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.

Shirley Hottier

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.

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. 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.

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Language

French
Fluent
English
Fluent
Italian
Advanced
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Illustrator (commissioned and published work) at Simon & Schuster
February 1, 2026 - Present
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 at Otter-Barry Books
July 1, 2025 - Present
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.
Mentor in Illustration at City of Glasgow College
May 1, 2024 - September 2, 2025
Provided mentorship in illustration from January 2024 to May 2024, supporting aspiring illustrators in developing their skills and understanding of the industry.
Illustrator (commission) at Small UK-based Publisher
May 1, 2024 - Present
Ongoing illustration commission starting from May 2024 with publication planned for 2025. Focused on delivering creative illustrations to support publishing projects.
Exhibition Illustrator at Lullabies in Lockdown Exhibition
December 31, 2023 - September 2, 2025
Selected for illustration work for the joint US/UK "Lullabies in Lockdown" exhibition in December 2023.
Illustrator for Lighting Project at Genoa Council (Italy) & Lights Follow Behaviour
October 31, 2023 - September 2, 2025
Illustrated for "Lighting for Genoa", collaborating with lighting designers Lights Follow Behaviour in October 2023.
Illustrator (Picture Book) at Little Bee Books (US)
September 30, 2023 - September 2, 2025
Illustrated the picture book "Patrick and the not-so-perfect party" scheduled for publication in June 2024. Role included creating engaging characters and scenes for children’s reading.
Illustrator for Lighting Banners at London Borough of Barnet & Lights Follow Behaviour with Caglayan Aktug
July 31, 2023 - September 2, 2025
Produced illustrations for lighting banners during November 2022 - January 2023, and again in June-July 2023 to support public engagement and visual enhancement of borough spaces.
Placeshaping Officer at Westminster City Council
June 30, 2022 - September 2, 2025
Responsible for place shaping initiatives, public engagement, and strategic content creation between 2009 and June 2022. Transitioned from this role to pursue a full-time career in illustration following award recognition and grants.
Architectural Assistant at Zaha Hadid Architects
June 30, 2022 - September 2, 2025
Provided architectural assistance on projects in London, Paris, and Berlin. Involved in design, project leadership, and client engagement between 2009 and 2022.
Mentor in Illustration at City of Glasgow College
May 1, 2024 - September 2, 2025
Mentored students in illustration techniques from January 2024 to May 2024, providing guidance to developing artists and sharing expertise in children’s book illustration and storytelling.
Illustrator (Commissioned work) at Small UK-based Publisher
May 1, 2024 - Present
Ongoing illustration commissions for children's books with publication planned in 2025, creating images in line with narrative and publisher specifications.
Illustrator at Simn & Schuster
February 1, 2026 - Present
Illustrated picture book scheduled for publication in February 2026, collaborating closely with authors and editors to bring stories to life visually.
Illustrator for Picture Book at Little Bee Books (US)
September 1, 2023 - September 2, 2025
Illustrated the picture book 'Patrick and the not-so-perfect party' published in June 2024, developing engaging visuals to complement the story for children’s audiences.
Illustrator (Various commissions) at London Borough of Barnet with Lights Follow Behaviour and Caglayan Aktug
July 1, 2023 - September 2, 2025
Provided illustration work for lighting banners and public visual displays in London in late 2022 and mid-2023, enhancing urban environments through collaborative design projects.
Illustrator at Genoa Council with Lights Follow Behaviour
October 31, 2023 - September 2, 2025
Created artwork for the 'Lighting for Genoa' project in 2023, contributing to urban lighting design through illustrative collaboration with lighting designers in Italy.
Placeshaping Officer at Westminster City Council
December 31, 2022 - September 2, 2025
Held various architectural-related roles including Placeshaping Officer from 2009 through 2022, involved in urban design projects, public engagement, and strategic planning within local government.
Architectural Assistant at Zaha Hadid Architects
December 31, 2022 - September 2, 2025
Worked as an Architectural Assistant contributing to architectural designs and project developments, gaining experience in a globally renowned practice.
Project Leader and Engagement Consultant at Fluid
December 31, 2022 - September 2, 2025
Led projects and engagement consultancy work in architectural and urban design contexts, managing client relationships and creative outputs in London, Paris, and Berlin.

Education

Mentee program (illustration, storytelling, publishing) at Pop Up Pathways Plus
May 1, 2023 - March 1, 2024
Illustration short course at UAL Chelsea College of Art and Design
October 1, 2017 - December 1, 2017
Bachelor and Master Degree in Architecture with distinction at ENSAPVS, Paris
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2009
Baccalauréat (Philosophy, Literature, English, Russian) at Lycée Marguerite de Navarre, Bourges, France
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2003
Mentee (Illustration, Storytelling and Publishing courses) at Pop Up Pathways Plus
May 1, 2023 - March 1, 2024
Illustration Short Course at UAL Chelsea College of Art and Design
October 1, 2017 - December 1, 2017
Bachelor and Master Degree in Architecture with Distinction at ENSAPVS, Paris
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2009
Baccalauréat (Philosophy, Literature, English, Russian) at Lycée Marguerite de Navarre, Bourges, France
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2003

Qualifications

Creative Scotland Grant Create:Inclusion Fund
June 1, 2022 - September 2, 2025
Winner of the FAB Prize 2021 for Illustration (Faber&Faber)
November 1, 2021 - September 2, 2025
Creative Scotland Grant Create: Inclusion Fund
June 1, 2022 - September 2, 2025
Winner of the FAB Prize 2021 for Illustration
November 1, 2021 - September 2, 2025

Industry Experience

Government, Professional Services, Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Real Estate & Construction
    paper Shirley Hottier_ Children's books portfolio 2025
    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