Zara Wood

Zara Wood is a Senior Lecturer at Ravensbourne University London, leading Level 5 and 6 modules on the Bachelor of Arts in Illustration for Communication. Her work bridges fine art, design, and illustration, emphasizing collaborative projects and public art with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. She explores the sociocultural and biological implications of handedness in decision-making and dementia through practice-led research combining observational drawing and contemporary dance.

Previously, Zara won a staff excellence award at Falmouth University for fostering diversification. She is an invited member of the International Association of Illustration Academics and hosts the Rave About Illustration podcast, shedding light on the profession’s role in visual storytelling and industry challenges. Her teaching prioritizes critical research and practical skills for future illustrators.

Zara’s research and creative practice highlight illustration’s potential for societal impact, advocating for inclusive studio environments and interdisciplinary approaches. She emphasizes sustainability in creative work and collaborates globally on projects ranging from hospital commissions to sustainable design collections.