Our guest this week is Rachael Dean, an illustrator best known for bringing to life the beloved stories of Dame Jacqueline Wilson. Rachael’s journey has been anything but straightforward. From long nights sketching in her childhood bedroom to being headhunted by Penguin Random House, her path has been shaped by persistence, family support, and a belief in manifestation. Within just a few years, she went from struggling freelance artist to illustrating for one of the UK’s most iconic children’s authors - a dream she unknowingly set in motion as a child herself. Rachael opens up about the realities of freelance life, from its unpredictability to the importance of resilience, savings, and diversifying income. She also shares how connection, both with children at events and through her own family, continues to inspire her creativity.This is a conversation about art, self-belief, navigating crossroads, and the joy of creating stories that shape childhoods.If you enjoyed this episode, please click follow. It means the world and allows us to keep creating. You can also follow us on Instagram ⁠@thecrossroadpod⁠.And a big shout out to Prism Studios - the team behind the episode you are hearing today!

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