“Want to Collab?”

When to say YES or NO

I hope you’ve had a fantastic start to 2025!

I spent some time in Bali, which was absolutely magical! And the kids are back to school this month… so the year sort of kicks off in February and now I am back into work full - time. This year has been all about collaboration for me - working on the “Picture It! Anthology” with “Just Write For Kids” (more about that later).

Collaboration has played a huge role in my creative journey - sometimes a friend or creator asks “Want to Collab on insta?” and other times its a formal contract with a publisher or brand. Working with others to create something bigger is often better than something you could do on your own, but collaboration isn’t always the right choice. I’ll talk about knowing when to work with others and when to trust your own vision and share some of my experiences.

My Latest Collaboration: “Somewhere Lost”

I’m thrilled to share my latest book collaboration, with “Just Write For Kid’s”.

The theme for this year was ‘LOST’, where artists were to interpret the metaphor and incorporate two loveable characters, Walter and Scout. The book weaves a story with Walter and Scout and each page shows a different illustrator. It’s so wonderful to have a book with so much great talent represented on every page.

My submission, ‘Lost Sockville’ actually won a spot on the cover this year!

Last year they published “Our Australian Heart” that I was honoured to be included in. It lead me to collaborating on and co-hosting the “Words and Nerds” podcast, that I found out was one of the most downloaded for 2024. Listen here.

Right: my entry ‘Lost Sockville’

Longest Collaboration: The Illoguild Newsletter

One of my most enduring collaborations has been the Illoguild Newsletter. Members of the

illoguild

write a newsletter on the same topic each month and then discuss it at our Live Meetings - which are FREE to join. Each month I compile our newsletter and include news from the group. It couldn’t be done without the help and input of everyone in the illoguild and especially

Katie Stack

, who takes over when Im not around and often jumps in with edits.

We first met through a Make Art That Sells course, and over time, its lead to many collaborations as a collective and also for individuals in the group. For example

Adam Ming

and

Katie Stack

have started

Art Gym

together. It’s a fun drawing session that anyone can join - check it out!

The Illoguild Newsletter (and the Illoguild) is a successful long-term collab which works because of mutual respect, a shared vision, it’s mutually beneficial and it’s genuinely a wonderful group of people that I am grateful to be part of.

What’s Next?: 2 new children’s coming out in 2025

Children’s books are a team effort between creatives. There is of course the author/ illustrator team (the story is only fully realised when paired with the right artwork), but also all the people who work in publishing from creative directors, to editors.

This year, I am illustrating 2 books that both started out as collabs with authors and then we found a publisher together. I’ve always been told that the publisher matches the illustrator with the author, but sometimes it happens differently. We took a chance and it worked out. I am so excited to work on these books - both with brilliant messages and even more brilliant individuals! They are:

• “Harries the Lifeguard from Bondi” written by Harries and Emily Carroll and published by EK Books.

• “I AM ME” written by Mitch Tambo and published by Allen and Unwin.

So should you collaborate with other creatives?

Say YES to collaboration when:

• You and your collaborator share a similar vision and values.

• The project would benefit from multiple perspectives.

• You respect and trust your creative partner.

• The partnership feels balanced and mutually beneficial.

• You’re excited about working together!

Hold off on collaboration when:

• You feel like your voice or style is being lost.

• The project doesn’t align with your goals or values.

• There’s a lack of communication or creative chemistry.

• You need creative independence to fully explore an idea.

• It feels more like an obligation.

Trust your instincts! Creativity thrives in different ways sometimes through teamwork, sometimes in quiet moments of solo exploration.

Collaboration has shaped my creative career in so many ways, and I’m grateful for the people I’ve had the chance to work with. Here’s to more creative partnerships (and knowing when to go it alone) in 2025! 🥂

You can see more of my work on my website and stay connected on Instagram.

Thanks for reading!

Thanks for reading!

Xoxo

PS: If you want to hear more on the topic join the ILLOGUILD TALKS: Collaboration RSVP Here

Members of the illoguild meet up live to chat about our collaboration experiences.

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My Books

• ‘Boldilocks’ (out 2025). “Boldilocks is a boy with hair so spectacular and shimmering that everyone looks at him, embarrassing him wherever he goes. But when Pa takes him to the hairdresser to do something about it, something unexpected happens. With a little salon magic and a whole lot of love, much more than hair is transformed. Boldilocks celebrates the power of community and being confident in your skin (and hair), and will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt a little bit embarrassed about how they look.”

• ‘Our Australian Heart’ is an anthology celebrating Australia, featuring my illustration “New Life at The Great Barrier Reef”. Sale proceeds are to be donated to The Indigenous Literary Foundation.

• Mia’s grandma is no ordinary grandmother. She is a very busy grandmother who is curious, fashionable and adventurous. Glamma always has time to share her love of the world with her granddaughter Mia, so is she just like any other grandmother?

• Little Shark Lulu is Sleeping Little Shark Lulu is trying very hard to go to sleeeep…

  But, all around her, lots of sea life are wide awake and busily hunting, eating or playing. How can Lulu nod off with all that underwater fun and games?