Lucy Roscoe Artist Talk at Herron School of Art + Design – March 10, 2026

Join us for an inspiring artist talk with Lucy Roscoe, the talented illustrator and book artist from Scotland, hosted by the Herron School of Art and Design in collaboration with the Indiana University Library at Herron. This event took place on March 10, 2026, and was expertly moderated by Jackie Huddle, MSLIS, Head of the Herron Art Library.

In this captivating session, Lucy shares her journey from graduating with an undergraduate degree and MFA from Edinburgh College of Art to building a dynamic career blending illustration, printmaking, and sculptural book art. Drawing inspiration from travel, literature, archives, collections, gardening, and food, Lucy's work challenges traditional storytelling and redefines what a book can be. She dives into her creative process, favorite tools (like her trusty scalpel for cut work and Blackwing pencils for sketching), and what fuels her studio sessions, think BBC Radio 4 documentaries and eclectic tunes from Six Music.

Highlights include:

• Commercial Projects: Lucy walks us through her intricate maps for historic sites like Drumlanrig Castle and Raby Castle, where she even hand-painted a massive family tree mural on castle walls using heritage paints!
• Artist Books and Sculptural Work: Explore her award-winning pieces, such as the blind-embossed "Museum" (winner at the Visual Arts Scotland exhibition), the rubber-stamped "Rewilding" concertina book, the innovative "Swatch Book" made from beautiful paper scraps, and "Husif"—a fabric-inspired sewing kit book exploring themes of repair and visible mending.
• Collaborations and Teaching: Lucy discusses her partnerships with museums, libraries, and archives (including the National Museum of Scotland), plus her role as a lecturer in undergraduate illustration at Edinburgh College of Art. She also shares insights from organizing "Bookmarks," a vibrant artist's book and zine fair that empowers students to experiment, sell their work, and build communities.
• Q&A Gems: From combating burnout through playful experimentation (like her 100 books in 100 days challenge) to tips for artists using archives creatively, Lucy offers practical advice for emerging creators. She emphasizes saying "yes" to opportunities, finding balance in teaching and freelancing, and embracing the evolving illustration industry, even in the age of AI.

This talk is a must-watch for aspiring illustrators, drawers, and book artists! If you're a student passionate about illustration and drawing, Lucy's story will motivate you to play with materials, explore archives, and push the boundaries of your craft. Discover how everyday inspirations can turn into sculptural stories and sustainable careers. Whether you're into maps, printmaking, or experimental books, this session will spark your creativity and encourage you to dive deeper into the world of visual storytelling.

Don't forget to check out Lucy's work on display at the Herron Art Library which is perfect for hands-on inspiration!