The Monthly Illo

Did you know I write a monthly newsletter? I’ve sent one out on the first Friday of every month for the last couple of years, except maybe one or two occasions when it’s just not been possible to fit everything in.

This month is one of those occasions, because December is such a bonkers month. Every week there’s a fayre or a concert or something to do on top of normal life, jobs and everything else you need to cram into a working week.

I write newsletters for lots of reasons. Firstly, it’s a good way to keep in touch with people who are interested in my work - whether it’s family (hi Mum!) friends, or with any luck, children’s book editors, or anyone who’s curious about what illustrators do. I like posting on instagram and I found a brilliant illo community over there, but I worry that I’m subject to their mysterious algorithm, and people miss posts. Plus if you don’t post daily (which I most definitely don’t do now) engagement really falls off.

The other reason for writing a newsletter, if I’m honest, it’s an accountability tool. Having a monthly deadline is a really good way to keep going, and keep making things, and get out and about and see things and do things, so I’ve got even more news to share. As Norah Ephron once said, ‘It’s all copy’.

People get a lot of emails, so an inbox is a very privileged space to be in. I’m chuffed if anyone subscribes, let alone opens and reads any of my emails. I try to give mine personality and honesty to try and make them stand out from the crowd.

My last newsletter of 2025 will go out on Friday 19th December - so if you like art, drawings, exhibitions, ALL the things, subscribe in the box below! Hope I’ll see you there.