VI Illustrators only dinner party
Photograph by Paolo Rui

European Illustrators Forum

The European Illustrators Forum - EIF - is a network of national associations of illustrators in European countries.

We provide a platform for contact and meetings between all European associations of professional illustrators.  We generally do this through campaigning, the organisation of conferences, exhibitions, research and education.
Moreover the EIF represents its association members’ common interests by liaising with the authorities of the European Union and other networks relevant to the profession of illustrators.

Our Mission

The EIF acts as a voice for illustration in Europe.

Our Mission is to communicate the value of illustration and image making in Europe and grow professional standards. We aim to further the exchange of knowledge and critical debate between professional illustrators and their clients.  Our focus is on protecting the rights of illustrators in Europe, improving contract standards and pricing within the industry.

12.000

ILLUSTRATORS

17

ASSOCIATIONS

3

AFFILIATIONS

2025

EIF is a free network of European non-profit associations of illustrators that share the same goals and principles, as indicated in the Mission.

Only associations of professional illustrators can acquire membership. Member associations have full voting rights at the general meeting and can become members of the board. Individuals can support EIF financially. Members are asked to support EIF with a yearly fee. This fee is based on the size of the association.

  • Small: 1 - 500 members: 100 €
  • Medium: 501- 1000 members: 300€
  • Large: 1001+ members: 500€

Affiliated Members must be willing to support EIF with a 100€ yearly fee.

The EIF Board is elected every two years during the General Assembly.
The board is not determined by financial capability of the member organisation but voted by the membership. The Board consist of 4 to 8 members. Four is the ‘quorum’ number for the Board.
The elected members assign roles based on the candidates’ merit and availability.

These must include the following positions:

  • President
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary

The Board members may also assign a Vice President, who can substitute the President whenever deemed necessary by the circumstances.

The EIF Board is composed of 7 members and is currently represented by:

    • President: ILLUSTRATOREN ORGANISATION, Germany (Anna Karina Birkenstock)
    • Vice President: FADIP Spain (Elisabeth Pérez Fernández )
    • Treasurer: The AOI, UK (Ren Renwick and Derek Brazell)
    • Secretary: ILLUSTRATORS PLATFORM, Turkye (Nurgül Sennefe)
    • SVENSKA TECKNARE, Sweden (Felicia Fortes)
    • AI, ASSOCIAZIONE AUTORI DI IMMAGINI, Italy (Paolo Rui and Stella Di Meo)
    • GRAFILL, Norway (Marianne Lind, Martin Hvattum)
    • BNO and the Illustration Embassy, The Netherlands (Marlies Visser)

Code of Ethics

Preamble
The European Illustrators Forum is committed to fostering a professional community rooted in respect, inclusivity, and the highest ethical standards. This code of ethics serves as a guiding document for all members, future members, partners and collaborations.
Core Values
1. Commitment to Intellectual Property Rights
Our intellectual property is our most valuable asset and the foundation of an illustrator’s livelihood. The EIF is committed to protecting copyright legislation and ensuring it is upheld and respected within the industry.
2. Respect for Human Rights
We uphold the fundamental human rights of every individual, irrespective of nationality, ethnicity, sex, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. Our commitment is to nurture an environment where all voices and creative expressions are valued and respected.
3. Equality and Inclusivity
We advocate for equal opportunities for all illustrators, celebrating diversity and embracing the unique perspectives that enrich our creative community.
EIF is open to both small and large associations. We offer an inclusive forum for both well-established organisations and those still being set up. We share knowledge and experiences to help to create joint resources, to benefit a diverse range of illustration communities.
4. Professional Integrity
We commit to honesty, transparency, and accountability in all EIF professional interactions.
5. Independence from State and Politics
We are committed to maintaining independence from state and political influences. While we respect the role of governments and institutions, our decisions and actions are guided solely by our mission to support illustrators and uphold ethical principles.
6. Sustainability
We aim to promote environmentally responsible practices within the creative industries, encouraging sustainable approaches to illustration and related activities.
Commitment
We collectively strive to create a professional community that is built on respect, creativity, and shared responsibility.

Board Members