Picture Hooks provides opportunity and development for emerging picture book illustrators

We help illustrators access the world of children’s publishing.

Although based in Edinburgh, Picture Hooks support is available for all emerging illustrators.

Find out more about our programme >>

Illustration by Selina Young

New Picture Hooks Competition!

We are delighted to announce our latest competition on the theme of Kindness. It is taking place during October, November and December and there will be two competitions. The winner of each competition will receive a prize of £1,000. More details about the competition, including how to enter.

Latest from our blog

Illustration by Selina Young

New Picture Hooks Competition!

We are delighted to announce our latest competition on the theme of Kindness. It is taking place during October, November and December and there will be two competitions. The winner of each competition will receive a prize of £1,000. More details about the competition, including how to enter.

October 17, 2022
Illustration of a bear

Mentoring Programme now open

Calling all emerging children’s book illustrators! Our mentoring programme is now open. Don’t miss the chance to give your craft a final polish and launch your career as a fully-fledged children’s book illustrator. Paired with an established illustrator over nine months, selected mentees will develop specific pieces of work, attend masterclasses and meet publishers, finishing […]

September 12, 2022
Illustration by Anders Frang

New Picture Hooks Competition!

We are delighted to announce our latest competition on the theme of Friendship. It is taking place during May and June and there will be two competitions. The winner of each competitions will receive a prize of £1,000. More details about the competition, including how to enter.

May 4, 2022

Buddy Scheme

Are you a passionate artist from a non-traditional illustration background? Perhaps you love drawing vibrant characters or telling a story through pictures but haven’t thought about doing a MA, or have honed your skills in a different industry altogether. Our buddy scheme pairs creative artists with established children’s picture book illustrators for six months to develop […]

April 19, 2022
Illustration of Mouse and Mole by James Mayhew

New Picture Hooks Competition!

We are delighted to announce our latest competition on the theme of Peace. It is taking place during February and March and there will be two competitions. The winner of each competitions will receive a prize of £1,000. More details about the competition, including how to enter.

February 1, 2022
Cover illustration of 'We're Going On a Picnic' by Pat Hutchins (Red Fox, 2013)

New Picture Hooks Competition!

We are delighted to announce our latest competition: From Seed to Table–Summer Surprises! It is taking place over August and there will be two competitions. The winner of each competitions will receive a prize of £1,000. More details about the competition, including how to enter.

July 16, 2021