IN THE MIDDLE OF MIRROR
Reflections from emerging illustrator, Leila Frijat
In partnership with Scribble Kids, Think+DO Tank Foundation’s (TDTF) MIRROR Mentorship program pairs three emerging bilingual artists in children’s literature with established figures in the field for a year of mentorship, masterclasses, and networking opportunities. 2025’s mentees Huaning Wu, Lima Maula, and Leila Frijat, have all been hard at work on their new projects, and we can’t wait to share them with you. Until then, we’re bringing you their thoughts on the process so far, starting with Leila.
Before joining this program, the idea of working on a picture book felt like an impossibly steep uphill climb. Through MIRROR, I've been given the support, insight, and encouragement to seriously pursue a long-held ambition (one I'm not too sure would have felt achievable otherwise).
The generosity and openness of my mentor, alongside the guidance from Think+DO Tank, Scribble Books, and our guest speakers, created a rare space where every question was met with a thoughtful and considered response. This honesty demystified the process of what it takes to make a children's book and shed light on aspects of the industry that I had not even thought to consider.
It's been deeply rewarding to work with my mentor to push my illustrative practice further in ways that previously felt impossible. Receiving consistent feedback on a single project highlighted the value of sharing works-in-progress and helped me enjoy the challenges of making original works. It's shown me how vital collaboration is to creative work.
Working with my mentor has also been particularly affirming. While I still consider myself an emerging illustrator, it was affirming to find some of my conversations with my mentor were occurring on a peer-to-peer level.
As a mentee, I feel incredibly lucky to have had such access and support through this program.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Leila Frijat (b. 1997, Meanjin) is a multidisciplinary artist and illustrator who resides and practices in Gadi Country. She was recently awarded second place in fortyfivedownstairs’ galleries ‘Emerging Artist Award’ for work developed during her residency at the Gorman and Ainslie Arts Centres, ACT.
She has been commissioned by Blacktown City Council, WOTSO Coworking spaces, and Westpoint Shopping Centre to create several public art works involving community consultation. Exhibitions of Leila’s work have been held at FortyFiveDownstairs Gallery, Gaffa Gallery, Comber Street Gallery, and Pari. Her work has been reviewed in publications including Artshub and Framework.
To learn more about Leila’s work and see the incredible work of previous winners and current mentees alike, check out the MIRROR site here.
Who are Scribble Books?
Scribble, the children’s imprint of Scribe Publications, is an award-winning, independent publisher of vibrant and thought-provoking picture books. Working with artists from around the world, we endeavour to publish titles that are inclusive and that represent the many different internal and external realities that children face.