In London’s creative ecosystem, few figures embody purpose and progress quite like Josie Dobrin OBE. As co-founder and Executive Chair of Creative Access, she’s spent over a decade reshaping diversity and inclusion across the UK’s cultural industries. Now stepping into her new role as Chair of the Association of Illustrators (AOI), Dobrin brings her signature blend of strategic insight, empathy, and advocacy to one of the most respected creative institutions in the world. We caught up with Josie Dobrin OBE to talk about leadership, access, and her vision for the future of illustration.
You’ve just been appointed Chair of the Association of Illustrators. What does this role mean to you personally at this point in your career?
I am super honoured and excited to take on this opportunity. From the moment I saw it advertised, I felt there was great synergy between the demands of the role, and my own skills and interests. I am deeply committed to improving access to the Arts and it’s a real privilege to be able to work with the excellent team at the AOI. I have long admired the work of many of their patrons and the beautiful work showcased via the World Illustration Awards and on their Instagram channel. I am genuinely thrilled to be part of their team.
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AOI has long championed illustrators in the UK and beyond. What excites you most about leading the organisation into its next chapter?
It’s a tough employment market at the moment, so I’m eager to support illustrators at every stage of their careers. I am keen to amplify diverse voices, and ensure illustrators’ voices are heard in key conversations about rights, representation, and innovation I’m especially excited to support the AOI in deepening its advocacy, innovation, and global leadership and to (hopefully) contribute to the continued success of both the organisation and the sector as a whole.
You co-founded Creative Access, which has become a leading diversity organisation. How will that experience shape your work with AOI?
I’ve spent the past 14 years building the UK’s leading diversity organisation in the creative industries (Creative Access), first as Chief Executive and then as Executive Chair. My career has consistently centred around improving access, representation and sustainability in the Arts which chimes with the ethos of the AOI. I firmly believe that culture is shaped by people in leadership positions – and to that end, inclusion and belonging underpin everything that I do and will undoubtedly shape my work with the AOI.
Illustrators often face unique challenges in today’s fast-changing creative industries. Where do you see the biggest opportunities for them right now?
In today’s fast-changing and highly digital world, we’re seeing more illustrators getting directly involved with their local communities and making their work visible in a much more physical context—through exhibitions, fairs, live drawing, murals, or printed media. This shift toward tangible, face-to-face engagement offers a powerful way to build personal connections, foster collaboration, and kickstart valuable new projects. At the same time, digital platforms like Patreon and Substack are increasingly allowing illustrators to maintain creative control while building a direct audience and sustainable income streams.
Diversity and inclusion are central to your career. What specific changes do you hope to see in the illustration world over the next few years?
I would love to see more people from under-represented communities, not just enter the sector, but really thrive in it. This includes people from racially minoritised communities, lower socio-economic backgrounds and people with disabilities (including neurodivergence and mental health). To me, success means these illustrators getting regular commissions, representation, leadership roles and above all producing content that genuinely represents society.
Your background spans government, charities, community groups, and creative businesses. How does this mix of experience inform your leadership style?
My leadership style is firmly rooted in balancing commercial sustainability with social impact. With more than two decades of experience at the intersection of the creative industries, corporate and charitable sectors – including as a founder-CEO, non-executive director, and strategic consultant – I think I bring a blend of leadership, governance expertise, and sectoral insight that strongly aligns with the needs of the AOI at this pivotal moment in its journey.
The AOI supports illustrators at every stage of their careers. What advice would you give to emerging illustrators trying to establish themselves today?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be the finished article straight out of university or in the beginning of your profession – it takes time to find your niche and build a career. It’s an ongoing process and should be a fun one. Explore, play, create, connect. See what feels right and don’t be afraid to reach out to the AOI if you need further support.
Looking ahead, how do you envision AOI’s role evolving in supporting illustrators both in the UK and globally?
The AOI’s core mission, to support, empower, and champion illustrators, has remained unchanged for the past 50 years, but we’re always evolving our approach to keep up with the industry as it changes. We’ll continue to stand up for illustrators’ rights, serving as a strong advocate when it matters most and working to secure fair treatment and recognition for creators. By connecting illustrators across the UK and around the world through events, networking, and peer support, we help nurture a vibrant, welcoming community. And, of course, we’ll keep celebrating exceptional and innovative illustration talent worldwide, highlighting the valuable role illustrators play in today’s changing world.