Colourful drawing of cats and dogs at a table with cakes and presents
DESIGN
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3 MIN READ

Life After Art School with Iris Otto

Iris Otto is an illustrator from Norwich, UK, who graduated in 2024 with a degree in illustration. Drawing inspiration from the playful nostalgia of children's seek-and-find books, Iris builds bustling, character-filled worlds reminiscent of Richard Scarry and Where's Wally?, with a dash of smiley-faced mischief all of her own.

We first encountered the joyful world of Iris Otto's illustrations at the New Designers exhibition last year, where her work stood out for its charm, intricacy, and undeniable ability to make people smile. The jump from student to freelancer is a big one, but Iris is already carving out a name for herself with scenes bursting with detail, colour, and personality.

Can you tell us a little bit about your experience as an art student?

I studied illustration at Norwich University of the Arts and graduated in 2024, and it was such a great experience. The freedom to play and explore with art in such a supportive and creative environment was transformative for my practice. I wouldn't be the person and illustrator I am today without that experience, and I wish I could go back and do it all again!

What was the most important lesson you learned?

The most important lesson was two words that my teacher said to me - "Why not?". Take risks and aim higher than you think you can go - you might not get the job, or you might not hear back, but the worst thing you can do is not try!

Do you have any regrets about your uni experience?

I should've had more fun! I'm a perfectionist and take things very seriously, which helped me through deadlines and means my work is always very thorough - but I definitely could've relaxed more. I met my best friends towards my final year at uni, and I wish I could go back and spend more time with them.

How are you finding the transition between being a student and becoming a freelancer?

It's definitely a big jump! It sounds silly, but it's so much bigger in the real world. As a student, you can feel protected in your small community, in your studio space, with everyone around you. As a freelancer, you have to motivate yourself, set your own briefs and find your own work. I am loving it though. I'm trying to feel proud of how far I've come!

How do you keep yourself motivated?

Luckily (or unluckily), I have a brain that never switches off - so I always need to have a project on the go in order to feel productive. When I am working on a project already, I listen to podcasts to keep me focused - I have a roster of about six that I flick between. It definitely stops me from getting distracted on my phone!

What piece of work are you most proud of and why?

It might be cheesy, but - this one! I wrote about working on a collaboration with Lagom Design for one of my assignments at university, and exhibited at New Designers, knowing I wanted to reach out. It really is my dream come true!

Do you have any advice or insider tips for undergraduates?

Make as much work as you can. Go to the lectures - they're actually very helpful! Talk to lots of people. Take advantage of all the workshops and materials you have at uni - you will probably have less space after you leave. Experiment lots, and don't spend too long worrying about things.

Do you have any dream collaborations or job aspirations for the future?

I'm a huge puzzle fan, so I really want to design my own this year! It's also been a long-time dream to collaborate with Lazy Oaf on a clothing range. The biggest dream is to take the leap and go fully freelance as a full-time illustrator. I'm working up the courage!

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