Illustrator aims to draw in others

A freelance illustrator from Newark has organised the UK’s first conference for illustrators from Europe after being frustrated at the lack of events in the UK.

Mr Jonathan Woodward, 37, of Castle Brewery, has been a professional illustrator for three years, and was named BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year in 2011.

He has provided illustrations for publishers Penguin, and Batsford Publishing, and will have a children’s pop-up book containing drawings and sketches published in February 2013.

Mr Woodward said: “An illustrator’s work is everywhere. It’s in books, magazines, billboards, houses, all sorts of places.

“There is a big conference in the USA called ICON, which attracts thousands of illustrators every year, but there are no events in the UK for us.

“I thought it would be a good idea to get some of the UK illustrators together, and this will give us a chance to discuss how to market ourselves, learn the business, and improve on what we do.

“It can be a solitary lifestyle to be an illustrator so it’s great if everyone can come together to network.”

The event has already attracted international attention, with illustrators from Greece agreeing to attend.

It will consist of four panels who will discuss strategies, plans, marketing, and techniques to improve as an illustrator.

Award-winning illustrator Rod Hunt, who was behind the best-selling Where’s Stig? books for BBC’s Top Gear programme, is the keynote speaker.

“We have had good feedback already, and tickets are selling well. So far we have about 80 people coming,” Mr Woodward said.

“We want to make it an intimate conference where you can get close to the panellists, and we are looking to make it an annual event if it’s a success.”

The Zero2Illo Live Conference will be at Nottingham Conference Centre on November 10.