Zoe Taylor

Zoe Taylor is a Senior Lecturer in Illustration at the University of Northampton, School of Art & Design, where she has been teaching since 2013. She has also served as a visiting lecturer at the Royal College of Art. Her work bridges academic research and professional illustration, with international exhibitions and publications.

Education:

• MA in Communication Art and Design, Royal College of Art (2007–2009)
• BA in Illustration, University of the Arts London (2004–2007)
• BA in Ancient History and Archaeology, University College London (1999–2002)

Zoe’s research focuses on visual narrative, cinematic drawing, lo-fi aesthetics in graphic art, fashion illustration, and the migration of icons across avant-garde and pop cultures. Her work interrogates themes of wonder, myth, romanticism, and the enduring relevance of the printed book. She explores narrative fragmentation and emotional resonance in both personal and commercial contexts.

Her recent creative and scholarly outputs span comics, editorial illustrations, exhibitions, and digital media. The articles reflect a consistent engagement with experimental storytelling, fashion illustration, and critical analysis of contemporary graphic artists. Her work often blends autobiography with cultural critique, particularly in the realms of comics and fashion.

Scientific and Professional Recognition:

• Contributing Editor, Varoom! The Illustration Report (2014–2020)
• Exhibitions at Angoulême International Comics Festival, New York Art Book Fair, Somerset House, and World Design Capital Taipei
• Published by Breakdown Press and featured in The Guardian, New York Times, Paris Review
• Collaborations with Chanel, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Luella, and Gucci campaigns

Zoe Taylor advises on visual culture and illustration trends through her editorial work and public lectures. She has received no explicitly mentioned grants, but her externally funded activities include international exhibitions and media features. Her professional network includes institutions like the Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, and Centre Pompidou.

She is actively involved in creative teams and collectives through anthology contributions (Landfill Editions, Otto Press, Lagon) and collaborative projects. Her future work continues to explore the boundaries of drawing as a narrative and critical medium.