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13 June 2023
Posted in: Artists, Illustration, Meet the artist, New illustrator, Publishing, Special projects
This opportunity felt like a sort of golden ticket into working in the industry as I could continue to grow my portfolio with guidance.
Katie Thomas
Every year, The Artworks offers a few graduating Illustrators a very rare springboard right into the heart of the industry. The Startworks programme offers new graduates a year of intense mentoring and real-world briefs and jobs with some of the most recognisable brands. We caught up with last year’s winning applicant Katie on her time on the programme and how she felt seeing her illustrations printed in the Financial Times.
Check the end of the interview for all the details you need to know on how to apply.
How did you find out about Starworks?
I first found out about Startworks during my final term at university. As part of my course, we met with varying industry professionals for portfolios. Meeting The Artworks Agency was a really eye-opening experience and we all received some very positive feedback to take into our final months of uni. Shortly after the meeting, I was reached out by Artworks to discuss the Startworks mentorship scheme. This opportunity felt like a sort of golden ticket into working in the industry as I could continue to grow my portfolio with guidance.
How has your style and approach to work changed since starting the programme?
I have definitely approached a more varied selection of work since starting the programme and by doing so, I have grown in confidence. Before Startworks, I was very focused on editorial work but since experimenting with packaging and book cover projects, I have a more expanded interest in illustration fields. Startworks has also helped me target weaker areas of my practice where I have really worked on my style to become more cohesive. I think a hard adjustment after leaving university is losing your second opinion, maybe from a tutor or even just a peer. Suddenly you’re thrust into a solo practice where having that unbiased view may make or break a piece. This is where I think my style has benefitted from Startworks because I regained this fresh pair of eyes.
Do you have a favourite brief you’ve worked on?
I think my favourite brief would be the first commission I received during my Startworks mentorship- to illustrate a book review for the Financial Times (below). I loved each aspect of this project and I was especially pleased with the final result. It was such an interesting brief because the book focussed on themes such as life, death, nostalgia and even a little bit of quantum theory. Working with such a renowned establishment and seeing my work in print was a moment that I think every illustrator waits to see and I’ll always look back at that project with pride.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I think my biggest challenge was faced when I was briefed on speculative book covers. Startworks is all about bridging gaps and I had never really taken the time beforehand to attempt this area of illustration. One of the biggest features of my work is detail and I was not used to seeing how this can be combined with text in the space given for a book cover. It took a lot of trial and error to get this project right but with the guidance I received, I am really happy with the results. My favourite of the set has to be ‘The Moveable Feast’ which actually started out being the most challenging piece.
Have you got a dream client or project?
I think a dream project for me would be anything in packaging. I love all areas of illustration and any project would have enjoyable aspects but experiencing the process of seeing my illustration on a shop shelf would be incredible. We all know the best products have funky illustrations.
Any advice to applicants?
I think my biggest advice to applicants would have to start with ‘Just go for it!’. The big scary leap from student to professional is something everyone starts to think about as deadlines get closer and university starts to finish. Startworks is a great transitional experience with some much-needed support. Another thing to remember is to not worry if there are any gaps in your portfolio as this would be the experience where you can fill them.
Startworks is open to any Illustration student in their final year of University, BA or MA. If you would like to apply, please email 5 low-res images of your work, or a link to a social page showcasing your work to submissions@theartworksinc.com and we will respond to those applicants we feel we can take further.
The deadline for applications is Friday 30th June.
Due to the volume of applications, we cannot guarantee we’ll be able to respond to everyone but want to thank you in advance for taking the time to apply.