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. In her first year, she created a zine centred on a character named Dotty, which she shared with Sam Arthur of Nobrow Press for industry feedback. Her final major project, the picture book Bright and Brave, followed a character named Maya on a journey with a midnight fox, and 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, scheduled for publication in February 2027.
Lauren has also built experience through a variety of commissions and live illustration opportunities, including live illustration at UCAS events and illustrated photo booths at Hartlepool Pride and the School’s graduation.
Her achievements have also included being Highly Commended in the Macmillan Illustration Prize and receiving The Northern School of Art’s Illustration Achievement Award, alongside recognition from Children’s Books North as one of its featured emerging illustrators.
Lauren has also contributed to the visual identity of The Northern School of Art, creating the artwork for the School’s 2027–28 prospectus cover.
Links:
Website: www.laurenhubbert.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhubbertillustration/