News / 01 Aug 2024
Illustration graduate featured in AOI's 10 UK Illustration Graduates to Watch 2024
BA (Hons) Illustration
Recent BA (Hons) Illustration graduate, Miles Dyson, has been named in the Association of Illustrators' (AOI) 10 UK Illustration Graduates to Watch in 2024.
Miles is a children’s illustrator with a focus on murals and children’s publishing. A key project for Miles, which contributed towards his selection in AOI’s graduates to watch list, was writing and illustrating the children’s book ‘My mum named me twice’.
"'My mum named me twice' is based on the true story of how I came out as trans to my mum and what a positive experience that was. I wrote and illustrated the book to give LGBTQIA+ children hope that coming out can be something good since a lot of stories in the media are so negative. It just takes one happy ending to make a difference. I’m currently looking for publishers and I’m also considering self-publishing because this story feels important to share."
Miles Dyson, BA (Hons) Illustration graduate
AOI work very closely with universities around the UK and beyond to help support illustration students during their studies and into their freelance careers. Multiple BA (Hons) Illustration graduates from Leeds Arts University have been supported by AOI including Elly Bazigos who was longlisted for the World Illustration Awards 2024.
"Being selected as one of ‘the top 10 UK graduates to watch’ feels like a dream come true. I’m honoured to have my name on a list with so many talented illustrators. Especially because of how close my children’s book is to my heart. I’m so excited that more people will come across my story, normalising the trans experience and providing hope to our community. On a professional level, I’m also grateful to the doors that this will open for my early career in freelance illustration. I can’t wait to see what’s next."
Miles Dyson, BA (Hons) Illustration graduate