Once upon a time...

...there was a young illustrator who started drawing tigers...

…and now here we are! Hello Everyone!

I’ve been thinking about creating a ‘behind the scenes’ type of membership thingy for ages. But with book deadlines, exhibitions, Daily Drawings and other illustrator-y things going on PLUS kids, pets, football, family…life…etc. etc. it has somehow never quite happened.

THEN I posted a video about which pencils I like to use on Instagram, and followers really liked it. They asked for MORE videos and this finally gave me the confidence to start THIS! So I’ve decided to get on with it now and start sharing more about my studio life and career with you!

Throughout my career (20 years this month!) I’ve been asked over and over again about how I work, what materials I use, my inspirations and how I got where I am in my career. I’m quite private on Instagram and Facebook, previously I’ve always hidden behind my art and only delivered this information when I have lectured, run workshops or met people, really…

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Side note - I think I’m shy on my normal socials because my following has grown rather large (around 300,000) and I’m actually quite introverted (my friends will laugh at this!). (I actually looked this up on Google (so it must be accurate. Ha!) and it turns out I’m an introverted extrovert. Who knew? I had no clue this was a thing…but it sounds like me. Anyway - I’ve gone off on a tangent, sorry.)

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…but, now, we have THIS!

Think of it as ‘my blog’, or ‘my membership’ (I haven’t decided how to refer to it yet. All suggestions welcome?!). I’m going to spill all the beans and let you through the studio door! I’ve been asking for suggestions of what you’d like to know and you have been brilliant at giving me feedback, THANK YOU! I now have a long list (please do continue to add to it though!!), and I’m getting started!

Anyway - back to pencils. Here’s the video chat that inspired me (finally!) to set this whole thing up. This is a very tiny teaser, to get me warmed me up and to build a bit of confidence (…if I’m completely honest). I’ve got so many ideas sketched out and I’m EXCITED to get cracking! Some really, really special things are coming soon…I’m so happy you are here!

Here we go (feels like ages ago now - but pencil chat will never get old)...

See you again really soon.

Love, Catherine x

P.s - Some of you will have seen my first ‘Note’ on here (Mabel the border terrier). It was quite popular! LOADS of you asked for information about buying my work which was LOVELY! So I’m just letting you know that I do have a website and shop here.

P.p.s - …and YES! I am very happy to take on commissions and draw peoples pets. There is some information about this here.

Oh - and below are some more dogs. There will be lots of dogs, I promise. I love dogs. x