The aim of this Youth Exchange was to bring together an international group of young illustrators to build a safe and supportive community. Because these artists often work individually, they can feel very isolated after graduating. At the beginning of their professional careers, the guidance they had during their studies disappears and their (professional) networks are still limited. For a significant number of young artists, this creates uncertainty about their future prospects. Moreover, the art world often feels like a closed and competitive environment to them. It can seem as though they must constantly be confident, deliver perfect work, and continuously promote themselves. As a result, there is little room for experimentation, making mistakes or exchanging ideas and techniques. We wanted young artists from different countries to collaborate and to give them the opportunity to engage in dialogue about the themes that matter to them or that they struggle with. Through a combination of artistic exchange and reflection, we aimed to build a sustainable network in which the artists felt supported, both during the project and long after. We hoped to create a community that would extend beyond the Youth Exchange and empower young artists at moments when they feel uncertain or isolated during their professional and creative development. In addition, we wanted to offer an alternative to the demanding art sector, where success is often measured by visibility and popularity. We wanted to refocus on pleasure and playfulness in the creative process: exploring, trying, failing, starting again and growing. Participants were encouraged to take risks, step outside their familiar style and view mistakes as valuable. Instead of striving for perfect outcomes or finished projects, we wanted to create an environment where experimentation is central and external expectations can be set aside. This residency was intended to be a place where spontaneity, curiosity, and collaboration could once again play an important role. A lot of attention was paid to mental well-being during the residency. The professional practice of an illustrator often comes with stress and a search for structure and support. Through group discussions, reflection moments and peer-to-peer exchange, we wanted to create space to talk about these challenges and provide participants with tools to address them. Strengthening the participants’ self-confidence and mental resilience was also an important goal. The location of Destelheide was another key factor: in this natural setting, participants could fully immerse themselves in the creative process. In peace and focus, without too many external stimuli and away from their daily routines and obligations, we wanted to create an atmosphere in which slowing down and working intuitively would come naturally. Finally, with this exchange we wanted not only to support the participating young artists, but also to share a broader message. Creativity is not about chasing success or popularity, but about the process. You can learn from each other, share experiences and continue to develop. We also want to convey this to other artists through stories, photos, and a shared video.