I've been a member for years. It is tough being a freelance illustrator, and it can be a very isolating experience, especially if you don't work in a shared studio where you would have other artists to talk to about problems.
The AOI support, promote, and protect illustrators in many ways.
.
They provide help and advice with legal matters, contracts, licences, price negotiations etc.
They run provide seminars and write articles on things that relate to illustrators.

You can have a portfolio on their site, where commissioners can find you.
They run portfolio consultations where you can get advice on the direction you should go in, what elements could be missing from your portfolio, etc.
​
They do a fantastic job at campaigning for illustrators on topics such as copyright

The AOI also advertise meet ups for illustrators which take place all over the country.
Have a look at the Association of Illustrators here.

There iBadges by Jo Brown, Illustrator, who DOESN'T Work for FREE.

I created these pin badges initially for my own amusement, but they are proving very popular, particularly artists and makers of all kinds, and the self-employed.
Somehow writing it on a badge reinforces the message, and if someone comments on it, it starts a conversation.

Creatives are often asked to do something 'for free' by a relative, a friend or in business -
though they don't frame it that way - more likely something like:

'It'll be great exposure! '
'You will be seen by all our followers',
'it's a great opportunity',
'-it's for a good cause... '
'it'll only take you five minutes' (!) 
​'We have no budget...'
'but you do it because you love it...'
Or, they can minimise the effort by beginning  'Just...' as if the thing asked for takes no effort at all.

Why I Don't Work For Free (and neither should you)

1. Art is work.
It takes time and skill, and effort.
Years of training, development and practice. It could be a 'quick sketch' but years of drawing and choice making have got you to the point where you can do that sketch.
​
2. Just because you love something, it doesn't mean it doesn't have value.
You wouldn't ask a plumber to work for free because they love plumbing, would you?

(there is a third reason, see end of post)

So with all these things in mind,  I created my badge I Don't Work For Free.

I had photos of it in my images that I used to apply to markets last year, and it led to a really fun collaboration.

The Illustrators' Fair organisers commissioned me to provide badges for stallholders in Summer 2023.
It was great seeing everyone wearing them, and sharing the message on social media. 
In December the range of self employed artist badges expanded to Art Is Work, I Am Working and my favourite I Draw, You Pay.

 I have other ranges of badges, not just for the self employed, but lots of them have messages. The messages are different depending on the viewer, I think, you can put your own spin on it. 
I am particularly fond of Not Even Listening.
Buy my badges here.


3.If you needed it, yet another reason you shouldn't work for free.
Nobody values something they didn't have to pay for.
If you work for free, the person will not value your work.
​They won't want to pay for it next time either.

Brighton Saturday 11 November 2023   - Beau Events Artisan Market
Unitarian Church in the centre of Brighton's North Laine, near the Pavilion/Theatre etc. Next to Pinocchio's Restaurant.
                                                                              *
Lewes Sunday 26 November 2023 -Lewes Creatives Christmas Emporium
All Saints Centre, Friars Walk, Lewes
                                                                               *
London Saturday 9 December 2023 Illustrators Winter Fair, Kings Cross London
The Crossing- a beautiful covered space part of St. Martin's art college. 
                                                                               *
Brighton Sunday 10 December 2023 Press + Play print tabletop fair Phoenix Gallery Brighton 10-14 Waterloo Place, Brighton BN2 9NB
Save the Dates!

I have just joined Pedddle, the online directory of independent markets. Their strapline is:
'Find independent creative markets near you, and discover their stallholders across the UK'
It is a lovely website and I would recommend you having a look. They have a great newsletter too.
As a customer, you can find markets that are happening near you, if you are a seller like me you can find your next venue.
You can search by date or area, there are loads of markets all over the country.
Pedddle* members have listings on there, so you can track down makers that you wish you had bought from....
*that third 'd ' is important...
​Click on the yellow spot to go to my page.

I will be taking part in Artwave this year, at Venue 170 which is in the All Saints Centre, Friars Walk, Lewes BN7 2LE. 9th and 10th of September 2023.
I am so happy to be invited to participate in the Lewes Creatives Show, they are a talented group of creatives who always have such wonderful events. I will be taking a selection of my paintings, prints, cards and textiles, and will be there for the whole weekend. The lovely Seven Sisters Cafe will be on hand for sustenance (looking forward to that!)
The venue is an old church, and is a five minute walk from the train station, and from the main shopping street. Keep an eye on my instagram page for updates.