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Liz Stirk

Graduate

MA Illustration with Graphic Novel

Two smiling people stand arm in arm in front of a wall displaying colorful illustrations and books on a small shelf.

Liz Stirk is a recent MA Illustration with Graphic Novel graduate working as an illustrator, author-illustrator and printmaker.

Since graduating, Liz has been growing her studio, Little Owl Studio in Manchester, while developing her personal creative practice. She has recently been awarded Arts Council England's Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) funding to support the development of her work.

Since graduating, she has continued to develop her practice as an illustrator and printmaker, with a particular focus on children's illustration and visual storytelling. Her MA final major project evolved into ‘Party Animals’, a children's picture book that she both wrote and illustrated. She is currently seeking a publisher and has submitted the book to the First Picture Book Competition and the Bologna Children's Illustrators Exhibition.

Alongside her personal projects, Liz also undertakes freelance illustration commissions, with current projects including a series of illustrated portraits of psychotherapists and the creation of splash screens for a retro computer game.

Her recent DYCP award will give Liz dedicated time to focus on her work, developing her use of expressive mark-making and allowing her to experiment more freely with materials and processes. The fund will also support a programme of professional development including mentoring, creative writing development, work with Orange Beak, support through the Association of Illustrators, and further development and traditional printmaking training, alongside research, materials and dedicated studio time.

"For me this [award] comes at a really pivotal point. I've spent many years working across design, illustration and arts education, and this funding gives me the opportunity to dedicate sustained time to developing my own voice and establishing the next stage of my career as an author-illustrator and printmaker."

This funding will continue a process that Liz began during her MA, where she found the time and space to experiment, develop her own visual language, and think more deeply about narrative and emotion. Before coming to Leeds Arts University, Liz had worked for many years in graphic design and illustration. While she had extensive professional experience, she wanted to move beyond responding primarily to commercial briefs and begin creating work that felt more personal and representative of her own creative voice.

"The MA really changed the way I work. I became less concerned with producing a polished final image immediately and much more interested in drawing, mark-making, materials, atmosphere and the emotional quality of an image. The course also gave me much more confidence in seeing myself as an illustrator and artist with a distinct practice and defined direction. I feel much more sure of my creative voice, where I want to take my practice and how to do it."

Alongside her personal and commercial practice, Liz also runs Little Owl Studio in Manchester. She is currently developing the organisation into a Community Interest Company (CIC) and applying for funding to provide more accessible arts opportunities for young people and adults within the local community. This will include mentoring opportunities for young people through work experience placements, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Arts Emergency programme.

"It's all very exciting, and I'm really looking forward to seeing Little Owl Studio grow into a stronger creative hub where people can learn, experiment, meet others and feel part of a creative community."

Looking to the future, Liz is keen to continue developing both strands of her work: children's picture books and narrative printmaking. She hopes to find a publishing home for ‘Party Animals’, develop new picture-book projects, continue building up her body of print work and seeking mentorship and professional opportunities within children’s publishing.

"I'm really excited about the next stage of Little Owl Studio and the possibilities for growing its community programme over the next few years. I also want to continue teaching and mentoring local young creatives, helping them develop confidence, skills and pathways into further study and creative careers."

Useful Links

MA Illustration

Liz Stirk website

Liz Stirk Instagram

Little Owl Studio

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