Welcome to your illustration journey!
Abbie Hodges (Yr 3)
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If you're reading this, you've applied to join us on the Illustration programme at the University of Cumbria—exciting times! By now, you've shared your portfolio with us (thank you—we love seeing fresh work each year) and had your applicant chat.
We know you've probably applied to a few different illustration courses, and that's a smart move. Choosing where to study is a big decision, and it’s important to explore your options. Whatever you decide, make sure it’s an informed choice that feels right for you. To help with that, this webpage gives you a glimpse into what’s happening here at Illustration at Cumbria right now. What are our students working on?
Right now, our illustrators are tackling an exciting mix of projects across all year groups. Some are pushing boundaries with experimental work that challenges traditional ideas of what illustration is and how it’s made, while others are honing their skills on industry-focused briefs that reflect real-world creative demands. Meanwhile, our third years—now in their final semester—are deep into their Final Major Projects. These self-directed briefs give them the freedom to explore exactly the kind of work they want to create, setting the stage for their future careers. |
Let’s take a look at what’s happening in the studio!...
First Year
Student in Focus | Violet O'Hara
This work comes from first-year illustrator Violet O'Hara—you can check out more of her creations on her student website. (All our students get free websites in Week 1 and deliver their work through them, just like industry professionals.) Right now, Violet and the rest of the first years are working on the ‘Multi-Dimensional’ module. This exciting project has them designing 2D logos and merch, 3D constructed record covers, and animated stage projections for a fictional band. It’s a great reminder that illustration isn’t just drawings on a page or screen—it can use type, be built, and even move!
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Here’s a small selection of first-year work from various projects we’ve covered so far. Instead of diving in at the deep end, the focus for first-year students is on understanding and developing fundamental skills while cultivating a broad awareness of contemporary illustration. These pieces highlight their growth and experimentation as they lay the groundwork for their future artistic journeys.
Matt Wharton
Emma Hurford
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PJ Mion
Em Fisher
Lily Alexander
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Second Year
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Student in Focus | Scarlett Lucie-Mabel
Scarlett Lucie-Mabel is having a whale of a time in second year, where we dive deep into individual approaches to commercial illustration and the importance of strong fundamental skills. But don’t worry—it’s not all serious business! We still make plenty of room for creative play (plasticine, anyone?). 
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The image above is a recently completed piece created in response to a brief asking students to produce conceptual editorial illustrations. This particular piece was inspired by a Guardian article exploring the benefits and downsides of crossword puzzles—a tricky challenge, tackled with personality and humanity.
Meanwhile, the image to the right is a work in progress for Scarlett’s current project: illustrating a collection of ghost stories. With atmosphere and mounting terror already present in this early image, it looks like she’s off to a fantastic start! |
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Sketchbooks and Drawing
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We LOVE drawing here at Illustration at Cumbria—so much so that we’ve dedicated Drawing modules that focus on sketchbooks and life drawing in both first and second year.
Drawing is an essential tool for any illustrator, helping to process the world, develop ideas, refine techniques, and build a strong personal voice. Here's some Second year drawing... 
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Recent second-year projects focusing on illustration for editorial and publishing have been a fantastic opportunity for students to sharpen their thumbnailing skills. At this early stage, quickly exploring ideas allows for experimentation and problem-solving before committing to a final composition. A strong thumbnail can help prevent issues later in the process, where making corrections can be much more challenging.
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Scarlett Dawkins
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Scarlett Dawkins
Scarlett Dawkins
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Lily Joyce
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Lily Joyce
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Third Year
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Student in Focus | Abbie Hodges
Third-year illustrator Abbie Hodges has truly found her stride in recent months, developing a wonderfully unhinged, Haribo-bright style that’s impossible to ignore. The images here were created for two very different projects, but both showcase her signature mix of energy, humor, and controlled chaos. The first was a ‘How Does It Work?’ project, where Abbie was tasked with explaining a steam train. But forget dry technical drawings—Abbie brought the subject to life in her own bold and playful way. The second was a commission for the University, aimed at injecting some much-needed personality into an otherwise drab but important official document. Once again, she took a potentially dull subject and transformed it into something visually exciting and engaging. |
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Here’s a small selection of third-year work from various projects this year, showcasing the talent and creativity of our illustrators as they tackle diverse themes and challenges. Each piece reflects their unique styles and approaches, demonstrating how they’re pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas in their final year.
Kirsten Pretswell
Claire Murray-Davidson
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Oscar Clementson
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Morgan Mizen
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Claire Murray-Davidson
Clarissa Graham
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Moira D Bichard
Clarissa Graham
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Zoe Alexander
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Graduate Stories
We’re incredibly proud of the exciting work our graduates go on to accomplish, whether in the world of illustration or in other industries that they can access thanks to their illustration background. As well as working as illustrators we have alumni thriving in major publishing house design departments, art galleries, museums, arts organisations, charities...
Let’s take a look at some recent work from a few of our graduates.
Let’s take a look at some recent work from a few of our graduates.
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Yvette Earl
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After several years of building her own practice and client list, Illustration at Cumbria graduate Yvette Earl has recently signed with one of the leading illustration agencies, Handsome Frank. Since joining, she has swiftly taken on large-scale commissions, although the details of these exciting projects are currently being kept under wraps!
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Harry Ward
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Since graduating from our Illustration programme, Harry Ward has built an impressive roster of clients, particularly in the world of international sport and entertainment. His notable clients include the Kansas City Chiefs, Liverpool FC, the England Football team, FC Barcelona, Pepsi Max, Amazon Prime Sport, and the Premier League—absolutely mind-blowing!
You may have also spotted Harry's work on BBC iPlayer, where his illustration is used for the Peaky Blinders avatar. 
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Becki Gill
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Becki Gill has gained recognition worldwide, with an impressive client list that includes Politico, New Scientist, Stella Artois, The Wrap, Forbes Spain, Portland Monthly, Little Brown Publishers, Rolling Stone UK, and The Hollywood Reporter. The best part? She accomplishes all this from the comfort of her home in the beautiful Lake District!
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Guest Speakers
Our greenery-surrounded campus may sit on the doorstep of the breathtaking Lake District and just 11 miles from the Scottish border (the great outdoors, anyone?), but that doesn’t stop us from mixing it up with some of the biggest names in the illustration industry.
Our students regularly get the chance to learn from top creatives, gaining insight, advice, and inspiration from those shaping the industry today. These experiences don’t just broaden horizons—they build networks, spark ideas, and help students see exactly where their future in illustration could take them.
Here are just a few of the incredible illustrators our students have spent time with…
Our students regularly get the chance to learn from top creatives, gaining insight, advice, and inspiration from those shaping the industry today. These experiences don’t just broaden horizons—they build networks, spark ideas, and help students see exactly where their future in illustration could take them.
Here are just a few of the incredible illustrators our students have spent time with…
Owen Davey
Glyn Dillon
Junko Mizuno
Sean Phillips
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Dermot Power
Sara Ogilvie
Pam Smy
Matt Hodson
Olivier Kugler
Luke McGarry
Duncan Fegredo
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There you have it—some fantastic work emerging from our open-plan studio, where all illustration year groups collaborate and share experience in one big creative community. We're particularly proud of the diversity of styles, methods, and approaches our programme accommodates—there's no 'house style' here! The quality our graduates achieve is truly impressive; just look at the incredible client lists among the examples we've shared!
As you consider your applications and offers, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you might have. You can contact me at dwayne.bell@cumbria.ac.uk. We would love to welcome you to Illustration at Cumbria and help you embark on your creative journey. We hope to hear from you soon!
As you consider your applications and offers, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you might have. You can contact me at dwayne.bell@cumbria.ac.uk. We would love to welcome you to Illustration at Cumbria and help you embark on your creative journey. We hope to hear from you soon!
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Dwayne Bell MA SFHEA
Programme Leader | Illustration | Institute of Education, Arts and Society The University of Cumbria |