Public Speaking & Education

I’ve spoken at a huge number of events and love meeting new audiences, passing on my experience and answering questions - even the hard ones I wasn’t expecting - online and in person. Here are some of my current and previous engagements.

School events

Member of Speakers For Schools | ongoing

Journalist Robert Peston’s programme of providing professional speakers to schools around the UK.

Higher & Further Education

From the very start of my career I've been energetically involved in education and the next generation of creative professionals.
I was even a part-time course director for a while (which was very demanding alongside a full time illustration business!)

I've given talks to students from Primary School through A Levels, BTEC, HND, BA, MA and beyond, on most aspects of creative life and business.

Workshops & Demos

I carry out interactive, relaxed workshops in-agency or at purpose booked venues. Examples include introducing teams at Leo Burnett and Saatchi to the playful joys of ink on paper! I run them in schools, colleges and universities, too.

Other events

If it involves creativity, children, pencils, consultation; judging a competition; discussions, portfolio advice or talking about books, promotion or business - I've done it, and can do it for you!

If you're scheming on an idea, get in touch. I've done all of these and more (usefully linked where available):

Portfolio reviews events or educational settings
Consultation
Advice / Q&A sessions
Competition judging
Degree and post-grad external examiner / moderator
Wacom Demonstrations (as a Wacom sponsored artist)

Adobe Demonstrations (live and online)

Lettering Workshops
Pen & Ink Workshops

National Teen Book Week events
World Book Day events

Professional Practice events

Association of Illustrators past speaker and Images judge

Pecha Kucha 20x20

Sarah, your talk was an inspiration to our young illustrators and artists and as a result some are keen to follow their dreams and pursue a career in art. Thank you so much! - Hastings High School

If you’d like to book me for any event or for your school, university or college, please email.
If you want to hear about upcoming events, the best plan is to sign up to my Monthly Newsreel!

Selected past events

ME+AI, Edinburgh College of Art

A lively and irreverent, highly illustrated narrative based on my series of writings about AI.

Adobe Educational Summit, London

A talk about my illustration career together with the UK launch of our first documentary ‘Stupid Enough’.

Coventry University, UK

I can deliver online talks as well as in-person - though I always prefer the latter.

'Stupid Enough', Schmiede, Hallein, Austria

Premiering our first documentary ‘Stupid Enough’ to an international audience of multi-disciplinary creatives.

One of my High School visits, with individual project reviews and advice

I've done lots of these in school settings - I loved school, so I love being back in that environment!

Illustration Symposium, Birmingham Institute of Art & Design

I've sat on many a panel discussing myriad illustration and type-related issues.

Authors Engaging Students, Greensboro, USA

Discussing my short-story horror projects with Josh Allen.

Creative Kickstart with Sarah Coleman, Farnborough College, UK

Half interview, half inspiration from behind a covid-safe screen!

Apple Store, Covent Garden, London

A talk on my lifelong blend of lettering and type with imagery, live on a stage deep inside the store.

Made On A Mac, Apple Store, Regent Street, London

A live in-store session integrating the iPad Pro and Apple pencil with my analogue workflow.