From University Workshop to First Art Commission

How BA Illustration at Middlesex University helped Lauren Pinnock embrace creative experimentation, connect with her community and turn an internship with Barnet Council into a first art commission.

Finding the freedom to explore illustration

I've always been the "artsy" one in my circle – whether that was visual or performing arts, I was all for it. After college, I was eventually convinced to follow my family's footsteps into professional jobs, which went against every fibre of my being. 

Fast forward to 2025, I had my quarterlife crisis and left my job without a plan. With no clear path forward, I decided it was time to follow my dreams and enrolled on BA Illustration at Middlesex. Best. Decision. Ever.

The most enjoyable part is being in a space where you can truly let loose. The plethora of resources available at Middlesex is what attracted me here, and they certainly haven't disappointed! 

When I started, I was comfortable drawing still life with pen and ink and had little interest in exploring other materials, colours or techniques. I was adamant my practice was set in stone, with zero interest in exploring materials, colours or methods. But my course leader and the team have completely rewired my brain. I'm now a curious soul who enjoys the process rather than fixating on outcomes. I've loved printmaking, sticker making, and learning that illustration goes beyond pretty pictures – it's an artistic practice that can make or break a culture.

For me, studying illustration at Middlesex has been about discovering what my practice could become, with the encouragement to experiment rather than stick to what I already know.

From the classroom to a community art project

When my course leader, Louise, told us about an animation workshop with artist Emma Tominey and Barnet Council, plus the chance to apply for an internship, I jumped at the opportunity. I’d always been curious about multimedia animation and knew how valuable work experience could be. The From Barnet, with love workshop invited people to create postcards celebrating local places using collage, pens and paint. It was a great way to explore how illustration can bring people’s memories, experiences and connections to their community to life.

Towards the end of the workshop, we interns were allowed to complete a postcard to submit with the others. There was a meadow that supported my first-ever art commission, which I managed to get from initially speaking to Kate McBride from Barnet Council, who was present when they advertised the opportunity at university and on the day of the workshop.

This internship was extra special because I gained hands-on experience in participatory arts and landed my first-ever art commission, all because I worked up the courage to network with people outside my usual circles.

I'll be honest, the thought of running an art workshop for the public made me cringe at first. But I've always believed in "feel the fear and do it anyway", so I pushed myself to give it a go – and I have zero regrets!

The experience taught me how important it is to bring communities into my practice. As visual practitioners, we have the unique ability to communicate ideas and tell stories through imagery, and I want to explore how I can use that to connect with people.

The project also helped me connect my illustration practice with my interest in London's wildlife and ecology, and showed me how creative work can encourage community participation and environmental awareness.

Feel the fear and do it anyway

My experience reinforced that philosophy significantly. Now I'm reaching out to all the other boroughs of London to express my interest in using illustration as a tool to educate Londoners about the wildlife in their respective boroughs, while creatively expressing their uniqueness as individuals and alongside their wildlife.

For me, studying BA Illustration at Middlesex has been about so much more than developing my creative skills. It's given me the confidence to try new things, connect with people in the industry and turn opportunities into real-world experience. The Light + Flight internship was proof that sometimes, fortune really does favour the brave.