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Building a community of thriving illustrators in Northern Ireland. Co-Founded by &

18/05/2026

We’re delighted to announce the our next InDepth talk with award-winning children’s author and illustrator at The Belfast Book Festival.

Paul is best known as the illustrator of The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, as well as the Blue Peter Book Award-winning The Bravest Ever Bear. Over a career spanning more than 35 years, he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in children’s literature, including and Martin Waddell. A former Children’s Writing Fellow for Northern Ireland, Paul continues to create books and inspire a new generation.

We’ll explore Paul’s career in children’s publishing, looking at both the successes and setbacks that shaped it. The evening includes an audience Q&A and time to mingle and connect with the children’s book community in Northern Ireland.

If you love children’s books, illustration, or hearing the story behind a long creative career, this promises to be a fascinating evening.

Tickets available via the link in our bio.

23/04/2026

This Belfast Design Week come enjoy and support the very first Illustrators North Illustration Fair at the BSOA . Meet 20 incredible illustrators selling their art print and books. Saturday 2nd May 10-4pm. Announcing Artists soon!
Poster by

20/04/2026

Illustrators North x AOI: InDepth with Fiona McDonnell.
We’re back with another InDepth - this time with Belfast illustrator Fiona McDonnell and Belfast Design Week.

From bold commercial work to self-initiated projects, we’ll dig into how Fiona has built a distinctive style across advertising, branding, editorial and heritage. We’ll also explore the impact of DIY art movements, community, and carving out your own path in the industry.
Stick around after for questions, chats, and a chance to connect.

Fiona McDonnell is a Belfast-based illustrator blending comic book energy with contemporary design. Alongside her client work, she’s deeply involved in artist collectives, exhibition curation, q***r underground club nights, and the Irish music scene, and regularly speaks and facilitates with universities and cultural organisations.

09/04/2026

Illustrators North is teaming up with Belfast Design Week to put together an Illustration Fair/Market at the BOSA shop. Saturday 2nd May 10-4pm. If you are interested in tabling please fill out the form in the bio. The table cost is £30. Applications close 22nd April.

Please note we will only be accepting applicants that will be selling art and books. Limited tables available.

Poster by

29/03/2026

A brilliant afternoon sharing fresh perspectives in children’s picture books at the Seamus Heaney Children’s Literature Conference ✨📚

Huge thanks to and for championing the priceless contribution illustrators make to children’s literature.

Featuring these beautiful new books:

Moon Moon Can’t Sleep! by -  A brave wolf boy faces his nighttime worries to find his way back to sleep.

The Book Who Wanted to Be Loved by and .elliott - A book sets out in search of love, friendship and belonging.

The Little Street Library by Amy Adeney and -  A joyful celebration of community and sharing books when it matters most.

Led by , whose latest book JUST START is his letter of encouragement to fellow creatives, filled with real stories and practical tips to help you begin, build, and keep showing up for your work and your creativity.

21/03/2026

We’re excited to be part of the Children’s Literature Conference at the ✏️✏️✏️

Join us this Saturday 28th March, 12.15–1.30pm for an InDepth conversation, Fresh Perspectives in Picture Books, with .elliott and in conversation with .

Free to attend. Register via the link in our bio, and have a look at the full programme while you’re there. It’s set to be a really inspiring few days ✨

20/03/2026

Check out NORTHERN LIGHTS to find your next great reads by NI’s best children’s writers and illustrators ✏️

Curated by , and endorsed by , , and Children’s Laureate - it’s a brilliant ‘snapshot in time’ showing the amazing talent in the children’s book community in our wee part of the world.

Featuring KIN , .elliott, , , , , and !✨

Pick up a copy from every , or view online at childrensbooksireland.com

Cover art from Mel Carroll’s A Belfast Fairytale, published by ☘️

02/03/2026

We are excited to share our first In-depth talk is with the one and only Known for large-scale pencil drawings in public space, Caslin’s work addresses social issues head-on. We’ll trace his path as an artist working in the open, exploring the risks, missteps, and breakthroughs behind his work.

Following the talk, there will be time for questions, conversation, and connection.
Join us for an inspiring conversation upstairs at The American Bar (Belfast BT15 1LF) on Wednesday 11 March, from 7pm. Big thank you to the for making this event possible. All proceeds of the ticket go to paying the artist. Link in bio.

04/02/2026

We are excited to share that we are having our first meet-up! Come join us for a drink and draw at the Big thanks for the amazing poster by the one and only

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Botanic Gardens
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