I’m opening my sketchbooks to share a very special project with you. I’ll take you behind the scenes of my journey—how I research, reflect, and translate stories into illustrations that connect across generations.
Even with a heart full of stories, I asked myself: Can I call myself an illustrator?
At 35, I picked up my sketchbook—wondering if my voice belonged in the world. Then, I discovered The Promise by Nicola Davies, a celebrated author in the UK renowned for her impactful work on climate justice. At that time, I was just beginning to explore the world of picture books and stumbled across an interview with her. When asked whether she saw herself as a campaigner or a writer, her words reached me when I needed them most:
‘I have been more involved politically and environmentally in the past. But I just get too upset and too angry, and then I don’t help. So telling stories that speak to "one heart at a time" is the best way I can use what I am and what I can do with my life.’
This simple yet powerful statement resonated with me, particularly as someone who spent a decade as a frontline educator addressing gender-based violence. I wrote those words in my diary and began filling pages. Through the 2 years of Pathways Into Children’s Publishing program, I’m learning how to turn those pages into stories that can reach hearts.
The Pathways Into Children’s Publishing program by Pop Up Projects, a pioneering initiative for aspiring illustrators, authors, and publishers in the UK. Designed to amplify under-represented voices in children’s literature, the program has been transformative, honing my artistic skills and deepening my understanding of storytelling’s power to inspire change. One of the most exciting aspects of the program was choosing a story to illustrate from five different texts provided at the second year. I chose a piece by Nicola Davies without a doubt.
Collaborating with Nicola’s Text
At the start of the year, Nicola introduced her story text to us, explaining her vision behind the narrative. She highlighted a key moment in the story where the tense shifts from past to present, symbolizing hope and urging readers to take action. This subtle yet powerful choice inspired me to think about how illustrations could reflect and amplify this pivotal transition.
The text mentioned “children” but did not specify individual characters, allowing room for creative interpretation. I imagined a grandmother and granddaughter as the central figures of the story.
The Grandmother represents memory and wisdom.
The Granddaughter embodies hope and agency. She represents the future, inviting young readers to imagine the possibilities of change.
Through their bond, I sought to create an emotional anchor for the story, visually bridging the past and the future while underscoring the importance of intergenerational understanding and action.
The Creative Process: From Research to Final Artwork
1. Research and Inspiration
My creative journey began with extensive research into real-world events, such as the disappearance of Iceland’s Okjökull Glacier and the first recorded Greenland’s ice sheet rainfall in 2021. These events revealed the fragility of our environment and inspired me to explore how landscapes can convey both beauty and loss. One poignant source of inspiration came from the documentary Melting Greenland. A Greenlandic former Prime Minister Kuupik V. Kleist remarked:
"You can look out the window and see the climate change happening. The most shocking thing is looking out and seeing a big iceberg floating by—and one day, you look out, and it’s gone. It’s like watching a mountain disappear."
This imagery became central to my illustrations, guiding my exploration of how climate change shapes not only physical environments but also the cultural memories tied to them.
2. Character Studies
The grandmother and granddaughter took shape through detailed sketches. I wanted to emphasize their connection and create characters that felt authentic and relatable. Family photos and shared memories became recurring motifs in the illustrations, reinforcing their bond and their relationship to the icebergs—symbols of what is being lost.
3. Visual Storytelling
Using traditional mixed media, I experimented with textures and layers to evoke the strength and fragility of the natural world. The icebergs are not mere backdrops; they are central to the narrative, reflecting both the beauty of nature and the urgency of preserving it.
One of the most meaningful scenes illustrates the granddaughter inviting adults to “listen to nature.” As Nicola often says, nature has its own language, though it is not spoken in ways we immediately understand. In this moment, the granddaughter acts as a translator, helping adults reconnect with the world around them.
4. The Final Presentation
After months of exploration, I compiled a 32-page visual narrative. Each page reflects a careful balance of research, storytelling, and artistry, creating a work that I hope resonates with readers on both an intellectual and emotional level.
Lessons Learned: Growing as an Illustrator
This project taught me the importance of collaboration and the delicate balance between interpreting a text and adding my own voice as an illustrator. My mentor, Karin, encouraged me to explore how visual storytelling can expand a narrative, while Nicola’s reflections on the power of storytelling reminded me of its ability to connect and inspire.
Nicola’s approach, particularly her statement “one heart at a time,” reinforced my belief that while data and theories provide insights, only stories have the power to move hearts and drive change. This philosophy guided my process and deepened my commitment to creating meaningful work.
Looking Ahead: London Book Fair 2025 and #pathwayslbf2025
I’m thrilled to share that, as part of the Pathways program, I’ll be exhibiting my work at the Pathways Children's Illustration Exhibition at London Book Fair 2025, alongside 35 talented and diverse emerging illustrators. This exhibition is more than a showcase; it’s a celebration of new voices—a reminder that fresh perspectives belong on bookshelves and in readers' hearts.
To bring this vision to life, we are launching the #pathwayslbf2025 crowdfunding campaign to help cover the costs of printing, design, and sharing our work with publishers and readers across the globe. worldwide.
In this turbulent world, we hold onto these small books—because they carry hope.
Now, our journey leads us to London Book Fair 2025, where we’ll share these stories with the world. But we can’t do it alone. If you believe in the power of stories—the heart behind the art—I invite you to:
✨ Share with your friends
✨ Be part of this story
Thank you, from my heart.
— Circle
#PathwaysLBF25