Hi! It’s me, Catherine Fortey - an illustrator and artist, turning voices and stories into pictures. You’re reading a free post from “The Quiet Blackbird”, where I talk about my illustration journey into children’s publishing, but often get sidetracked by the million other things my brain wants to share.
Hello Robins,
I know, I know! You’ve not heard from me in 5 months and here I go popping up again, continuing the conversation like it was yesterday. That thing happened, as it does every year for those who’ve been with me that long - July and August just stop me in my tracks. I’m convinced I’m a lizard and need to estivate over summer - it all just gets too much. And then I meant to write in September, with all the lovely autumn vibes of back-to-school, but the unstoppable force of not writing met with immovable me and now we’re here 5 months later.
So I have a lot of catching you up to do, as well apologising - mostly in the form of a bumper amount of links I’ve saved (see I was still thinking of you ☺️).
The Biggest of News
First, is my really big news. I’ve been sitting on it since September (and as someone who is terrible at keeping secrets it’s probably a good thing I didn’t write earlier!) when the most amazing thing happened. In August, a VIP in the publishing world slid into my DMs, and after a few emails where they told me they were launching a book agency, we met in person on a rainy September afternoon in Manchester Art Gallery. After 2 previous meetings with agents, where I tried (and failed) to prove my worth I was prepared for the same. But how wrong I was - they actually pitched me! I played it cool (haha I totally didn’t) but it was a no-brainier, and by the end of the week I was signed. And now, after an intense few months of tweaking my portfolio with their excellent guidance and support, I can announce, that I am represented by the amazing Emma Layfield at Children’s Books North Agency.
Big secret revealed, here’s what else I’ve been up to since summer.
Explore Project
I wrapped up my Riso themed Explore Project quite dramatically when the machine at my studio ran out of ink two days before the showcase. Thankfully South Square lent me their machine for the day, and I was able to produce this 28 page zine of the project just in time.
The showcase was a success I forgot to take a photo of my stand, but I did get sent one of my very awkward self delivering my talk.
Pathways Into Children’s Publishing
I finally finished this too, just a couple of weeks ago. It’s been a rollercoaster two years, and to be honest I’m glad to be done and moving on. I learnt a lot about the publishing industry but I think my biggest take away has been to ‘just do me’ rather than attempting to mould my art into briefs that just don’t suit it. A somewhat stressful, time-consuming and expensive way to realise this but…
Studio
So the good news is that left over funding from the Explore project allowed me to keep my freezing-cold, zero-Wi-Fi studio. The bad news, it’s closing in March next year 🙄.
My studio mates and I have plans though. We’re forming a collective and hope to set up and run affordable artist studios of our own - in fact we’re viewing a possible building later this week. Now, if we can figure out the funds it could be the start of something pretty exciting for our little postcode (it’s a Bradford thing.)
Money
So as well as finding a way to afford an entire industrial building, I’m still representing the real life juggle/struggle of being a badly paid creative. I’ve taken on an early morning cleaning job at a local pottery/woodwork/art studio which, whilst exhausting lets me breath a little easier when rent day comes round. I’ve also taken on a community art project which pushes me out of my comfort zone of not talking to anyone, but has meant I’ve been able to do lots of creative playing with collage, clay and Lego dots.
Marketing Myself Plans
After Bologna Children’s Book Fair earlier this year I had plans. Perfect my portfolio, send stuff to agents, send stuff to publishers, then repeat. What I didn’t actually work into my plan was signing with an agent. So after I joined Children’s Books North Agency my second thought , which only my brain could come up with, was “oh, this kind of messes up all my plans”. I’m not good with changed plans even when they’re good changes! But I’ve processed and now it just means that some of my plans aren’t my job anymore - which is definitely a good thing. Now I’m just focusing on marketing me in the other areas of my illustration and art work. The big immersive art project idea is still percolating and I’m really hoping to start pitching myself to cultural and heritage organisations next year - I’d love to do some illustration work for museums, the National Trust and RHS.
The guilt-ridden gift of links as promised:
Please bring this back Lego, it’s so cool.
Road signs from around the world.
For a non-musician I have way too many guitars in my house #bandwife
And also #starwarswife
Combining my 6 year old’s current interests - space poo.
Three free archives of Victorian illustration.
Why do we even need reasons to save the Arts?
Oh, this is why.
I adore old-skool photo booths - where you can make a different pose for every snap not knowing what the result will be nor having to have your eyes biometrically aligned (which is easier said than done when you have a wonky face and zero control over your facial expressions).
Huge longtime fan of Yoshitomo Nara.
Hmm, maybe just maybe, it’s the fault of the politicians.
I think verdigris might just be my favourite colour.
Seriously considering starting to collect cat postcards.
Loving this new Substack by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen.
And if like me you grew up watching Murder She Wrote, you’ll appreciate this Substack post.
More formative childhood content - Richard Scarry.
Desire lines left on objects.
I’m hugely affected by environment, and I’ve been bugged by this for ages, but never knew it was an neuroarchitecture was an actual thing.
Which is why this is so important.
Love Lowry. Love this!
Quite by chance, I ended up with a perfectly satisfying number.
Substack is telling me this email is too long, so I’ll try to write sooner next time 🤪
Love,
Hooray! Congratulations Catherine!! This is big news! So pleased for you! And haha, I love how getting your goal confused your carefully and plans! I get that!! Xx
Thank you for so many inspiring tabs to open! The last time I shared the LEGO hole punch video a friend said it works pretty well with a standard hole punch. We should give it a go!