Here’s a little bit of a story about me. I hope you are sitting comfortably with a lovely cuppa, I’m about to begin…

Hello! I’m Jess Kate

Once upon a time, I got a degree in cutting & sticking (Multimedia textiles) from Loughborough University. After graduating, I worked as a freelance Childrenswear Designer making fun and cute mainly animal designs for brands such as M&S and Boden. Then most recently I worked in the world of Visual Merchandising in various roles within John Lewis before returning to my love of drawing and making at the start of 2025.

Going back to being a student and sailing with the Good Ship Illustration on both their Picture Book and Business courses has allowed me to refocus back to what I enjoy most about drawing, making and creating things, as well as attempting to find my style and niche in illustration. It has allowed me to focus on putting together my illustration portfolio. So far it seems to lean towards creating picture books, whether that’s as an illustrator or as both author/illustrator combo – I’m not sure yet.

I love colour, collage and capturing character as well as other words beginning with c, like chocolate and cake. Making and drawing things by hand, analogue illustration style, is my go to. However recently I have been combining this with digital, and a hybrid of the two has made some of my favourite pieces.

“You have such a talent for creating characters”

Mika Smith instagram.com/m.smith.j

I guess that’s everything for now. It just has to be a case of, if you like the look of what I do, or would like to ask me a question, drop me a mail here… jess@jesskate.com maybe we could go for tea & cake?

“Such gorgeous covers, you certainly created some beauties”

Monty Lee instagram.com/mosokje

“Charming book cover! I’d totally pick up this one in a bookstore!”

Katya Tabakh instagram.com/katya_tabakh