Josh and his family have a long connection with Mencap, and his artwork has already helped highlight important issues. His powerful illustration for Mencap's Homes Not Hospitals campaign, featured as part of the exhibition sharing the experiences of people with a learning disability being locked up.

Recently, Josh spent two days at Mencap's office working alongside our senior brand designer and graphic designer, on a new creative project.

A hand holding a large artist pen is drawing an outline of feet onto paper

His challenge was to create a collection of hand-drawn icons for use across Mencap's digital content. From complicated health-related illustrations, such as a stethoscope, to fundraising symbols like a donation box, Josh started transforming ideas into sketches.

I've always enjoyed drawing, and I like creating art that can help people.

Working with Mencap’s brand and communications team gave Josh the opportunity to share his artistic talent, while also learning more about the design process, including how hand drawn artwork can be turned into digital illustrations.

Josh and Annie are both looking at a sketch on a laptop screen in the Mencap office

His passion for current affairs and social issues also plays a big part in his work. He believes art can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and encouraging change.

It's been really interesting to see how my artwork can be used to support Mencap's work.

Seeing Josh's illustrations develop from hand drawn sketches into digital designs is a great reminder of the importance of collaboration and creating opportunities for people to share their talents.

Josh and Annie are both looking at a hand drawn sketch on a laptop screen in the Mencap office

We're so grateful to Josh for giving his time, enthusiasm and artistic skills, and we're excited to see his illustrations appear across Mencap's online content in the future.