Hello! Thank you for putting up with my substack silence - I've been meaning to write a post but have been a busy bee for the first chunk of 2024. Let's have a quick catch up, ready for a new (hopefully more regular) start.
In January I went to Mexico for 3 weeks, which was SO special and fun. I went with my fabulous friend and fellow illustrator Hannah Peck, and we visited Mexico City, Oaxaca, Tulum, and Valladolid. It is one of my favourite places I’ve ever been, the people (and weather) were so warm, the art and craft was beautiful and fun and colourful and the food was delicious. I had intentions to write a full post about my Mexico trip, but I selfishly wanted to keep the magic for myself, and condensing it into words and a few piccys felt wrong.
Post Mexico, I helped organise a big exhibition at my part time job at The Big Draw. This was a hectic yet great experience, and took me right back to the degree show days of university. However in February, I took the plunge and decided to leave my job to focus on illustration, workshops and teaching at City Lit. I am really thankful to have a more time to think and create, and to be wearing one less hat!
I spent some time doing some TLC on my website and made some new work for my children’s book portfolio, ahead of Bologna Children’s Book Fair in a couple of weeks. I’m feeling really positive with how my work is going, especially compared to this time last year when things were a bit rocky. I’ve been working on a great branding commission this month, which I am looking forward to sharing when it’s out in the world. Next month, I’ll also be starting writing a new book - eek!
In April, I’ll be spending 10 days in Italy, first visiting my bro in Bari where I hope to do some drawing in the Pugliese sunshine. Then heading to Bologna for the book fair. So there will be a proper (more interesting) post in a few weeks where I share some drawings and ramblings from the trip!
What have you been up to so far this year?
Mexico looks so very tempting! And goof luck with the branding project. Hope to see you in Bologna - we're there on the 9th. The only place I know we'll definitely be is in the outside courtyard outside Hall 30 about 2pm.