Pathways Into Children’s Publishing

About

It is specifically for artists of colour, disabled artists, neurodivergent artists, and artists with UK refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds, aged 21 and up – with no upper age limit. It is also open to artists with and without any formal training in illustration at degree level.

Pathways is designed and delivered with an impressive array of published children’s author-illustrators, publishing art directors and editors from 11 publisher affiliates, university course leaders and lecturers from 14 affiliated universities, and in partnership with an alliance of venues, producers and agents.

‘Pathways tackles head on the lack of diversity and inclusion in all sectors of children’s books.’
- Elorine Grant, Senior Art Director, HarperCollins Children’s

Pathways runs over two calendar years, commencing with a Foundation and Launch in December 2022 and concluding with delivery of final work in December 2024. It will involve 80+ days of scheduled events and activities, always presented on Fridays and Saturdays.

On completion of the two-year course you will have:

- Explored the world of children’s illustration publishing from picture books to comics

- Increased your knowledge of contemporary UK children’s illustration

- Engaged with dozens of successful children’s author-illustrators

- Developed and enhanced your illustration and storytelling as well as writing skills

- Learned how to respond successfully to publishing briefs and editorial critique

- Developed a greater understanding of the commercial aspects of bookselling

- Gained experience in the processes involved in book production

- Developed a stand-out portfolio as well as social media presence and reach

- Gained many unique contacts in publishing and literature

- Learned about working as an illustrator in schools, festivals and events

Interested in finding out more? Visit www.pop-up.org.uk/pathways.