Toyin Possible: More Than a Job
Also known as the Gel Pen Queen, Toyin is an Artbox Artist-turned-Studio Assistant who has been part of the Artbox community for many years. Over time, she has grown into a valued member of our staff team, excelling both as an artist and in her Studio Assistant role.
Every week, she carries out a range of Health and Safety checks to help ensure the studio remains a safe, welcoming and comfortable space for everyone. Toyin is also responsible for preparing and dispatching artworks sold through our online shop, carefully packaging each piece and often including handwritten thank you notes for buyers. She helps keep the studio organised, supports artists and volunteers as they settle in, and is a familiar source of support for artists, volunteers and staff alike.
Toyin is employed by Artbox and earns above the London Living Wage, recognising the important contribution she makes to the day-to-day running of the studio. She also works alongside a Job Coach each day she is in the studio (twice a week), who supports her with her daily tasks. Her Job Coach has been instrumental in developing her skills and building resilience when faced with challenges in the workplace.
In conversation with Toyin, we asked what she has learned since becoming a Studio Assistant, and she told us: “Taking time, taking things slowly, learning and understanding about health & safety rules, saying when things are about to run out in advance so we don’t run out of any materials. And if I don’t understand - to ask.”
Over the four years Toyin has worked with us, her confidence in her skills and role at Artbox has grown. Artists and other staff members regularly comment on how good she is at keeping the studio safe and clean, and staff frequently turn to her when they need help finding a particular art material or finished painting. Her experience demonstrates that the benefits of paid work extend far beyond financial independence, contributing to a stronger sense of self, purpose, belonging and community.
Toyin's experience demonstrates what is possible when employers invest in the right support. Unfortunately, opportunities like this remain far too rare. According to the Buckland Review, only three in ten autistic people are in work, compared with five in ten disabled people and eight in ten non-disabled people. Mencap also reports that only 6% of adults with a learning disability known to their local authority in England are in paid employment.
These figures highlight the significant barriers that many autistic people and people with learning disabilities continue to face when seeking work. Lack of understanding, limited workplace support and negative stereotypes can prevent talented people from accessing opportunities that match their skills and potential. Many autistic people and people with learning disabilities bring valuable skills, different perspectives, strong commitment and consistency to the workplace when environments are supportive and inclusive. Toyin's experience shows that, with the right opportunities and support, people can thrive in the workplace and make valuable contributions to their communities.
Toyin tells us, “When I was younger it felt impossible to get a job. Some say it’s really difficult to get a job, especially one that you’re interested in. I’m really happy about it (having work) - it’s flexible, I like working and I like the people I work with.” When we asked Toyin how she feels about her work at Artbox, she said: “Well, the most proud is my deep cleaning and being ‘Toyin Possible’ - making everything possible, keeping everything nice and clean. It can be a bit up and down sometimes as artists can be a bit messy!”
Toyin is an important part of our team, and over the years we have learned a great deal from employing and supporting her. Her contribution to Artbox demonstrates what is possible when employers recognise talent, provide appropriate support and create opportunities for people to thrive at work.
Toyin's story reminds us that inclusive employment is not about charity or lowering expectations. It is about recognising talent, providing appropriate support, and creating opportunities for people to contribute in meaningful ways. At Artbox, we believe that everyone's skills, achievements and contributions should be recognised and valued, whether through paid employment, creative practice, volunteering or participation in our community.
Find out more
You can watch Toyin in Talking Art, Artbox London's collaboration with Audible, where she reflects on her creative practice and shares her experiences alongside fellow Artbox artists Bobbi and Paul: https://www.artboxlondon.org/film
