Throughout March we are celebrating Women in the Arts with a connection to the Isle of Man. The aim of this series is to highlight the challenges that women face in the creative industry, share some advice to younger creatives and also to celebrate these women in their achievements. 

Professor Jo Davies is a professional illustrator, writer, publisher and academic. Jo lives on the Isle of Man and has been a former college tutor at UCM.

What is your professional background in the arts?

I began my professional career as an illustrator and was lucky to have great clients in advertising, publishing, design and children’s’ books as well as exhibiting and selling artwork. When I was in my 30s, I also began lecturing in universities, managing a degree course in illustration alongside my freelance career. When my daughter was born 18 years ago, I cut down my university work and instead moved into research that led to writing books, organising conferences and editing a journal.  All of these things combined resulting in me being recognised as being an international expert in my field and being awarded a Professorship in Illustration at The University of Plymouth.

What inspired you to pursue a career as an author and illustrator  …?

When I was a young child, I loved books and stories and wanted to be a writer. My love of drawing evolved when I was in my teens and I became addicted. Illustration was the most natural route, given the way approached making imagery. My career wasn’t planned- I just wanted to make pictures. There was no one more surprised than me when I realised much later in my career that I had also crept towards realising my ambition of being a writer: I was inspired to write about illustration and eventually had books published.

What are the current challenges for women in your creative industry?

Both industries are really hard to break into and establish a career within for both genders because like most freelance practices the extra skillset around being an entrepreneur and running a business can be hard to acquire. Individuality and ideas are respected and sought by clients within the creative industry, more than qualifications or what’s on the cv and gender doesn’t really enter into this equation. The big challenge for anyone, whether in making imagery or writing, is to sustain a personal voice and to keep going in the face of rejection! I think that for women in particular the maternity penalty can be real – juggling family and household responsibilities alongside the demands of erratic pay and awkward deadlines can be challenging.

What progress have you seen for women in your field?

Within the educational sector I think there are now many more women in senior roles in universities.  Within the creative industries there seems to be a greater female presence in the gallery sector and more women in directorial and curatorial roles.

Share a women’s empowerment moment that inspired you.

When I was promoted to being a Professor, I did feel more empowered. I notice in some contexts that the title elicits a particular attitude from those around me and this leads to me being more confident in particular academic roles where I may have otherwise been less assertive.

What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women of your age?

For me it’s about much more selective about the projects I choose to get involved with, being conscious of the time I have and not wanting to squander it. The visual arts are very much trend based and it’s easy to be squeezed out by new stylistic fashions, to get pigeonholed or stuck in a rut. I think keeping optimistic, creative and open to discovery- excited about the potential of what lies ahead, is vital. 

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

Both men as well as women support me professionally- I don’t discriminate!  Without friends and family giving honest feedback about my ideas and supporting me when I’m down I would be less secure about taking risks and moving in new directions.

In the wake of International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about a career in the arts?

  • Success doesn’t usually happen overnight but is more likely to happen if are passionate about what you do.
  • Aim to be the best version of yourself, whatever it is that you do. Look towards other people for inspiration and advice but aim to find who you are. 
  • Join communities of like-minded people and give support in the network as well being on the receiving end of it. Reach out to more experienced members of the community or find a mentor to hold your hand or push you from behind.
  • Fake it till you make it- don’t let fear of failure get in the way!

What have you been working on?

Jo Davies exhibition Story From Stone , that was supported by The Isle of Man Arts Council, is extended at The Manx Museum until Sunday 23 May

Jo is co-author of Making Great Illustration, Becoming A Successful Illustrator and Understanding Illustration  all published by Bloomsbury Books

You can see more of Jo’s recent work at jodaviesillustration.com