Lectures
Essential Professional Practice Advice for creatives

As an illustrator and lecturer with a particular interest in alerting students to good professional practice, I’ve developed sessions designed to help graduates succeed as freelancers. The lectures are illustrated, invite input from students, and give practical advice. I’m pleased to have had a very positive response to them from students and tutors: ‘The best lecture I’ve ever sat in. As a creative it’s beautiful to have an illustrator come in and be honest about the process instead of just showing the end result’ Hattie F (Arts Uni Bournemouth / How to Have Ideas) ‘Clear, concise, interactive, fun!’ L Robertson (Arts Uni Bournemouth / Accepting a Commission) ‘Incredibly informative and engaging. Feeling inspired to start my career. Thank you!’ KR (Westminster Uni / Commission in Detail)
‘Amazingly informative lecture…the ins and outs which are not discussed elsewhere, was what made it fantastic!’ TN (Royal College of Art / Commission in Detail)
Introduction to illustration…What it is and how it’s done
Shows a wide range of examples and potential markets, and covers
the basics of how to promote your work, contact a client and the
process of a commission.
A Commission in Detail – Behind the Scenes
Follows one real commission from initial contact, through negotiation,
contract, roughs, artwork and invoicing.
How to Have Ideas
Explores some of the messy and rewarding tactics behind creativity, with
some creative input from students during the talk and plenty of practical
tips to try afterwards.

Lighting Darkness
Explores the creative process of illustrating a poetry book on the
theme of Genocide. Looks into progress from roughs to artwork and
invites discussion of the possible approaches to the challenges
illustrators may face.
Accepting a Commission
Advises on general principles of pricing, good practice regarding
negotiating and how to manage potential hazards. Explains the
basics of copyright and is very interactive. It’s mainly comprised of
putting professional practice dilemmas to the audience for
comment and discussion.
Introduction to Copyright
Covers what it is, why it matters and how to protect it. Includes
simple, practical advice that can increase your potential income and
gives tips on getting a response from a client who’s ignoring you.
Tax etc…
An accessible summary for those embarking on self-employment.
Covering how to keep good records, register your business, essential
deadlines, and other useful information.