I'm new here, how about you?

Introduce yourself and your work, whether you're new, changing things up or been in the game for what feels like forever. We're in this together!

Hi there!

Welcome to The New Illustrator, a place to help you navigate the world of illustration, so you can focus on the things that bring you joy.

I’ll be honest, I’m very new. When I started illustrating and saying I was trying to become an illustrator, I was full of imposter syndrome.

I’m still full of imposter syndrome, but my strategy and comfort zone is to research. Research, and try new things, until I find my safe space. A space where I find like-minded people, support and begin to build my confidence.

So that’s what I’ve been doing and The New Illustrator is part of creating a safe space for people to ask the questions they’ve been afraid to ask and we’ll find the answer together!

I’ve got a lot to learn and a long way to go but I feel like I’ve now got some realistic goals and a rough plan on how to get there.

Shall we get started?

Let me introduce myself

I’m Libby. I spent the last 2 years of high school building a portfolio for art school. I dreamed of immersing myself in the Fine Art and architecture of the Mackintosh building at the Glasgow School of Art.

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Illustration of this beautiful building coming!

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I’m glad to say, my dreams came true and each day, I looked at that beautiful building, but from the other side of the street - from the Product Design Engineering department.

A product design career felt like it was something I could handle. There was more of a map for where I was going.

I was incredibly lucky and went on to work and travel with some big companies, eventually leading the production of one of the UK’s favourite food brands.

After that, I went on to run my own production facilities, with a successful Amazon-based business and other projects.

In the new year of 2024, I realised something was significantly missing in my life and I picked up my sketchbooks again and started creating.

Since then, it feels like my life has changed. I’m more fulfilled than I have been for a long time. I feel excited to go to bed and get up in the morning. My notes files are brimming and my ideas are endless.

So I’m utilising some courses and resources to keep me on track - AND this site right here to track my progress.

What to expect here

The biggie I’m working on is a QUARTERLY DIRECTORY of everything happening to help illustrators build their careers.

In the meantime, you can expect MONTHLY BLOGS and PORTFOLIO BRIEFS.

There may even be a PODCAST in the pipeline…

Introduce yourself

Thank you for joining me here.

I’d love to hear about what you do and what led you here. Please tell me in the comments. It’d be nice to hear where you work and what brings you joy day-to-day.