Since graduating from The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Illustration for Commercial Application course, Lauren Hubbert has begun building a career as a freelance illustrator, working across publishing, commissions, live illustration and self-initiated projects.
Lauren’s time at The Northern School of Art saw her develop a distinctive illustration practice centred around bright colour, painterly textures, sketch-like marks and pattern. Her portfolio included picture-book work, book covers, cards, zines and narrative illustration, helping her explore different applications of illustration while developing her own creative voice. Her final-year portfolio led to representation by Astound, a global children’s publishing agency.
Publishing has become an important part of Lauren’s developing career. Her illustration work features in a Macmillan Collector’s Edition of A. A. Milne’s When We Were Very Young & Now We Are Six, bringing the classic poems and characters to life for a new generation of readers. The illustrated edition is scheduled for publication in February 2027.
Lauren has also built experience through a variety of commissions and live illustration opportunities. Her work has included live illustration at UCAS events, where she created drawings in front of audiences, as well as illustrated photo booths at Hartlepool Pride and the School’s graduation. These experiences have allowed her to take her practice beyond the page and develop confidence working directly with audiences and clients.
Her achievements have also included being Highly Commended in the Macmillan Illustration Prize and receiving The Northern School of Art’s Illustration Achievement Award. The award recognises exceptional commitment to practice and studies, as well as a positive influence within the student cohort.
Lauren has also contributed directly to the visual identity of The Northern School of Art, creating the artwork for the School’s 2027–28 prospectus cover. Her concept brought together students from different courses, reflecting the collaborative nature of the School and the creative activity taking place across its courses. Lauren described the project as an opportunity to work with the School on a live brief, develop ideas through feedback and gain further experience working with a client.
Alongside commissioned and publishing work, Lauren continues to develop her own stories and illustration projects, exploring opportunities to sell her work directly through markets and other creative events. Her practice is rooted in creating colourful, characterful and welcoming illustrations, with a particular interest in storytelling and children’s publishing. Her work has also been recognised by Children’s Books North, where she has been featured among emerging illustrators from across the North of England.
Lauren’s journey demonstrates the range of opportunities available through Illustration for Commercial Application, from publishing and editorial illustration to live events, commissions, agency representation and self-directed creative work. From developing her portfolio as a student to seeing her illustrations published internationally, she is building a career across the commercial and publishing sides of the illustration industry.
Links:
Lauren Hubbert | Illustrator | Astound.us
www.laurenhubbert.com
Lauren Hubbert (@laurenhubbertillustration) • Instagram photos and videos