Illustrator Interview with Children’s Book North Network: Catherine Booth
A little while ago, Children’s Book North kindly interviewed me about my illustration work, how I got started, what I’ve been working on recently, and things I’d love to see more of from the publishing and illustration industry in the North.
It was such a lovely chat and a great opportunity to reflect on my process and what I’m currently working towards.
If you didn’t catch it when it was first published, here’s the full interview.
In this Northern Highlight, we interview Catherine Booth, an illustrator based in Manchester. Catherine co-hosts Drawn In, Manchester’s meet-up for illustrators.
Where are you based, and how would you sum up the place in three words?
I’m based in Manchester. In three words: friendly, buzzing, home. It’s where I grew up, and over the years, it’s become a place I love fiercely. The skies are often heavy and grey, but I’ve come to find comfort in that. I’m grateful that Manchester has such a vibrant creative scene too. There’s countless bars and cafés with the perfect balance of working energy and matcha lattes to keep me satisfied.
If you could be transported to anywhere in the North or Scotland right now, where would it be?
There’s a small village tucked between County Durham and the Lake District called Mickleton – that’s where I’d go. I first discovered it during lockdown, when the world was quiet and I escaped for some rest and reflection. I’ve stayed there a couple of times since then. When I'm there, my routine usually starts early in the morning, before the sun rises and I can draw while being serenaded by the cows and crows. I often walk along the river and bake bread while I’m there. If I ever need to retreat from the city’s buzz, that’s where I’d want to be.
What is special to you about creating children’s books, and what’s your favourite part of the process?
The research phase of the process has always been the part I love most. I tend to begin by gathering a hefty amount of books, and giving myself the excuse to explore museums and galleries, armed with my sketchbook and mechanical pencils. I love immersing myself in texture, history, and anything that helps evoke a strong sense of place. Creating a book often feels like world-building. I become the architect, the costume designer, and set-maker all at once. The research phase is always where I feel the most freedom and flow. It’s also the part of the process with the least amount of decision-making, which suits me just fine!
Tell us about the most recent book you’ve worked on.
This winter, I illustrated a short black-and-white children’s book titled Thank You, Teacher, published by Hachette. It was the first time I created an entire book in graphite, aside from the cover, and as an illustrator who loves colour and paint, I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge! I worked on it during the slow weeks of January and finished in just over a month. As someone who’s also been an art teacher for the past three years, illustrating children felt especially close to home, and I was able to add little references to their charm, curiosity, and mischief into the characters. It was a comforting project that kept me grounded during those slow weeks after Christmas.
What recent children’s or YA book by a Northern or Scottish creative have you enjoyed?
It has to be King Winter’s Birthday illustrated by Emily Sutton. I’ve admired Emily’s work for years, and this book, like all of hers, is exquisitely illustrated. I’m a sucker for winter books, full of magic, snow, and Nordic influences. Emily’s traditional line work and her sensitivity to colour and texture turns each page into a work of art. Her illustrations fill me with joy every time.
What literary events have you attended or been involved with recently?
I co-host Drawn In, Manchester’s meet-up for illustrators, and recently we hosted a talk with my agent, Mark, from The Plum Agency. The event included live portfolio reviews, held in the beautiful House of Books and Friends, which was a fantastic opportunity for our audience to hear real-time feedback from a well-established agent. With a focus on children’s book publishing, Mark generously shared his vast knowledge and experience working as an agent and representing illustrators in children’s publishing.
What would you like to see from children’s publishing in the North or Scotland?
At Drawn In, we’re working toward a more inclusive and accessible creative space, where stories are shared more widely, and new voices feel empowered to enter the industry. Speaking from personal experience, publishing can often feel mysterious or out of reach for many. I’d love to use our platform to lift the veil and highlight illustrators who have found ways to overcome those barriers, and carved their own unique path within the industry. By sharing stories of persistence and creative resilience, we can help dismantle the myth that the industry is only for a select few and instead foster a strong, supportive network that helps aspiring creatives find their own way in.
What advice would you give to aspiring creatives in the North or Scotland?
Most of the projects I’ve worked on came from a mix of persistence, timing, and sharing my work regularly. After graduating, I spent years working hard with little to show for it. But in 2023, things began to shift. Commissions started arriving because I had built a consistent body of work, so there was something for people to connect with when they found me. That’s where I’d tell others to begin: create what you love, build your portfolio, and share it often.
There’s no perfect formula. At times, it will feel like nothing is happening. I’ve felt that too. Even the illustrators you look up to are still figuring things out. Keep going. Stay focused on what brings you joy. That energy will carry you much further than trying to do everything at once.
Thank you Children’s Book North!