Interview: Rosalyn Burroughs

Award Year
2025

Why did you choose to enter this work?
I enjoy creating work that helps people learn in an engaging and accessible way. This project allows people to learn more about the achievements of women in the transport industry.

What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
Seeing my artwork out and about. Living in Bristol City Centre and having the bus pass through town every few hours is amazing.

What excites you most about being shortlisted?
Starting a career as an illustrator can be very confusing. Being shortlisted is very exciting as it is a nice reassurance that I am going in the right direction.

Where do you usually work?
I work primarily on an iPad; I like the convenience of this as it allows me to work from everywhere. I often draw on any train or bus journey that I am on and work on sketches during my commute.

How long did it take to complete your project?
I completed my initial design for this project in just over 48 hours, as I initially submitted my design for an open call. I then spent a couple of days working on amendments.

What is your dream commission?
To work with TFL on an advertising campaign. I am a big advocate for public transport and the benefits it has. Seeing the illustration they have commissioned in the past always improves my commute.

What’s your favourite thing to draw?
My favourite thing to draw is people. I love how illustration can be used to share information, and can be used to help the public learn more about people through history.

What is your best tip for other illustrators?
Approaching illustration with enthusiasm. Be friendly, don’t play down your skills and remember to tell people that you are good at what you do.

What are your plans for the future?
Long term, I would like to work in children’s non-fiction illustration. Being Dyslexic, I know how important it is to help engage children who may struggle to engage with written information.


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