The Association of Illustrators is the professional body for illustration in the UK and beyond.

Since 1973 the AOI has been championing illustrators and the illustration industry with education, promotion and campaigning to achieve a thriving industry for us all. As a non-profit organisation, we do the work that we do thanks to our members, which include illustrators, agents, colleges and creative companies.

Appreciation of WIA2024 Winners' Works (Part)

ONE

Zhang Jiayi

Master Bao's Pastry store commercial illustration

2024 | Category Winner + Longlist + Shortlist | Advertising

· Why did you create this work?
The first reason I created this series is that Master Bao's Pastry has been one of the most beloved pastry shops in my hometown since I was a child, evoking fond childhood memories for me. Additionally, my primary focus in my creative career is commercial illustration, and I am keen on producing a series of commercial pieces to help promote Master Bao's Pastry.

· How were your illustrations used?
These pieces can be featured in various promotional materials, including social media posts, posters, packaging designs, and advertisements. By capturing the essence of the pastries and the nostalgic charm of the store, the illustrations will attract customers and enhance the brand's visibility and appeal.

· What materials and techniques did you use?
I primarily used digital media, supplemented by some paper sketches, for my illustrations. I began by sketching the basic figures on paper, then transferred the outlines to Procreate for refinement. After completing the line work, I exported it to Photoshop for coloring. Finally, I added Master Bao's Pastry logo to each piece to complete the illustrations.

· Biography
Jiayi Zhang is a developing illustrator based in Atlanta,Georgia. His style mainly contains surrealism and fantasy, which are inspired by the anecdotes happened in daily life, also combined with numerous elements from Chinese culture. He always takes good use of intricate line work and high saturated colors to create stylish work.

TOW

Ciel Chen
Girls in New York City

2024 | Longlist + Shortlist | Advertising

· Why did you create this work?
This project is a series of posters for Art On Link screen in New York City. These illustrations contain several typical New York locations, such as The Metropolitan Museum, Coney Island, Washington Square Park, Chrysler Building and news stand on street.

· How were your illustrations used?
Art on Link screen in NYC (un-commissioned)

· What materials and techniques did you use?
Digital Procreate

THREE

Amber Au
The Blue Tomato

2024 | Highly Commended + Longlist + Shortlist | Children's Publishing

· pronoun
She/her

· Why did you create this work?
A picture book about a blueberry named Blu, who embarks on a journey to find a way to become red, just like all of his tomato friends. This story explores themes of self-acceptance, self-love, and friendship. Inspired by my own childhood experience of struggling with self-acceptance and trying to be someone else, I ultimately realised that I am happiest being myself.

· How were your illustrations used?
Portfolio

· What materials and techniques did you use?
Digital - Procreate

· Biography
Amber is an illustrator from Hong Kong, currently based in the UK. She began her illustration journey while battling an eating disorder. After working as a commercial illustrator for a few years, she started pursuing her dream of becoming a picture book maker, incorporating her personal stories, culture, and food characters she has created over the years.

FOUR

Kürsat Ünsal
Coffee Door

2024 | Longlist + Shortlist | Design Product & Packaging

· Why did you create this work?
To create a unique and standout design, I drew inspiration from the door that is the brand's core. I opted for a minimalistic approach, using only two colors and simple illustrations to highlight the building design on the packaging. Each package features people enjoying coffee at their windows. When placed together on a shelf, the packages resemble a charming neighborhood.

· How were your illustrations used?
Coffee Door uses them in its packaging designs and printed brand elements.

· What materials and techniques did you use?
As a result of my geometric style, I created them in Adobe Illustrator.

· Biography
Kürsat Ünsal is a graphic artist and illustrator based in Turkey. His style is characterized by simple colors, geometric shapes, and careful observation, creating stunning visuals that help brands stand out. He has worked with clients such as Apple, BMW, and EPAM, among others.