Back in 2023, I became the official sketchnote artist for The London Book Fair (LBF). As well as illustrating my experience and key sessions at the three-day fair and Writers’ Summit, I create visual summaries in the build-up and following the event. You can see all my past LBF sketchnotes here. Over the past three years, I’ve seen improvements made, heard topical conversations, and drawn a huge number of notes. Here’s my perspective from three years of sketchnoting for The London Book Fair.
Improvements made
The two main changes I’ve seen is improvements for sustainability and accessibility. I love seeing British Sign Language on the main stage and Author HQ, therapy/assistant dogs, wider aisles, and a quiet room. Sustainability is a big part of the seminar programme and has been put into practice with a transition to recyclable badge holders & lanyards, reusable signage, and paperless maps schedules, etc. on the LBF app with floorplans scattered across the halls. It’s great to see that considerations are being made so everyone can enjoy the event, and it’s hosted in an increasingly sustainable way.
Topical conversations
Over the past three years, there has been more conversation around diversity, equity & inclusion, and the rise of AI & technology. Diversity needs to be a long-term sustained approach and not just ‘the trendy thing.’ We need more diverse and inclusive authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals in the industry. In terms of AI & technology, rapid advancements are creating opportunities, challenges, and questions. For example, it’s easier than ever to adapt books into different formats and languages, but is the technology good enough? When is human involvement necessary? AI is trained on existing creative work and developed by English speakers. What about copyright laws and bias? I hope these two topical conversations continue beyond LBF and progress next year.
Fellow Creatives, you can borrow my notes
Writers and Illustrators, this is mostly for you. I’ve collated my notes from the past three years and shared top tips for inspiration & research, wellbeing, the process of writing/illustrating your book, and your creative career. Hope you find them useful.
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