Cathryn Gilbert - About me

Hi, I'm Cathryn. After working full-time as a senior children's book designer for Penguin for many years, I made the exciting decision to go freelance and collaborate with other major publishing houses and pursue my love of illustration. I have a BA in Illustration from the University of Westminster influenced by the wonder of childhood and nature. I can work in or out-of-house, from conceptualisation to repro-ready files for a variety of formats.

Fun facts about me: I love cats... and turtles... and Greece... and Cornwall and surfing. I have a deep appreciation for nature. I share my life with my wonderful husband and our two amazing young adults.

I've snagged some awards for my art work for Nature in Art, and some of the books I have designed have won or been nominated for book awards. (I Love This Tree by Anna Claybourne and How We Catch A Cold by Leon Read) Plus, I'm RHS qualified and have a passion for horticulture. And, I like to embrace my inner kid!

Clients include, Hachette Children's Group Including; Franklin Watts, Wayland Books and Orchard Books. Penguin Books including; Frederick Warne, Puffin, DK, BBC Books and Ladybird. Scholastic, Stripes Publishing, Badger Learning, and easyJet.

Nice things people have said about me ...

“I have been fortunate to work with Cathryn on numerous projects over the past ten years and am very happy to recommend her to all. She is a highly creative and efficient designer, great at problem-solving and can apply her skills to a large variety of formats and styles including illustrated non-fiction, picture books, cover design and graphic novels.”

Paul Rockett
Publishing Director of Education
Hachette Children's Books

“Cathryn worked in the Brands & Licensing team at Penguin books and worked on our brands including Beatrix Potter™ and the Flower Fairies™, developing the restyling of these brands and assisting in the development of our merchandising programme. As well as being a very talented and creative designer, Cath has proved herself to be self-motivating and organised being well able to meet deadlines and organise her workload. She is a sociable and well liked member of any team and I have no hesitation in recommending her.”

Ronnie Fairweather,
Former Creative Director
Brands & Licensing
Penguin UK

I have worked with Cath for many years and found her to be an extremely creative designer.  She is easy to work with, reliable and enthusiastic.

Liz Catchpole
Creative Director
Brands & Licensing
Penguin Random House Children's UK

I have known Cath Gilbert since 2000 and she has worked on a number of projects for me over this time. I have always found her to be creative, professional and prompt with deadlines. She has great technical skills and can be trusted to manage large projects co-ordinating illustrators and photographers when needed.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Cath as an excellent and reliable creative designer.

Kirstie Billingham
Art Director
Media & Entertainment
Penguin Random House Children's UK

“I have worked with Cathryn Gilbert for over 6 years. Cath has designed some really beautiful book products for me in this time. Cath is a very talented designer. She uses a variety of media to create designs which are eye-catching and commercially aware. Whether the brief is to reinvent an established brand or to design using ‘blue sky thinking’, Cath always rises to the challenge. If you are looking for a talented designer I can strongly recommend Cathryn Gilbert.”

Ellie Wahba
Former Deputy Creative Director
Ladybird
Penguin UK

“I work in a hectic and busy environment that is constantly changing to the whim of the market, and because of this I need professional, well-experienced freelance designers to take the load. Cathryn is one of these designers. She is a highly creative individual that re-acts quickly to any scenario that is thrown her way. She tackles a multiple of challenges head on, and is not shy to take chances; forever pushing the boundaries of design. She is certainly an all rounder and a master of many styles, I will continue to use her time and time again. An asset to any publishing house.!”

“Cathryn is always an absolute pleasure to work with. Highly creative and works well to schedules. She would be a fantastic asset to any company, lucky enough to get her on their books.”

Alison Furby,
Former Deputy Art Director
Orchard Books
Hachette Children’s Books

“Cathryn is a fun-loving, open and communicative person with a natural artistic talent. An established designer who works supportively and creatively with others or autonomously as a freelancer. A dedicated, meticulous designer and a proven asset to any team!”

Nicola Theobald,
Former Senior Designer
Orchard Picture Books
Hachette Children’s Books

“I just wanted to thank you for designing the artwork for us to add to our e-mails. It is very professional and hopefully will spread a little Christmas cheer!”

Kevin Bright
Director of Commercial Agency
Hindwoods Hunter Payne Chartered Surveyors