The Association of Illustrators are welcomed back as Media Partners for BDF 2026

Championing illustrators since 1973, the AOI drives a thriving, inclusive industry through education and career-changing promotion — making them a fantastic Media Partner for this year’s festival. Welcome back AOI!

2nd June 2026 By Emily Caplan

The AOI, a not-for-profit membership organisation, is the UK’s leading illustration body, championing the industry and illustrators at every stage of their career through 1-1 support & advice, a wealth of business resources, campaigning, events and the World Illustration Awards.

The AOI equip illustrators and animators with the tools and support they need to build their business, confidence, and connection in the industry; Empowering illustrators and animators to feel respected, protected and part of a supported and inclusive community.

Over the last year, where the issues surrounding generative AI taking illustrators’ work for training were forefront, AOI campaigned on a number of areas to ensure the viewpoint and experiences of illustrators was heard. These included responding to Government consultations, meeting MPs, working with our campaigning partners, and being one of five creator organisations behind Brave New World? Justice for creators in the age of GenAI, a ground-breaking report into the impact of unregulated generative AI on creators, published this year. Membership of the AOI supports this vital work and helps protect your rights as an illustrator.

In 2025 the AOI grew their business resources, including a new Animation category with a wealth of resources, with topics such as ‘Working with an animation studio’, ‘How to price an animation project’ and many more. This also includes an exclusive beginner animation course in Procreate Dreams, in collaboration with Animator Alex Grigg.

Illustration & Animation: Yukai Du

The AOI also publish Inside illustration, an online Suite of content shining a light on different areas of the illustration industry, such as editorial, animation and publishing.

Each season includes an exclusive Podcast, a Creative Course for members, in-depth Article, Resource, Commissioner interview and a comprehensive ‘How To...’ guide.

Based in London in Somerset House, the AOI work with illustrators and animators from all over the world and also hold a variety of local meet-ups around the UK, including our Birmingham based meet up group – Picnic! You can find a variety of creative events on the AOI events page. AOI events are open to all, however members receive discounted tickets and access to the free event series – AOI Discusses and Illustrators in Motion.

Picnic social meet-up

Illustration: Harriet Drewe

A word from AOI members:

“Being an AOI member has helped me advance my illustration career with greater confidence. The resources and professional guidance they provide are incredibly valuable. They have also been a huge help in understanding and negotiating contracts, one of the most complex aspects of working as an illustrator.”

AOI member Elizabeth Sanduvette, 2026

“I don’t think I would have a career without the AOI. The confidence I have developed through learning how much to quote clients, the legal stuff of the business of being an illustrator and just general support I have received from them has been fundamental to my career. I joined when I was fresh out of university and I’ve now been full time freelance for over ten years – I would recommend for any illustrator new or more experienced to get involved with them!”

AOI member, 2023