Lauren studied the Foundation Year for Specialist Degrees at Ulster University Belfast School of Art, following this up with a BDes Graphic Design & Illustration. In her penultimate year she completed an Enterprise Placement Year (EPY) and now works as a freelance illustrator
What inspired you to pursue a career in illustration?
I've always loved being creative and when I was younger I would doodle on paper, napkins or whatever was to hand. I also loved reading and enjoyed looking at the illustrations in books. Growing up I always said I wanted to be an illustrator (among a few other options) and now I create artwork for different businesses, bringing their visions to life.
How did you start out as a freelance illustrator?
In my penultimate year at university I completed the Ulster University EPY, which helped me gain contacts and opportunities. From there and throughout my final year, I continued to build connections and network, seeking out opportunities to market my services and posting regularly on social media to promote my business.
What does working freelance involve?
As an illustrator my work comprises many elements, including:
attending markets and pop-ups in various locations
completing freelance work for clients and businesses and commissions for members of the public
delivering talks/presentations about my work
hosting individual and joint creative workshops
illustrating and developing products
stocking and selling my illustrated products in approximately 15 different shops in Northern Ireland and England and selling my work online through various platforms.
I really enjoy the variety.
What kind of tasks do you regularly complete as an illustrator?
I often view social media as a visual blog and I like to keep it updated regularly as a way to connect with others and showcase recent work. I also regularly keep an eye on my stock levels, check in with stockists, pack online orders and create new illustrations.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I'm inspired by:
interior design
fashion
lifestyle
nature
travel.
I've also completed daytrips to places such as:
Amsterdam
Berlin
Brugge
Paris.
I enjoy soaking up inspiration and taking photographs of the architecture, colours, shops and surroundings before heading home and documenting elements in my sketchbook.
What mediums/materials do you work with?
I love to be experimental within my illustration practice, often using ink with a cocktail stick and creating paper textures in my sketchbook, resulting in interesting outcomes. I then scan these illustrations and use them to create prints, coasters and other products.
What part of your job brings you the most satisfaction?
Parts of being an illustrator that bring me satisfaction and joy include:
creating new illustrations that I love
hearing customers positively react to my work at markets and pop-ups
seeing the finished illustration work professionally printed in its intended context.
What are the challenges?
An illustrator usually works solo and therefore I find it beneficial to attend in-person events such as markets, pop-ups and networking events to get to know other like-minded creatives or business owners.
I've also found communicating regularly with friends in the creative field helps me to brainstorm new ideas and stay connected.
Thinking of how you want to represent yourself as an illustrator helps you to stay focused, alongside being able to pivot when needed and reaching out for support - these things also help when challenges arise.
What three skills should all good illustrators possess?
Adaptability.
Being able to communicate clearly with clients regarding their illustration brief.
Networking.
What's been your biggest career highlight to date?
At each stage of my journey, I like to acknowledge career highlights to help me reflect. Some of these highlights include:
being featured in the Belfast Telegraph 30 Under 30 List for 2025
seeing my illustration for a local client displayed on a big screen in my home town
being awarded the Overall Student Winner of the 7th global FIDA Fashion Awards in 2023 towards the end of my final year.
What are your career ambitions?
I would love to be stocked in more stores around the UK and to complete work for big clients/brands, that would be great.
Can you debunk a myth about working in a creative field?
Many people believe they aren't creative but you can be creative in many different ways. Building in some time to be creative without putting pressure on yourself, for example, pottery, doodling, painting, sketch booking, journalling, photography or flower arranging, helps you to discover that you may be more creative than you initially thought.
Are you a member of a professional organisation, if so how has this aided your career?
I'm a member of the Association of Illustrators and when I've had any queries, their helpline has been very helpful. They also have a range of resources available for members, including contract templates and more to guide illustrators in their careers.
What advice can you give to other aspiring illustrators?
Have fun exploring different ways of creating and try to identify your style - this will take time so embrace the exploration. Chat with other illustrators, build up a social media platform and share your creative journey with others, carry out some research and enjoy the adventure.
Find out more
Read about what it's like to work as an illustrator.
Discover what you can do with a degree in illustration.
