ANORAK briefing

Today we had a talk from Cathy from ANORAK, the children's illustration magazine, where she presented us with an opportunity to get involved with her work.

Her development of ANORAK:
- She takes stuff from national curriculum and some more 'random' themes to create magazines that the parents will enjoy too
- She saw what was on the market and wanted to change it- wanted more magazines reminiscent of her childhood
- Started with funding from advertising- H&M was integrated through activities, where they bought pages, now ANORAK relies on sales alone
- 10th anniversary this year- will be marked by The Drawing Imaginarium at YSP (1st-2nd April) then London after

I found Cathy's speech really motivational, as she proved just how simple it was to make a change, if you are passionate and believe in your idea. It has really shifted my thought pattern about how I will work as an illustrator after graduation, and I now feel a lot more relaxed about how I will venture out and create my own practise.

I also love the way she uses a body of students, whose work she selects and curates into a wonderfully cohesive magazine which the parents will want to keep a lot longer than the average expendable kids magazine.

I am really interested in her offer of working alongside her at YSP, and although I don't think I will be able to produce a stall in such a short amount of time, I will definitely ask to just volunteer my time, and I hope I will be able to volunteer at the festival!