Shirley Hottier

Available to hire

I am a multi award-winning self-taught illustrator based in Edinburgh with a rich background in architecture, urban design, and art installations.

About

I am a multi award-winning self-taught illustrator based in Edinburgh with a rich background in architecture, urban design, and art installations. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with clients across diverse sectors including editorial, charities, councils, and children’s publishing. I pride myself on being a reliable and friendly team member who can also work autonomously at a fast pace.

My passion for illustration is supported by formal education in architecture and art as well as practical experience working on picture books, exhibitions, and public art commissions. I also enjoy mentoring aspiring illustrators, constantly learning new storytelling skills, and am excited about my upcoming publications with renowned publishers.

  • Joined September 2024

Languages

  • FrenchFluent
  • EnglishFluent
  • ItalianAdvanced
  • Spanish; CastilianIntermediate

Industry experience

  • Government
  • Professional Services
  • Education
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Non-Profit Organization
  • Real Estate & Construction

Projects · 1

My children's book illustration with a series of characters: children, adults, animals, places and objects. Textured and bold colours. Published work in the UK and US with top 5 publishers. childrenillustration kidlit kidlitart childrensbooks illustrator

  • Children’s Book Illustrator
  • Illustrator

Work experience· 19 roles

Illustrator · Simn & SchusterFeb 2026 – Present · 10 mos

Illustrated picture book scheduled for publication in February 2026, collaborating closely with authors and editors to bring stories to life visually.

Illustrator (commissioned and published work) · Simon & SchusterFeb 2026 – Present · 10 mos

Working as the illustrator for a picture book scheduled for publication in February 2026. Responsibilities included creating compelling illustrations aligned with the narrative to engage children and support storytelling.

Illustrator · Otter-Barry BooksJul 2025 – Present · 1 yr 5 mos

Illustrated "The Poetry Book of John Agard" slated for publication in July 2025. Collaborated closely with author John Agard and publisher to deliver thoughtful and engaging poetic illustrations.

Illustrator (Commissioned work) · Small UK-based PublisherMay 2024 – Present · 2 yrs 7 mos
Mentor in Illustration · City of Glasgow CollegeMay 2024 – Sep 2025 · 1 yr 5 mos
Illustrator (commission) · Small UK-based PublisherMay 2024 – Present · 2 yrs 7 mos
Mentor in Illustration · City of Glasgow CollegeMay 2024 – Sep 2025 · 1 yr 5 mos
Exhibition Illustrator · Lullabies in Lockdown ExhibitionDec 2023 – Sep 2025 · 1 yr 10 mos

Education· 8

Mentee program (illustration, storytelling, publishing) · Pop Up Pathways Plus2023 – 2024
Illustration short course · UAL Chelsea College of Art and Design2017
Bachelor and Master Degree in Architecture with distinction · ENSAPVS, Paris2003 – 2009
Baccalauréat (Philosophy, Literature, English, Russian) · Lycée Marguerite de Navarre, Bourges, France2003

Certifications and awards

Creative Scotland Grant Create:Inclusion Fund2022 – 2025
Winner of the FAB Prize 2021 for Illustration (Faber&Faber)2021 – 2025
Creative Scotland Grant Create: Inclusion Fund2022 – 2025
Winner of the FAB Prize 2021 for Illustration2021 – 2025

Hire Shirley Hottier today

Post a job and invite Shirley, or contact them directly. No hidden commission.

Post a job