Visual Artist & Educational Illustrator
My name is Sophie Cousin, I’m a creative professional with over 15 years of experience in educational illustration, scientific visualization, and community engagement through art. Specialized in making complex subjects accessible through visual storytelling, with particular expertise in autism awareness, child development, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Passionate about using creativity as a tool for positive social change and education.
I bridge science and art through my specialized training: – Ergonomics & Cognitive Sciences background – ensuring content adapts to how people learn and process information – Professional illustration training – transforming complex concepts into engaging visuals – Art Therapy certification (MTU Cork) – understanding the therapeutic and emotional impact of visual storytelling This combination allows me to create educational comics that are not only visually appealing but also cognitively accessible and emotionally resonant.
I’m living in Ireland with my Irish son and his dad for the last 10 years.
My Art work in Ireland
Cork County Council and Living Youghal (2022-2024)
Freelance Illustrator
- Created historical illustrations showcasing Cork’s heritage sites
- Developed visual narratives for public education and tourism promotion
St Mary Collegiate Church, Youghal ( Scroope Design 2020)
Historical Illustrator
- Designed and executed permanent exhibition featuring historical fresco illustrations
- Collaborated with heritage specialists to ensure historical accuracy
University College Cork (UCC) (2018-2021)
Scientific Illustrator
- Produced technical illustrations for academic research publications
- Translated complex scientific concepts into accessible visual formats
Cork Airport Art Exhibition – Youghal Promotion Project (2018 )
- Co-organized and curated art exhibition with local artists to promote Youghal town
- Secured funding through partnerships with local businesses and stakeholders
- Managed exhibition logistics, artist coordination, and public engagement
French Art Works & Editorial Illustrations
“Le guide illustré de l’Introvertis épanoui” ( Editis publisher, Dec 2025) [ lllustrated guide for Introverts ]
Book Illustrator
- Creating visual guide for understanding and embracing introversion
- Developing empathetic illustrations to support personal development
“Accompagner un enfant autiste à la maison” written by Zohra Meghraoui, ( Eyrolles publisher, march 2024 ) [ “Supporting an autistic child at home – Understanding their experiences and helping them develop their skills and potential ]”
Book Illustrator | Available on Amazon
- Illustrated comprehensive parent guide for supporting autistic children
- Collaborated with specialists to create sensitive, informative visual content
“De quoi as-tu besoin ?! Comprendre le développement de son enfant pour une parentalité éclairée” written by Gaëlle Guernalec-Levy for the Children Foundation ( First publisher , June 2022). [ What do you need?! – Understanding your child’s development for conscious parenting ]
Book Illustrator | https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B09ZNM6RM
- Partnership with Fondation pour l’Enfance charity
- Illustrated guide to non-violent parenting and child cognitive development
“Dans les yeux d’Emma et Teddy, aborder l’autisme de façon ludique et pédagogique” by Zohra Meghraoui (Tom Pousse publisher, March 2018) [ In Emma and Teddy’s eyes, approach autism in a fun and educational way ]
Book Illustrator | Available on Amazon
- Educational autism awareness book for general audiences
- Funded by charitable organizations, written with education specialists
“Petits instants parents-enfants“ (2018)
Book Illustrator
- Educational publication promoting positive parenting approaches
- Collaboration with anti-violence charity organizations
“Le père effacée“, illustrated novel written by Marthe Marandola ( A Egalité, 2015 )
Editorial & Magazine French Work
LGBT+ Magazine (2014-2020)
Illustrator & Content Creator
- Created illustrations and visual stories highlighting LGBTQ+ experiences
- Developed awareness campaigns through visual storytelling
Science Féminine (2017)
Online Illustrator
- Illustrated features celebrating women’s contributions to science
- Created engaging visual content for digital platforms
AFDET Métiers (2016)
Educational Illustrator
- Government-commissioned project promoting women in industrial sectors
- Developed career guidance illustrations for educational use
Bronchiolite Awareness Campaign (2015)
Medical Illustrator
- Created educational materials about infant bronchiolitis
- Published in print and digital formats through health charities
Community Engagement & Volunteering
Comic Book Workshops for Children (2015)
- Facilitated creative workshops teaching character design and visual storytelling
- Guided children through the complete process: from character creation to graphic narrative composition
- Developed age-appropriate techniques for sequential art and panel layout
Science Education Outreach (2009-2012)
Science Festival Educator
- Annual participation in science festivals and astronomy events
- Used cartoon and comic techniques to teach science to diverse audiences
- Specialized in making complex scientific concepts accessible to children and adults
Digital Literacy Training (2008)
Volunteer Instructor
- Taught computer skills to immigrant women at Paris community center
- Provided three-month intensive training program
Therapeutic Recreation (1996-1999)
Summer Camp Counselor
- Worked with children with disabilities and chronic illnesses
- Integrated creative activities into therapeutic programming
Education & Professional Development
Munster Technological University, Cork (July 2024 – April 2025)
Certificate L8 – Principles of Art Therapy
- Advanced study in therapeutic applications of creative practice
- Focus on healing and personal development through artistic expression
École Artistique de BD Jean Trubert, Antony, France (2011-2012)
Cartoonist Certificate L7
- Specialized training in illustration, cartoons, and comic art
- Advanced techniques in visual storytelling and character development
CNAM Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers, Paris, France (2008)
Ergonomics & Cognitive Sciences
- Studied human factors in design, focusing on creating user-friendly tools and environments
- Analyzed cognitive processes to understand how people learn, perceive, and retain information
- Applied ergonomic principles to improve accessibility and reduce cognitive load in communication
BAFA Certification (1996-1997)
Special Needs Training L4
- Qualified to work with adults and children with special needs
- Comprehensive training in adaptive programming and inclusive practices
