The best plans are the ones we haven’t figured out yet.
Insight, ideas & inspiration for you to consider
Insight: You may’ve noticed that I’ve been doing a lot more observational sketchbook work recently, and there’s a fantastic reason for it. I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been offered a place on the prestigious MA in Children’s Book Illustration programme at Cambridge Anglia Ruskin University. The “congratulations” offer email contained clear expectations, which excited and intimidated me all at the same time! Let me share a few of them with you:
Our course is rigorous. You can expect to fill approximately 2 sketchbooks each week.
This is a master’s level course. There are things you may need to know that you won’t be taught, you will need to seek out that information to learn and apply it on your own.
You will need physical and mental stamina.You will also be pushed outside of your comfort zone with your artwork. This can be stressful, as artwork often feels very personal. You must be prepared to take care of yourself and build your resilience while on the course.
You will need to let go of your ego. If you join us, it is not to be top of the class or to coast using the skills you already have. It is to challenge yourself and grow as an artist.
A place on our course is competitive. This is due to the course’s rigour, plus the hard work and resilience of our students. You must be ready for intense work to take your place.
Idea for you to consider: During my interview with illustrator, author and ARU tutor Pam Smy, she emphasised the importance of observational drawing, calling it “gold dust” for artists. This advice has inspired me to incorporate daily sketching into my routine, even if just for 30 minutes. I’m developing my observational drawing skills like a muscle - I’m getting the reps in!
What small habit could you start to cultivate that’d turn into gold dust for you?
Inspired: I’m always inspired by the idea that embracing uncertainty can lead to incredible experiences. While a certain level of predictability is necessary to manage day-to-day life, it’s often the unknown that brings the most growth and excitement.
As I navigate the logistics of commuting to Cambridge—possibly even Airbnb-ing, sofa surfing here and there—I’m learning to trust the process. I’ve come to realise that you don’t need to have all the answers from the start. Sometimes, the best approach is to dive in, confident that if you’re in the right place, the solutions will unfold along the way.
How do you navigate the demands of everyday life while remaining open to the surprises that lead to new opportunities?
To encourage a regular creative habit I’ll be hosting “Inky Postcard Club” every second Sunday at The Rosado Lounge in Tewkesbury for one hour. We’re going to create heartfelt inky art postcards based on observational drawing prompts and then add handwritten messages that will despatched in a random act of kindness way to unsuspectedly brighten someone’s day. If you'd like to join us here’s the link
