Have you always dreamed of becoming an illustrator? City Lit’s wide range of online and in-person courses can ignite your passions and turn childhood dreams into reality.
Meet Wendy Bowen
From the time she was a young girl, all Wendy wanted to do was draw and paint. After taking multiple illustration classes at City Lit, she realised she could become a full-time illustrator. After Wendy was selected as "Highly Commended" in Macmillan Illustration Prize 2023 and shortlisted for Best Illustrated Book in the Searchlight Awards, she secured representation with leading talent agency, Curtis Brown, and is currently working on her debut picture book with a top UK publisher.
What made you decide to join City Lit?
I enrolled on my very first course at City Lit — an evening class that lasted just over eight weeks. Then I really got the bug and I decided to take a more extensive advanced course in children’s book illustration. I followed it up with another course to further develop my portfolio.
I thoroughly enjoy the classroom experience, collaborating with fellow classmates, and exchanging ideas. City Lit’s central location makes it incredibly accessible.
What made you want to become an illustrator
From a very young age, I’ve always been drawing and painting. However, I later ventured into other career paths. I worked as a commercial director and have a background in marketing.
My first City Lit course was fun and interesting. Gradually, I realised that it could actually be a profession. This revelation motivated me to continue my studies, and I came to recognise that turning my artistic skills into a career is now within reach.
Despite having a successful career, I discovered that my true calling lies in creating beautiful artwork that resonates with people. It became clear that this was what I truly wanted to pursue.
Taking a bold step, I decided to study full-time and give up my job. Making such a big change is quite scary, but I feel that unless you try to follow your dreams, you’ll never truly know how happy you could be. For me, the time was right to make this leap.
City Lit has provided me with a solid foundation and a good understanding of what’s necessary to become an illustrator.
What do you enjoy most about studying at City Lit?
The people I met on some of the courses, we’ve all formed a strong group. We’re still in touch and we regularly meet to collaborate on illustrations, exchange ideas, and provide feedback. That has been really nice, and I hadn’t anticipated this when I enrolled in the course.
What are you currently working on?
After completing the course, I secured an agent and am now represented by Curtis Brown — an incredible achievement. Additionally, I’ve landed a book deal and am currently working on my first of three books, which is incredibly exciting. I hope this marks the beginning of an entirely new career for me.
What’s your advice to others who might want to pursue similar dreams?
If you have an inkling to explore something new, especially if your career isn’t fulfilling you as it could, consider learning new skills or try a new hobby. Follow the path I took; start with an evening class, and if you truly enjoy it, take the leap and enrol in a full-time course. There’s nothing to lose when you embrace learning and new experiences!
Study at City Lit
Discover a variety of evening, daytime, and weekend art & design courses at City Lit.
