What is it like to be an early career art therapist in Australia? I created these illustrations to highlight the unfortunate stress and anxiety often experienced by many master-level art therapy graduates.

However, these illustrations neither intend to criticise individuals or organisations, nor to deter aspiring art therapists from entering the field. Instead,

• It’s an acknowledgement of how determined and tenacious art therapists are despite the challenges we have to overcome.
• It’s an expression of gratitude for being a part of this tribe of passionate individuals who are committed to helping others through empathy and creativity.
• It’s a call for action that we, as an industry, need to create more blue oceans and increase the size of the pie rather than fighting for the same slice (i.e. promote the awareness of art therapy, demonstrate our values and cultivate new opportunities).

Click on each of the following images to enlarge them.