Mr Adam Graff

Graphic Design & Illustration BA (Hons) Senior Lecturer 

Adam Graff has worked as an illustrator and educator for over 20 years.

Throughout his illustration career, he has worked for a variety of prestigious clients across all of the main industry platforms including advertising, design, editorial, and publishing. Professional highlights include: over 30 selected images in the coveted AOI Images ‘best of British illustration’ competition, two of which, being category winners. His work has been recognized internationally featuring in the American published 3x3 annuals.  Adam regularly exhibits his work in London both individually and as part of the Hero of Switzerland collective. Events include: PICK ME UP Graphic Art Festival, Somerset House; London (and Brighton) Illustration Fair (LIF/ BIF); East London Comic Art Festival (ELCAF); House of Illustration Illustration Fair. 

Adam has been involved with the Association of Illustrators (AOI) since 1997 serving on the board for 12 years and more recently on the Illustration Awards committee. Through his work with the AOI and long and varied career, Adam has developed close links with industry forming long-standing relationships with commissioners, agents and fellow practitioners.

“ I have always been a strong supporter of the AOI. Apart from being a great bunch of dedicated people, the AOI is the main force behind supporting illustrators and protecting their rights. Working with the association helps me contribute in a small way to the wider picture”.

Dividing his time between teaching and his professional practice allows Adam to understand the individual needs of the student and impart invaluable advice and expertise.

“for me, keeping the right balance between teaching and running my illustration business is crucial to offer students an informed and up to date perspective of the industry”.

Adam’s style of teaching is robust but nurturing, exploring possibility while encouraging the natural path of the student.

“The University of Hertfordshire’s BA (hons) illustration pathway provides the platform for exploration and growth. The emphasis is on developing the student’s individual visual language through inquisitiveness, experimentation and investigation. We aim to guide creativity and support the individual’s evolving expertise".   

2016
Dec - London Illustration Fair (LIF) - Hero of Switzerland, OXO Tower
Oct - ANORAK - Cover
May - Arty Farty, Hero of Switzerland group show, 54th Base Gallery
Mar - Secret 7", work selected, Songs Studios

2015
Aug - The Greatest Little Art Show in E17, Group show/ fundraiser
May - Pushing the Envelope - Group Show, House of Illustration
Apr - Rad Science, Hero of Switzerland group show, 54th Base Gallery
Mar - Secret 7", work selected, Somerset House
Feb - True Romance - film inspired poster design show, East End Prints

2014
Jul - group show, The London Illustration Fair
Jun - solo exhibition - I collect 2 Parallax Art Fair, Chelsea
Jun - group show, East London Comics and Arts Festival (ELCAF)
May - solo exhibition - I collect. E17 Art Trail
Apr - PICK ME UP graphic art festival, Somerset House

2013
Oct - studio tour and interview - Lazy Oaf
Jul - Hero of Switzerland residency, Something Else, Bristol - Travel
Jul - AOI Featured artist
Jun - TASTY illustration with a local twist part of the Appetite festival, group exhibition.
May - studio visit profile PICK ME UP website
Apr - PICK ME UP graphic art Festival - Hero of Switzerland, Somerset House
Feb - Cover Star, The EList magazine.

2012
Oct - World Illustration Awards children's books bronze winner. Exhibition at Somerset House + national tour.
Sep - To Your Health, Hero of Switzerland group exhibition - Lomography Gallery, Spitalfields.
May - Happy Birthday Edward Lear, group exhibition - Poetry Society, Covent Garden, London
Apr - Spring at the Smokehouse, group exhibition, Foreman's Gallery.
Mar - 3x3 directory - work selected
Mar - Picture Show - Film themed group show. Everyman Cinema, Hampstead

2011
Nov - iq2If conference graphic facilitation, Scriberia.