Hello!
I’m Robbie Cathro, an Illustrator & Storyteller living in Bristol, UK, working from my studio in The Island. I love to make fun, colourful and charismatic work whether that's for a lively children's magazine, an editorial piece or even for stories of my own invention. With my work I hope to create a playful composition that translates the mood and atmosphere of the work I'm illustrating! I graduated in 2016 from The University of the West of England with a 1st-Class Honours in (BA Hons) Illustration.
My debut picture book ‘Be Your Own Man’, a book for boys and those who identify as a boy, encourages boys and men to embrace their vulnerability and put their hand up for help. Normalising ‘softer’ behaviours such sensitivity, creativity and caring for others as valuable human traits. It encourages its’ readers to broaden their ideas about what it means to be a boy and supports them to feel proud about who they truly are! ‘Be Your Own Man’ is out now in Australia, Germany, Poland, Spain & Japan!
‘Two Grooms on a Cake’, a kids book telling the story of America’s first legal same-sex marriage written by Rob Sanders, released Summer 2021.
‘Everyday STEM: Physics’ and ‘Everyday STEM: Geology’ explore these STEM subjects through comics, at-home activites and colourful and informative spreads! Published by Kingfisher in Autumn 2021.
‘Around the World in 80 Inventions’, released October 12 2023 from Templar Publishing, uncovers the fascinating, real stories behind 80 incredible inventions that have expanded humankind’s knowledge and shaped our lives today. Written by Matt Ralphs.
‘Free To Be Fabulous’, coming April 2024 from Harper Collins, tells the story of little Daniel who finds his inner confidence through dance and music. Written by David McMullin.
Represented by the wonderful people at Bright Illustration!
Client List:
38a The Shop | Air Bnb | Anorak Magazine | Aquila Magazine | Bristol Beacon: The Lantern EVENT Magazine | FIORA Agency | Five Mile Books | HireAHelper | IB World | INK Media Little Bee Books | Marimo Magazine | Merlin Publishers | The Natural History Museum Norfolk Museums Sunday Times | O2 | PopShot Magazine | The Sad Ghost Club | STIR Magazine | The Tanner Christensen Blog | Tobacco Factory | Usborne
If you would like to say hello or get in touch regarding commissions, drop a line to:
E-mail: robbiecathroillustration@gmail.com
Phone : +(44) 787102811
Past Exhibitions & Fairs:
On This Planet, London (May 2019)
SHAKE Bristol (October 2018)
EQUINOX: An Autumn Exhibition, Bristol (September 2018)
Thought Bubble 2018, Leeds (September 2018)
Pot of Gold, Bristol (August 2018)
ELCAF 2018, London (June 2018)
Folklore: Illustrated Stories of the World, Bristol (April 2018)
EQUINOX: A Springtime Exhibit, Bristol (April 2018)
MMM Culture, Bristol (November 2017)
FUN: Fellow Uncertain Newcomers at The Grain Barge, Bristol (August - September 2017) (Self-Curated)
SHAKE Bristol, Bristol (October 2017)
The Dragons We Slay, Bristol (June 2017)
Thought Bubble, Leeds (October 2016)
Clip-Art Collective at the Hoxton Arches, London (July 2016)
D&AD NEW BLOOD, London (July 2016)
UWE Illustration Degree Show, Bristol (June 2016)
MacMillan Children's Book Prize, London (May 2016) (Highly Commended)
Society of Illustrators Comics & Cartoon Annual, New York (April 2016)
Shelf-Care at the Tobacco Factory, Bristol (March - April 2016)
Clip-Art Collective at the Tobacco Factory, Bristol (February 2016)
Cheltenham Illustration Awards, Cheltenham (October 2015)