Appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
I’ve taken many extreme risks in my time. In 2009, when I was very poor and living in Scotland, I withdrew $30k on 10 credit cards to take the jazz singer I managed to New York to ‘break’ her here.

Before I took out the money, I realised I wasn’t going to lie on my deathbed regretting Mastercard bills. So I did it.

I starved. And failed. But I did fall in love with New York and made friends I’d never have made if I hadn’t risked it.

More recently, in 2021, I wanted to move back to New York permanently, so I sold my house and all my lifelong possessions on the off-chance that President Biden would reopen the border between the UK and US during Covid.

He didn’t do it in time for me, so I had to move out and let the buyers of my house in. Then, as I was sofa-surfing, I managed to get a chance at a National Interest Exception visa to travel during the pandemic. I travelled to London to be interviewed at the embassy, then had a tense 2 weeks waiting for their approval . Then I needed a negative PCR test 12 hours before I flew. I got the results 6 hours before I had to be at the airport.

When I got on the plane, there were only about 6 passengers, including me – hardly anyone had permission to travel then.

When the pilot touched down and said: “Welcome to New York,” I burst into tears with relief.

Then I had to spend another $15k and the best part of a year creating a 400-page submission for my ‘genius’ green card, in the knowledge that you can do everything that immigration asks for and they still might not give you it. My green card arrived last week.

Can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m an award-winning papercutting illustrator and author, who loves solving problems and spurring others into action through the power of art.

A journalist and creative director too, I use strong conceptual images to convey the news and powerful ideas to make them linger in the memory.

I won my second American Illustration Award in 2022 and I’ve been shortlisted in the World Illustration Awards twice.​

My fine art has been exhibited at the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy and I have two self-illustrated books out worldwide – First Art Kit: 25 Creative Papercraft Remedies for What Ails You, and Papercut This Book. My third book – which is about woodworking for beginners – is coming out next year.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
As a former PR account director, I’m going to say ‘publicity’.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I had a very difficult childhood, with two alcoholic parents and multiple traumas peppered throughout my life that left me with PTSD. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from 23 years of therapy, it’s that one’s position isn’t fixed – no matter how bleak things may appear, they can still change at any point.

Although, I’m not a huge fan of Churchill, I do often return to his quote: “When you’re going through hell, keep going.”

Resilience strategies that you learn as a child are not always necessary, or desirable, as an adult. In fact, they often have the effect of damaging you as an adult.

I talk about this a lot in my book, First Art Kit, which is a mix of psychology and craft.

 Contact Information:

• Website: Boopaterson.com
• Instagram: @Officialboopaterson
• Twitter: @lushlifeboo

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