Falmouth graduate discusses their World Illustration Award longlisted project
24 June 2025
Selected from 4,700 entries, Amy Anderson is celebrating seeing the work she created as part of her Final Major Project (FMP) on the longlist for the World Illustration Awards.
The award, now in its tenth year, is a global celebration of illustration, sharing work that explores a range of topics and genres, from advertising to animation. With Amy’s work longlisted for the ‘exploration’ category this opportunity gives her the chance to showcase her work while bidding for a cash prize.
Taking inspiration from traditional printmaking and folk art to highlight the stories of strong, forward-thinking women, Amy’s illustrations are a bright and vibrant response to Mexican wrestling. We chatted with the Illustration BA(Hons) graduate to learn more about the story and inspiration behind her work.
Can you tell us more about the theme of your Final Major Project (FMP) and what you hoped to convey through your illustrations?
The idea for my FMP, 'Las Pioneras de la Lucha Libre' ('The Female Pioneers of Mexican Wrestling' in English), began from researching how gender norms have been challenged within the world of sports. I discovered a group of Mexican female wrestlers from the 1950s and immediately fell in love with their stories, their Lucha Libre personas and the ways in which they confidently embraced a typically highly masculine profession.
Their stories and histories were not easily found, unlike those of many male Mexican wrestlers such as the notorious El Santo. I could only find documentation of their past through interviews and research conducted by researcher Marjolein Van Bavel. Her work became fundamental in the informing of my project, and she now has posters of my final pieces up in her office which I'm absolutely delighted about.
I wanted to share these inspirational women with others through illustration; to bring them out of history’s shadows while visualising the bright colours, energy and drama of Lucha Libre wrestling.
How did you find your time studying Illustration BA at Falmouth?
I had the best time at Falmouth, I felt so lucky to be supported by the illustration lecturers throughout my three years and to have had access to all the amazing facilities. I miss the studio, the team and the print workshops every single day!
How does it feel to be longlisted for the World Illustration Awards?
I feel absolutely over the moon to have been longlisted! Entering the industry as a freshly-graduated illustrator can be challenging, so I found the news really encouraging. The application process was very straightforward, but there are lots of different categories in which to submit your work. I'd recommend checking with others if they think the category that you've chosen is the right one.
What’s next?
I've recently moved to Brighton where I hope to continue to develop as a freelance illustrator and engage with lots of art-focused community projects. I'd like to do more printmaking as I miss the facilities at Falmouth, and in the very far future I would really love to set up my own studio with communal working areas, print facilities and workshop spaces. Fingers crossed!
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