Our next portfolio review is for those starting out in illustration! Illustration is a broad discipline and industry that can lead to many roles and opportunities – from working as a creative to specialising in cover art, concept art, animation, graphic design, fashion and more.

So whether you’re a student, a grad or just simply in the first year of your career journey, this is a chance to meet industry professionals, get advice and feedback and get to know some fellow emerging creatives.

The session will take place over Zoom on Thursday 24th February, from 5pm to 8pm GMT. There are only a limited number of places available, so make sure you sign up to register your interest.

The event itself is fast-paced: In breakout rooms of three emerging creatives and one reviewer, you will get the opportunity to show and discuss work, and get advice and feedback. This will then rotate, so you get to meet several reviewers throughout the evening.

Please also note that the session is open to those looking to work in illustration with no more than one year of experience. You will be required to have something to show (e.g. one to two projects or pieces of work that capture what you do), but don’t worry if this isn’t a polished portfolio.

Ciara Phelan, co-founder and creative director, Grand Matter
With a background in design, Ciara established her career in the creative industry working as a collage illustrator specialising in mixing analogue and digital media to create playful, colourful and dynamically composed art works. Her clients include V&A, New York Times, Kiehls and Benefit Cosmetics. Leading the creative direction of artist agency Grand Matter, she spends her time working across marketing, studio campaigns and new business activities.

Read more about Ciara here, and read more about Grand Matter here.

Murugiah, freelance artist
Murugiah is an architect turned illustrator, art director, typographer, designer and award-winning artist. Now, making work with a “south Asian impression” that he describes as “surreal, joyful, loud and unapologetic” he has a style that is very detailed with bold colours. Murugiah has worked with clients including Apple, Disney, Los Angeles Times and has been featured by BBC, Creative Boom and more.

Read more about Murugiah here, and to read Murugiah’s Creative Lives interview, click here.

Suzanne Tromp, senior commissioning editor, WePresent
Initially joining as an intern, Suzanne has worked her way up to senior commissioning editor at WeTransfer’s editorial platform, WePresent. Today, Suzanne oversees all visuals on WePresent, and heads up the art and illustration commissions, bringing to life projects with artists like Polly Nor and Edel Rodriguez, and institutions like the Royal Academy of Arts and Serpentine. The editorial team regularly work with a multitude of freelance writers, photographers, illustrators and designers from around the world.

Read more about Suzanne here, and read more about WePresent here.

Elaine Perks, creative director and founding partner, Boyle&Perks
With over 20 years of experience within the design industry, Elaine worked at various London studios before setting up design and communications studio Boyle&Perks in 2008. Working across brand identities and publications to websites and exhibition designs for a diverse range of clients, Elaine has vast experience commissioning and briefing illustrators. In addition to her work at the studio, Elaine also coaches illustrators on their professional practice and portfolio, and lectures one day week on the iIllustration course at the University of Brighton.

Read more about Elaine here, and read more about Boyle&Perks here.

Rob Gavin, art director, Art&Graft
Originally from Ireland, Rob graduated from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin and started out by freelancing as an illustrator. Later deciding to pursue a career in the animation industry, he moved to London before going on to join independent creative studio Art&Graft in 2018. Now an art director at the studio, he specialises in all things 2D illustration and design, helping the team to create visual campaigns for the likes of Facebook, Apple, Virgin Media and Google.

Read more about Rob here, and read more about Art&Graft here.

This session is open to students, grads, or those within the first year of a creative career. You are only eligible to register if you are:

• Not in full-time creative work
• Within the first year of your career
• Based in the UK
• Aged 18 and over

Please note that you will be required to submit an example of your work in your application. Register your interest by 23:59 on 14th February via the link below.

Registering for this event does not guarantee a place. Those invited to attend will be emailed a week before the event, and will be asked to pay a £5 deposit. This is to confirm your attendance, and will be refunded after the session.

Attendees are selected based on their eligibility, so please be assured that if you are not invited, this is not a reflection of the quality of your work.

We hope to see you there!