Sheffield Illustrators: A Sea of Art Books - Master Studies

Whether you're a complete beginner or a professional illustrator, master studies are one of the oldest and most effective ways to learn. Some of the best artistic breakthroughs happen when we slow down and really study someone else's work.

For this meet-up, we're inviting you to bring one or two art books to share for the evening - ones that have inspired you. They might be illustration annuals, sketchbooks, animated film art books, graphic novels, children's books, fine art monographs, comics, or anything that makes you want to pick up a pencil.

We'll pile them all onto one big inspiration table, spend some time browsing, and then each choose an image that catches our eye.

The challenge is simple: Copy it.

Not to create a perfect reproduction, but to understand:

• How did they simplify shapes?
• What makes the composition work?
• How do they use line, colour or texture?
• What can you borrow and make part of your own visual language?
  

What to bring
📚 One or two favourite art books to share for the evening (make sure they're ones that can lie open on a table without having to be held open)
✏️ Your preferred drawing materials (sketchbook, pencils, pens, iPad - whatever you like)
☕ Money for drinks or food if you'd like them

The vibe
This is a relaxed, social evening with plenty of chatting, browsing and sharing recommendations. Feel free to swap seats, compare sketches and discover artists you've never encountered before.

No pressure. No critique. Just inspiration, drawing and good company.

Cost: Free

One booking per illustrator. All illustrators welcome, whether you’ve been before or not. All experience levels, styles and approaches are encouraged - we’re a friendly and inclusive bunch.

About Sheffield Illustrators meet-up:

Sheffield Illustrators is the regional AOI meet-up for South Yorkshire, open to illustrators of all backgrounds and experience levels. Our meet-ups are a supportive space to connect, share ideas, and enjoy drawing together.

Accessibility:

Sheffield Plate generously provides a spacious and well-lit basement room for our meet ups. The room is accessible by stairs and lift.

The AOI would like to make events accessible to all, where possible. Please let us know your access requirements at least one week in advance by emailing info@theaoi.com or you can also DM the Sheffield Illustrators on Instagram @sheffieldillustrators

Illustration by Adam Thornton