Hello. I'm an illustrator, designer and creative writer who's been working in art & design for more than 25 years across many design disciplines. I began my creative journey as a Fashion & Textiles graduate specialising in Embroidery and Ceramics at Manchester Metropolitan University. I have run a freelance greeting card business since 1994, producing art licensing products (greeting cards & wrap) for USA & UK stores like M&S, Paperchase etc. which I still do today. I have taught periodically on BA illustration & MA programs at the University of Manchester, Edinburgh, Teeside & now at Sunderland.
My varied creative experiences have included set building for Cosgrove Hall (Brambly Hedge, Postman Pat etc.) personal timepiece designs for Swatch Watch, Hong Kong, printed textiles for interior design companies, costume design for Channel 4.
I completed my MA at The University of Edinburgh in Illustration in 2010 & once I'd found the power of Words & Pictures together I was hooked. I've now illustrated over 50 titles which have been translated into many languages globally. Some of my highlights were working with the Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson (The Gruffalo) & illustrated the 2015 BBC Children In Need book which was a No.1 bestseller raising millions for the charity appearing on TV & radio. In 2018 I was named 150/500 Top Children's Book Influencer which was based upon the support offered to new emerging talent. In 2019 I produced a picture book with the writer of Sesame Street, Samantha Berger called Snail Mail. One of my newest books, The Very Very Very Long Dog was named #9 on The Kids Indie Next Picks List, who's protagonist Bartleby is on the Barnes & Nobles Wall Of Fame & just developed into an animation by Dreamscape. I am fortunate to have written 5 of my own picture books, my latest No.7 Evergreen Street is in the Tate Modern Gallery & was featured in The Times on Sunday. I'm currently working on my 6th called The Fixer Of Broken Things for Templar, Bonnier press.
I currently teach on the illustration & design BA course at Sunderland University 3 days a week. This is so I can retain working as a professional so I can share all my industry inside information & professional practice. I'm genuinely passionate about making the individual the very best creative they can be, allowing them to explore the full potential of their own skill sets, helping them develop their own unique creative vocabulary & sharing my extensive knowledge of the creative industry with them to give them the very best experience possible. We want every student to not only graduate with a brilliant academic qualification we want you to be industry ready with a unique & dynamic portfolio that's ready illuminate the world 🌟come & join us.
When not illustrating, designing or teaching I love campfire cooking, wild camping (even in the middle of winter) & growing vegetables- all whist renovating old houses.
LAUNCHED: PICTURES & WORDS
Creative mentoring workshops, portfolio reviews, agent acquisition, manuscript consulting, developmental editing and visiting lectures.
10 years ago I launched a bespoke "Pictures & Words' creative workshop from my rural studio for one-on-one tutorials, since then I've had over 100 creatives with astounding skills come and work with me. These tailor-made courses are specifically designed for authors and illustrators wanting feedback on children's picture book texts, illustration advice, portfolio reviews, industry inside information, manuscript critiques and how to get your book 'pitch ready'. I can help you 'join the dots', identify what's missing and turn your creative aspirations into a viable business. With advice on acquiring an agent, re-branding on social media, sketchbook use and trade fairs, these courses are proving to be successful for the creatives that have made the pilgrimage to my rustic woodshed. My aim is to make you the best you can be.
The day commences at 10am-concluding at 3pm with lunch included and costs £180.00.
Post tutorial you'll receive a bespoke reading list, useful contacts page and de-brief with a step-by-step action plan with follow up support if required. Please feel free to contact me and enquire about your specific requirements.
I have also, due to popular demand, began to offer an on line digital reach-out service for students who can't make the journey to visit me, which is £40.oo ph for text reviews, book proposals, portfolio reviews and agent acquisitions. Please don't hesitate to contact me for a personalised quote.
Testimonials
"Julia holds a space where she passionately and insightfully guides, prods, questions, communicates, develops and helps build a platform allowing for the artist to move forward knowing there is wealth of support behind them.” Lou Prentice
"Julia’s workshop was an amazing experience. The knowledge she shared with me was invaluable. I learnt so much from Julia and I left feeling I had the tools and support to reach my goals”. Gillian Flint
"The one to one tuition I have received from Juls has improved my confidence and given me a deeper understanding of how to become a published illustrator. Juls’ workshops are fun, relaxed and the tailored action plan she creates after each session provides clear direction, tips and ideas for moving forward in your career as a professional illustrator" Sarah Peel
When I met Julia I instantly felt at ease with her, it was meeting an old friend! Because of her natural manner, I felt very comfortable talking about and showing my work to her, she was very complementary and encouraging. Once I had returned home after our time together, Julia gave me a full email summary of a day to day clear working plan that made complete sense. She emails back instantly with solutions to any questions I have and it's just great to have this level of emotional and practical help. Julia provides a very professional and caring service." Michelle Breen
"Julia Patton is a very rare breed as not only is she an excellent teacher but also an excellent role model. She is a wonderfully warm person, who I found very nurturing of my own individual strengths and very generous with her time along with sharing vital information. But to top it all, from my perspective as a working mother who finds it a continual battle to balance home and work life, she is a true inspiration. For not only is Julia an incredibly talented and successful author/illustrator, along with managing all of her educational events, but this is all done whilst raising children of her own!
I went to Julia in need of encouragement and help with my creative direction and I came away feeling on top of the world and ready for anything.
In short, I would thoroughly recommend her workshop!" Shana Nieberg-Suschitzky
The day commences at 10am-concluding at 3pm with lunch included and costs £180.00.
Post tutorial you'll receive a bespoke reading list, useful contacts page and de-brief with a step-by-step action plan with follow up support if required. Please feel free to contact me and enquire about your specific requirements.
I have also, due to popular demand, began to offer an on line digital reach-out service for students who can't make the journey to visit me, which is £40.oo ph for text reviews, book proposals, portfolio reviews and agent acquisitions. Please don't hesitate to contact me for a personalised quote.
Testimonials
"Julia holds a space where she passionately and insightfully guides, prods, questions, communicates, develops and helps build a platform allowing for the artist to move forward knowing there is wealth of support behind them.” Lou Prentice
"Julia’s workshop was an amazing experience. The knowledge she shared with me was invaluable. I learnt so much from Julia and I left feeling I had the tools and support to reach my goals”. Gillian Flint
"The one to one tuition I have received from Juls has improved my confidence and given me a deeper understanding of how to become a published illustrator. Juls’ workshops are fun, relaxed and the tailored action plan she creates after each session provides clear direction, tips and ideas for moving forward in your career as a professional illustrator" Sarah Peel
When I met Julia I instantly felt at ease with her, it was meeting an old friend! Because of her natural manner, I felt very comfortable talking about and showing my work to her, she was very complementary and encouraging. Once I had returned home after our time together, Julia gave me a full email summary of a day to day clear working plan that made complete sense. She emails back instantly with solutions to any questions I have and it's just great to have this level of emotional and practical help. Julia provides a very professional and caring service." Michelle Breen
"Julia Patton is a very rare breed as not only is she an excellent teacher but also an excellent role model. She is a wonderfully warm person, who I found very nurturing of my own individual strengths and very generous with her time along with sharing vital information. But to top it all, from my perspective as a working mother who finds it a continual battle to balance home and work life, she is a true inspiration. For not only is Julia an incredibly talented and successful author/illustrator, along with managing all of her educational events, but this is all done whilst raising children of her own!
I went to Julia in need of encouragement and help with my creative direction and I came away feeling on top of the world and ready for anything.
In short, I would thoroughly recommend her workshop!" Shana Nieberg-Suschitzky
University, college lectures and school creative classes:
As an established lecturer from both Edinburgh, Manchester and Teeside University I offer the following workshops and presentations for educational establishments.
Professional practice, portfolios and preparations for day 1
This presentation is tailored specifically to individuals taking their first steps into children’s publishing, which is delivered by a collection of bespoke workshops and activities. Tutorials include industry inside information, getting day 1 ready, portfolio guidance, manuscript feedback and advice on how to find the perfect agent.
Words and pictures
This presentation is an introduction to the collaborative relationship between visual and verbal communication and how they work within the format of a picture book. We take a look at how illustrations can illuminate characters, suggest the magical and interpret the unspoken, and how words can elevate drama, evoke emotions and finally comment on the power and accessibility of wordless books.
Drawing Masterclasses
This workshop involves either a beginners, intermediate, or advanced life and still life drawing class utilising a variety of medias. We cover the importance of composition, scale, line, tone and sequential imagery.
School Creative classes
1-3 day creative classes using re-cycled materials to create 'topic specific' artwork suitable for every age group.
Visiting lectures are either half or full day presentations beginning with a personal introduction, interactive group workshops concussing with individual tutorials. For half/full day fees please feel free to contact me at julia@juliapatton.co.uk.
Professional practice, portfolios and preparations for day 1
This presentation is tailored specifically to individuals taking their first steps into children’s publishing, which is delivered by a collection of bespoke workshops and activities. Tutorials include industry inside information, getting day 1 ready, portfolio guidance, manuscript feedback and advice on how to find the perfect agent.
Words and pictures
This presentation is an introduction to the collaborative relationship between visual and verbal communication and how they work within the format of a picture book. We take a look at how illustrations can illuminate characters, suggest the magical and interpret the unspoken, and how words can elevate drama, evoke emotions and finally comment on the power and accessibility of wordless books.
Drawing Masterclasses
This workshop involves either a beginners, intermediate, or advanced life and still life drawing class utilising a variety of medias. We cover the importance of composition, scale, line, tone and sequential imagery.
School Creative classes
1-3 day creative classes using re-cycled materials to create 'topic specific' artwork suitable for every age group.
Visiting lectures are either half or full day presentations beginning with a personal introduction, interactive group workshops concussing with individual tutorials. For half/full day fees please feel free to contact me at julia@juliapatton.co.uk.
Fellow illustrator Chris Chatterton and I brainstorming on his 'Pictures & Pictures' workshop . We collectively made 4 new picture book concepts and synopsis in one day, and weeks later his first book was commissioned by Macmilllan Books. A very successful day's work.
School visits
Please feel free to contact me regarding a visit to your school for book readings, arts & crafts workshops and creative writing fun.
Hand-illustrated, signed books, bespoke commissions, prints, greeting cards, postcards are now available to order. Please feel free to contact me at julia@juliapatton.co.uk and I can create something super-special just for you. Ps. Some brand-new postcards of all my latest books have just arrived! I'll send you or your school some to go with your signed and personally illustrated books-just give me a shout out on Twitter or Instagram.
Here are some of my clients
Chunjae Education Ltd. Korea.
