Dapo Adeola ends BookTrust residency: 'I've learned a whole lot about what is possible'

Published on: 18 February 2022

Dapo Adeola is coming to the end of his time as BookTrust Writer-Illustrator in Residence! Here, he looks back at what he's got up to - and says thank you...

Photo © Tim Lane, Penguin Books

Hey everyone - it's me, Dapo Adeola here!

I just wanted to say a few words as we come to the end of my time as BookTrust Writer-Illustrator in Residence. My whole short journey as a professional illustrator and author has been a huge learning curve and this residency was an opportunity to put some of those lessons to the test.

I got to share some of the things I've learned about storytelling, to give aspiring authors and story-lovers a glimpse of what goes into making their favourite books from some of the actual creatives who make them, and I got the opportunity to give a future generation of storysmiths the chance to have their characters bought to life professionally.

And I learned a whole lot about what is possible while doing it all.

Thank you so much to all the children across the country who entered my character design competition! There's so much talent out there, it fills me with confidence for what's ahead in the industry.

Thank you to all the aspiring authors who attended the monthly writers clinic I held. I look forward to your individual debuts, and I'm rooting for you.

Thank you to my peers who volunteered to host the clinics with me - your input was invaluable.

Thank you to the BookTrust team for supporting my residency at every turn - I couldn't have done it without you and the patience you've shown me and my work schedule.

And last but by no means least, thank YOU, the readers, for the continued love and support you show us who make these books. We wouldn't be what we are without you.

Find out more about BookTrust's Writer in Residence