'If it looks awful, keep going. It’ll work out' - an interview with illustrator Catherine Rayner

This week we’re interviewing another creative for the podcast. Hooray!

Catherine Rayner is an award-winning author and illustrator based in Edinburgh, whose books have sold over two million copies and been translated into 35 languages. She’s written and illustrated 25 picture books and collaborated with legends like Julia Donaldson, Michael Morpurgo, and Michael Bond. 

Winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal (and shortlisted six more times!), Catherine also paints, runs a greetings card and babywear range, and can usually be found in her studio surrounded by ink, animals, and Post-it notes.

Phew.

In this chat, Katie asks Catherine about:

• What an average week in the studio looks like
• Planning everything using a wall calendar and Post-it notes 
• Working with Julia Donaldson
• Short deadlines and thriving on a wee bit of panic
• Being a mum and illustrator at the same time
• Instagram, rejection, keeping your creative confidence alive
• A pep talk for newer illustrators

Rough timestamps for our timestamp fans: 00:00 – Meet Catherine! 03:00 – Post-it notes, assistants, and studio life in Edinburgh 10:00 – Julia Donaldson, ear-cleaning(!?) + friendship 17:00 – Jason Donovan and creative boldness 20:00 – 100 rejections, persistence, and finding your people 23:00 – Instagram tips and why numbers don’t matter 29:00 – Motherhood, burnout, and how it really gets easier 36:00 – Catherine’s parting words

Links mentionedCatherine Rayner’s websiteFollow Catherine on Instagram

Byeeee for now! x The Good Ship Illustration (Helen, Katie & Tania)

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