This degree has helped me discover how illustration can tell gentle, meaningful stories that connect children to nature and empathy. Through developing The Gardening Angel, I’ve learnt to combine research, storytelling, and painterly techniques to create work that inspires curiosity and care for the environment.
As I move forward, I plan to sustain my creative practise through my website, building it as both a portfolio and a small business where I can share new projects, sell illustrated products, and reach families and educators who value nature-based storytelling. I also hope to illustrate books for other authors and publishers, continuing to grow as both an artist and storyteller.
The skills I have developed, from idea generation and visual composition to reflection and professional presentation, has given me the confidence to build a lasting purposeful creative career. My goal is to keep creating stories that bring warmth, wonder, and environmental awareness to young readers.
What avenues am I considering for professional and personal gain?
What are my thoughts around my professional practice and moving into the workplace?
As I look ahead, my goal is to continue developing my professional practice as a self employed illustrator and children’s author. Having worked for companies for over 30 years, I now feel it is the right time to dedicate myself fully to my own creative path. The skills and confidence I have gained through this degree have given me the foundation to sustain and grow an independent practice, one that allows me to build meaningful projects at my own pace and in line with my values.
Rather than moving into a traditional workplace, I plan to continue developing my business through my portfolio website, where I will showcase my children’s picture book work, sell illustrated products, and offer commissions. I also intend to seek professional illustration opportunities with authors and publishers, allowing me to collaborate creatively while maintaining the freedom of self employment.
This new direction feels both empowering and fulfilling. It allows me to bring together my love of storytelling, illustration, and nature in a way that is authentic and personally rewarding, while continuing to grow professionally on my own terms.
What support might I need going forward?
Can I maintain the links I’ve made with the university and beyond?
As I move forward, I recognise that sustaining a creative practise requires both practical and emotional support. I believe the encouragement of my existing customers will be invaluable, their feedback and enthusiasm for my work continues to motivate me to grow as an illustrator and storyteller. My part time job will also provide a helpful foundation as I transition into full self employment, offering both financial stability and space to develop my creative projects with confidence.
Perhaps most importantly, I know that self belief will be central to my progress. The degree has helped me to build trust in my own creative voice, and I intend to hold onto that as I navigate this next stage. I also hope to maintain links with the university community and the connections I’ve made through this course, as this network offers inspiration, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging that will continue to support my growth.
Consider my preparation for assessment, what do I need to complete my submission?
When preparing for assessment, I find that being organised helps me feel calm and in control. I usually make detailed lists of everything I need to submit and check things off as I go, which allows me to keep track of my progress and stay focused. Getting feedback from my tutor is also really important, it gives me the opportunity to reflect, refine my work, and ensure I’m presenting my ideas as clearly as possible. I also value the opinions of friends and family, as they often see things from a different perspective and helps me make sure my work communicates emotionally as well as visually. This combination of planning, feedback, and reflection helps me feel ready and confident when I reach submission.
What do I need to know about timescales for graduation and becoming alumni?
I am happy to graduate once I have received my results and the next graduation ceremony becomes available, I believe to be 9th May for Open University students. I’m really looking forward to celebrating the completion of my degree and marking this important milestone. Once I graduate, I also hope to stay connected as an alumnus, keeping in touch with the university and my peers, as those creative links and shared experiences have been such a valuable part of my journey.
Reflect on the degree as a whole, how would I sum up my journey?
I have really enjoyed my time doing this degree. Over the course of my studies, I’ve developed my own personal illustration style, one that I truly love, combining surface pattern, watercolours, and textures to bring warmth and depth to my work. I’ve also grown enormously in my character design, it was an area I initially struggled with, but through practice and perseverance, I now feel it has become one of my strengths, with a clear and recognisable style. Although the degree took longer than expected due to some administrative issues, the journey has been incredibly rewarding, both personally and creatively. It’s given me the confidence and skill to continue building on my artistic voice and pursue the career I’ve always dreamed of.
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