Billie Francis

Creative and passionate illustrator who’s passion is breathing life into stories through the magic of illustration. Billie is a visual storyteller who weaves stories not just with words, but with the magic of visual metaphors. Her keen eye for detail, vibrant imagination, and unwavering commitment to her craft drive her to create illustrations that inspire people. She thrive’s on pushing the boundaries of illustration, embracing experimentation, and challenging conventional norms.

Freelance Illustrator [2017 - 2023]

• Collaborated with various editorial clients to create compelling and visually engaging illustrations that aligned with the desired brief specifications. 
•  Executed illustrations for children's events companies, capturing the essence of themes and bringing stories to life for young audiences.
• Managed a diverse range of commissions simultaneously, ensuring client satisfaction through effective communication and timely delivery of high-quality artwork.
• Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail in translating complex concepts into visually appealing and comprehensible illustrations.
• Conducted public speaking engagements and workshops, engaging audiences and conveying artistic concepts effectively.

• Led a team of 16 staff members, overseeing daily operations, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Utilized strong communication skills to ensure a seamless flow of information between employees, upper management, and customers.
• Exhibited excellent public speaking abilities by addressing staff and conducting training sessions, contributing to a well-informed and motivated team.
• Fostered a collaborative and positive work environment, promoting teamwork, creativity, and effective problem-solving.
• Demonstrated adaptability in managing inventory, visual merchandising, and customer service during peak periods. 
• Able to stay calm during testing periods and deal with conflict.

Master of Arts (MA) in Children's Literature: Publishing Goldsmiths, University of London [Sep - 2019] - [Sep, 2021]

• Explored in-depth knowledge of the children's literature industry, gaining insights into current market trends, audience preferences, and emerging genres. 
• Developed a keen understanding of the collaborative process between illustrators and writers, fostering effective communication and partnership to create compelling narratives.
• Mastered the art of page layout and design, combining text and illustration harmoniously to enhance the visual storytelling experience.
• Enhanced illustration skills through hands-on projects, workshops, and critiques, allowing me to create captivating visual elements that resonate with readers of all ages.
• Deepened comprehension of color theory and its application in illustration, harnessing the psychology of colors to evoke emotions and enhance narrative impact.