Hi!
My name is Cat and I’ve been a part-time illustrator since 2021, and full-time pencil-wielder since 1982. I live in Yorkshire, UK with my husband, daughter, son, and two cats - Lumi and Kalamazoo.
I make editorial and branding illustrations for university-based social research projects, and nonprofit organisations, that are close to my heart, like these:
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdf1ba448-789d-4598-9d96-f2f9f667e1dd_4000x4000.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6efb7bb0-4a97-4671-8595-0c683a16464d_2000x2000.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_474,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6b4a9bcb-5da8-483a-9921-7148895837e7_1000x1000.jpeg)
But I really want to make children’s books.
I was chosen to be a Picturehooks buddy in 2022/2023, and partnered with Chris Mould to begin dabbling my toes in children’s book illustration, and in January 2023 I became a mentee on Pathways Into Children’s Publishing, a pioneering new 2 year programme for under-recognised illustrators.
And now, I’m working on my very first commission from a publisher - reveal coming soon!
I started this newsletter to process the ups and downs of my illustration adventure, and probably share way too much in public - as is the true way of the internet.
What I’m Planning On Sharing:
Behind the scenes of my illustration process
Thoughts on creativity, the children’s publishing industry, and representation
A look at all my coursework for Pathways Into Children’s Publishing
Curated links to my current obsessions, that I think you might like too - it’s my love language
An honest and authentic window into nurturing a creative career as an autistic mother on a low income
Possibly some humour
Definitely some existential dread
And videos, if I’m feeling brave
I’d love it if you joined me,
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_88,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd5426725-e1a0-44ef-93fd-ba9154ee521e_256x256.png)