getting my work seen by more and more people. Acknowledging our personal obstacles is always the first step towards overcoming them. By vocalizing our struggles we not only validated each other's feelings but also unearthed the underlying reasons behind our procrastination. It was a moment of collective realization that our perceived blocks were in reality just lessons waiting to be learned.
Feeling the fear and doing it anyway
Armed with this new awareness, I approached day two of the fair with renewed determination. Instead of passively handing out business cards, I adopted a more intentional approach. I made a conscious effort to engage with publishers whose catalogues resonated with me the most. It was no longer about quantity but about quality - building genuine connections that could mean potential, meaningful collaborations further down the line. And it didn’t matter what answer I got, the win was in the act of trying. With each deliberate interaction, my confidence increased. The more I pushed past my discomfort, the more receptive publishers became to engaging in genuine conversations. It was a powerful reminder that the way we approach a situation can significantly influence its outcome.
Amidst the bustle of the fair, serendipity arrived through familiar faces, and I crossed paths with Nicki, a friend and super talented artist, who gave me a gentle nudge towards the Plum Agency stand, where an unexpected opportunity awaited. With courage I asked for a spontaneous portfolio review and the Director of Plum, Mark Mills, gave me an on-the-spot review! His feedback was a highlight of the trip, and provided a fresh perspective on my work, shedding light on areas for improvement while simultaneously affirming my artistic vision. For each suggestion he gave, I noted down the ones that gave me a surge of excitement, and decided that those were the ideas that I should pursue. My meeting with Mark not only confirmed the direction of my portfolio, but allowed me to see my work in a different light, and how I can shape my own place within the illustration market. I can’t see this replicated anywhere yet, because it’s a personal journey, and that means there is no map to show me how to get there, no formula, and certainly no rules. For each of us pursuing illustration it is really the small daily acts that build up to the most important changes, and by following what lights us up, the path ahead will almost certainly be uncovered.
In hindsight, my trip to the Bologna Children's Book Fair was not just about networking or building confidence in showcasing my work; it was a confirmation as to where I should be heading with my creative practice. I am so excited to continue drawing, and plan more artist dates with myself and my sketchbook. I’m willing to learn, open to being a beginner again, and looking forward to where my inspiration will take me next. Thank you dear friends for supporting this blog as usual, I hope you have a spectacular rest of your week. And remember to listen to those small bursts of joy, because often that is where your answers lie
Keep listening! Keep creating x
Witnessing the Discomfort: What I’m discovering with The Artists Way Book Club
Hello sweetest chickpeas! How’s March treating you? I’m back, fresh from a delightful birthday jaunt to London, and still basking in the glow of my debut picture book Dancing in the Rain. Now at 26, there’s a sweet scent of possibility in the air, and I find myself equally at the summit of my goals and on the edge of a new beginning.
This morning, fuelled by a surge of creativity, I feel the need to write. Perhaps it’s the result of a night spent offline, reconnecting with myself and delving into the root cause of some recent overwhelm I’ve been feeling. I've come to realise that often times, the solution lies in rest, play, or simply disconnecting from social media to embrace moments of presence and quality time. Last week was also my second in-person session at The Artist’s Way book club, and having a space to discuss, share and connect other creatives has been completely nourishing. This practice of nurturing my inner artist has been integral to my creative journey, and although it comes in waves, its significance has been amplified by my current exploration of The Artist’s Way. I’m now immersed in Week Four of the book, which is serving as both a guide and companion on my creative path. It’s a roadmap that encourages introspection, self-discovery, and the nurturing of artistic potential (you can read my first review of the book here). These past weeks have been about reconnecting to my ‘why’, and rediscovering what it truly means for me to be an illustrator. And some lessons I’m learning along the way!
Paying Attention
As a prelude to the book club, I met up with some lovely illustrators from Manchester (you can see Nicki and Kate’s work here) in preparation for Bologna Children’s Book Fair. It’s a trip I’m highly anticipating after my first visit in 2023. This time however, there’s a distinct shift in perspective - I’ll be attending as a published illustrator! It’s a curious feeling to know this - a concoction of pride and imposter syndrome. At the meet-up, surrounded by the brilliance of fellow artists, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. I noticed a sense of disconnection from my own creativity, and this realisation hit me like a bolt. I’d become so consumed by the demands of productivity and sense of urgency that undeniably comes from working on briefs, that my creativity had taken a back seat.
Julia Cameron talks about synchronicity in The Artists Way, and that once we start taking action, doors begin to open. While I pondered on this realisation, I made a visit to my old university and attended an inspiring talk by Nick Sharratt. During his talk I found myself drawn not to his fame or portfolio, but to his roots, and his old uni work, characterised by life drawing and observational sketches. "That’s it!" I thought. "That’s what I've been craving!” I think the essence of illustration lies in capturing the world as we see it, and translating mundane moments into magic on the page. Yet somewhere along the way, amidst deadlines and obligations, I had lost sight of this fundamental truth. I guess this happens to all of us, but I hope this serves as a reminder to reconnect to your ‘why’ as you pursue a career in the arts.
Starting Book Club
It took a couple of weeks after this realisation to really immerse myself in The Artist’s Way. My first book club session felt like coming home. It served as a reminder that surrounding ourselves with a supportive community can provide invaluable encouragement and inspiration. The third week was particularly eye-opening for me, as I had to confront feelings of uncertainty around pursuing a freelance career and making enough money to sustain myself. I’ve been sensing this imbalance for a while and with the help of The Artists Way, I’ve finally been willing to look at it in the daylight. I am looking at "it," whatever that may be, and realise that in pursuing illustration, I really lost sight of the enjoyment of being creative. During one of the exercises, we were tasked with noting down our ‘imaginary lives’. Things we’d do if money wasn’t an option. Among the whimsical dreams and aspirations, I found myself avoiding adding art to the list. And this was a shared experience with the rest of the group. We spoke freely about yoga retreats and roller-skating, manicures and cinema solo-dates. But where was the art? The thing we all chose to do because at one time, we loved it.
One discussion we had was around the influence of social media, particularly Instagram, and how it has gradually eroded any connection to our creative selves. The unavoidable feeling of comparison and saturation of curated content builds an atmosphere of inadequacy, and perhaps that’s where the heaviness and pressure to create comes from. This situation however, leaves little room for play and experimentation. From what I’ve learnt, it's easy (and natural) to lose sight of why we create when working towards the pressure of deadlines. My calendar has recently been devoid play, and the art I’ve been making consequently felt a little uninspired, and hollow.
Preparing for Bologna
Returning to the topic of Bologna fills me with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The idea of building a revised portfolio looms over me, and despite having a freshly published book to add to my list of accolades, the prospect of engaging with publishers still feels daunting, reminding me that I am still, and probably always will be, learning as I go.
I have found in these weeks of self-reflection, that this job does require a certain amount of mental strength, and whether you give yourself time to do affirmations in the morning, or to simply delete IG when you’re feeling overwhelmed, it all contributes to self-care for your inner artist. Joining the book club has been the safety net in which I can unpack my own limiting beliefs around time and money as a creative, as well as owning up to the fact that perhaps I haven’t been allowing myself to play as much as I would like. The most important step is to move towards this discomfort, to talk about it, write about it, and ask for guidance when you can. As Julia Cameron puts it; "Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace, and power in it." It's a reminder that every step, no matter how small, carries the potential for transformation.
Other Tidbits:
*My lovely friend Jenny (who started the book club!) makes videos about her illustration journey. I made a cameo in her latest episode! You can watch it here.
*Eternal Sunshine is my album of the month. This song has been on repeat.
*In London I visited Frameless, an immersive experience that blends art and music. While the Impressionist room may not have been my favourite, the ethereal soundtrack and mirrored walls created a very dreamy atmosphere, and I really enjoyed my visit!
*Old movie nights at the cinema are the best! I recently saw a re-run of Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark and it filled my inner child’s cup to the brim!
Moving into a new week, I’ve cut my social media time down significantly and I’ve already witnessed pockets of inspiration come through. I’m getting opportunities that before didn’t have the space to emerge, and ideas for projects that no longer seem so daunting (before I was overwhelmed by wanting to do it all at once). I’m now following those sparks of inspiration, and following what lights me up, even if the answers in front of me don’t make sense right now. I do believe what excites us is what we’re meant to pursue, and hopefully by creating from this space, the answers will reveal themselves in time.
Remember to listen out for them!
C x
Drawn In Conversation: A night of Illustrative Insights at Manchester’s AOI Meet-up
Happy happy February friends! It’s my birthday month, and a very special month for my debut picture book…but more on that soon!
To welcome in this bright and breezy month, I did a talk at the Drawn In meet-up for illustrators at Seven Bro7ers in Ancoats. Events like this fill me with a deep sense of gratitude and connection, and the opportunity to meet fellow creatives and share insights into our freelance journies is always an enriching experience. For those who couldn't attend, I wanted to touch on the key points of my talk, and delve into the four pivotal lessons I've learned in my first 2.5 years as a freelance illustrator.
In my talk I delved into how I became an illustrator, my early beginnings as a creative child, my experience of graduating during a Pandemic, and how I bagged myself a book deal at Bologna Book Fair. There’s just too much to dive into here, but at the core of my talk were four key lessons that have shaped my journey, and these are the points I want to share with you today - I hope you find them insightful too. A lot of it was trial and error, but as you’ll learn, sometimes putting one foot in front of the other and showing up for your craft no matter what is the only thing that will move you forward.
Passion
The first and most fundamental lesson is passion. From the earliest days of childhood, drawing was not just a pastime for me, but a calling—an integral part of my identity. Transitioning into the freelance world amid the pandemic in 2020 tested the true nature of my passion. Stripped of any traditional milestones like graduation ceremonies, degree shows and some type of closure to that part of my life, I found myself adrift in uncertainty and isolation. Yet, my unwavering love for illustration remained the light at the end of the tunnel —a reminder of the pure joy I get from bringing imagination to life.
The first two years out of university were not easy. I was confused with the direction my life was taking, and unsure of how to “make it” as an illustrator. In moments of doubt, it was my passion that sustained me, urging me to persevere even when the path ahead seemed daunting. Through the highs and lows, I held fast to the belief that drawing was not just what I did but an integral part of who I was—a guiding light in a time in my life that was shrouded in uncertainty.
Consistency
During that challenging time, I decided to focus on building a picture book portfolio. I committed myself to the pursuit of improvement, revamping university projects and making dummy books, submitting them to agents and competitions regularly. Though I was met with rejection after rejection, each setback served as a stepping stone toward growth. With every submission, I honed my skills and refined my approach, undeterred by the occasional sting of disappointment. It was through this consistent effort that I began to see small changes on my path.
Resilience
My second lesson bled into the third. Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way describes growth as “an erratic forward movement: two steps forward and one step back”. How true in the tumultuous journey of artistic pursuit! As I grappled with the doubts and uncertainty, resilience emerged as my greatest ally. At the beginning of 2023, I read The Artist's Way for the first time, where I confronted the limiting beliefs that had loomed over my creativity for many years. Through introspection, self-discovery and therapy, I began to dismantle the barriers that stood between me and my aspirations. I learnt so much during these first transformative months that I am embarking on the course again in 2024, this time with a group of accountability buds!
Nurture
Emerging into 2024, I find myself on the cusp of a new chapter - a chapter of supportive community, slow and steady pursuits and nurturing my inner artist. I used to show up to my practice with force and frustration, but while I’m no longer bound by the constraints of productivity, I have come to embrace the fluidity of creativity—the delicate dance between inspiration and surrender.
I have also now found solace in community. Since joining the Drawn In team, and showing up to my sketch group, I have discovered the transformative power of shared experience—the kind that arises from sharing your troubles, insights and ideas with other like-minded artists. Through mentorship and collaboration, I have come to understand that the truest expression of art lies not in solitude but in communion, and is a valuable part of my practice that I will be nurturing for years to come.
The whole evening was an absolute joy - I think you can tell from the photos that everyone really did find it a valuable and inspiring night. I am over the moon to be a part of the Drawn In team, and to share my insights into the illustration journey with you all. It fills my cup to the brim!
Card Collection on Moonpig.com!
What better way to celebrate my birthday month than with the launch of my celebration cards on Moonpig.com!
This collection has been almost a year in the making but I’m thrilled with the final designs. I hope they pique your curiosity enough to snag one or a couple. They’re perfect for any occasion and yes, you can personalised them too! 🎈🎈🎈
Search “celebration circus” on Moonpig.com to see the collection or click here!
As always friends, thanks for being here. See you soon!
C x
A Season of Growth: Unravelling the Concept of Unconditional Confidence
Hello there, lovely souls! 🌟
This month I found myself meandering through a glittering St Peters’ Square one evening, serenaded by a saxophonist playing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and couldn't help but marvel at the mellow sound of Christmas and the magic of dusk, after a heart-warming afternoon of coffee and newfound friendships. Enter Jenny – a kindred spirit and fellow illustrator I met at last month’s AOI event. We’ve only met several times, but our conversations have been inspiring, flowing with similar ideas, depth, and mutual encouragement on our creative journeys. Sometimes, the universe places the right people in our path at the perfect time – a subtle nudge to pay attention.
Changing with the Tide
On this wintery afternoon, we delved into the topic of confidence, and it was a discussion that resonated deeply with my own artistic journey this year. At the end of our chat Jenny said to me, ‘why don’t you write a blog post on this!’ so naturally, I took her advice. Our conversation was sparked by our mutual love of "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron, which had a profound effect on us both. Over the past twelve months, this creative course helped me unravel my limiting beliefs surrounding my artwork and I came to understand that beliefs are merely thoughts supported by an internal bias, and external confirmation. I witnessed first hand that a shift in these beliefs created a shift in my external world, and for the first time, I reached several milestones in my creative career.
Beyond the creative realm, this year was also a profound exploration of personal growth, marked by heartbreak, healing, and newfound alignment. In the midst of this metamorphosis, I discovered that having confidence in myself is not about external success, but rather a lifelong journey of self-acceptance. The Artist's Way bolstered my confidence in my artistic practice, leading me to manifest a trip to Bologna book fair, a publishing deal, and my first solo exhibition. Yet after the excitement of those external achievements faded, I plunged deeper into my mental state, questioning whether they truly made a difference in who I am. I may have reached my goals, yet I still grappled with imposter syndrome, shyness, and the curious paradox of feeling confident in my skills while simultaneously harbouring feelings of inadequacy. I guess that’s just being human, right?
The Ebb and Flow of Conditional Confidence
Through this self-reflection, I unknowingly unearthed the distinction between conditional and unconditional confidence. In a nutshell, conditional confidence is built on our achievements, skills, relationships and external validation. The unconditional kind blossoms from within, and is often built on trusting and acting on our own intuition, embracing mindfulness and respecting ourselves from the inside out. I like to think of conditional confidence as a ship sailing on an ocean of external circumstances. Sometimes the waves are volatile and overwhelming, others bring elation and allow us to soar high on the waves of success. I found however, that to rely on this ever-changing tide is disruptive and short-lived. There is always change outside of ourselves, but inside, cultivating a strong sense of self and unconditional confidence brings so much more satisfaction and happiness into our daily lives. Tapping into unconditional confidence takes dedication, and for me this looks like setting small, achievable goals and honouring the promise to myself to complete them. I have also partnered with Jenny as an accountability bud, and I can’t tell you how much this has helped me to show up to my goals in a healthy, supported and inspired way (I’ll be sharing more on this sooon!) It’s all a working progress, but since cultivating this trust inside of myself, I have become less shackled to the need for external validation that once dictated my fulfilment.
As we wrap up this transformative year, I stand on the edge of a new understanding, playing within the realms of conditional and unconditional confidence. This year I’ve learnt that everything truly starts with our relationship to ourselves. By taking time to nurture our inner artist, we will undoubtedly create better work, and meet like-minded creatives who are following the same path, in their own unique way. May you, dear reader, find inspiration in this season of growth, and may it be the beginning of your own unconditional confidence, wherever you find yourself on your creative path.
Merry December friends. I’m off to frolic in the snow.
C x