Doesn't time fly! We couldn't quite believe it when we checked our diaries and realised a whole year has passed by since we signed Molly McCammon as part of our Handsome Future initiative. We caught up with Molly to hear how she's found the experience, find out what she's been working on and where she plans to go next.
How has the last year been for you?
It’s been exciting, at times challenging, but overall my most fulfilling working year yet. Winning the Handsome Future position was a turning point - a real baptism of fire. Until then, I’d mostly worked on smaller editorial projects, so stepping into larger-scale client work felt like a steep but rewarding learning curve. The pace and variety pushed me creatively and taught me a lot about what it takes to draw for a living. It hasn’t always been easy but I’ve grown a huge amount.
What has been the biggest challenge?
One of the biggest challenges has been managing multiple projects and timelines at once. I’ve had to become much more proactive with my time, building in buffer space and learning to expect the unexpected. On a more personal level, I’ve had to work on managing my own perfectionism. Fast turnarounds don’t always allow for the level of polish I’d always like, so I’ve had to streamline my process and be gentler with myself when things aren’t quite as refined as I’d imagined. Not all briefs, budgets and timelines are made equal - and that’s okay.
What 3 things have you learnt about yourself?
1. I’ve learned that you can really do this – being a full-time illustrator is possible!
2. I’ve learned to trust my instincts more and not second-guess every mark or concept.
3. I’ve realised how vital rest, routine and time away from the desk are to sustaining a creative practice. Burnout is real and balance is key!
Which project are you proudest of?
That’s a tough one but I think my work for Harry’s stands out. Seeing my illustrations featured in Tesco stores across the UK (and even on TV) was a real pinch-me moment. It was a relatively quick project, but the visibility and impact were huge. I liked the sentiment of the project too, it was all about celebrating the father/son relationship. It reminded me that, at its core, illustration is all about human experience and connection.
We worked together on an animation — how did you find that?
It was so much fun! The VANA team brought so much life to the original illustration. Watching the characters move and interact exactly as I’d imagined was genuinely magical. It gave me a new appreciation working collaboratively. I’m super open to more collaborations moving forward!
What’s been the biggest difference about working with an agent?
Before HF, I was juggling everything - drawing, emailing, invoicing, contracts, all of it. Since joining HF, I’ve been able to hand over some of those responsibilities and focus more fully on the creative side which has been a real gift. Most of all, it’s given me a sense of support and security. Knowing I’ve got experienced people in my corner, especially when stepping into unfamiliar territory, has made such a difference. It can be a solitary job but with HF it’s felt more like joining a family.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully another exciting year of creative work! I’d love to see my illustrations appear on more unexpected formats - it’s always a thrill when the work has a life beyond paper. I’m looking forward to pushing my practice further, exploring new kinds of briefs and continuing to grow.
Want to hear more of Molly's story? check out her episode of the Handsome Frank illustration podcast on Spotify, iTunes, youtube and most other platforms!
