Illustrator Kate Baylay

A young Norfolk illustrator is making a name for herself in the publishing industry having landed her first big commission to design the book cover for a world-renowned author.

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Kate Baylay, from Barford, only graduated from university in July but beat off international competition to illustrate the book jacket for a new edition of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials.

The 22-year-old’s work can now be seen gracing the book shelves of stores across the UK and the USA having been published by Everyman’s Library in August.

She said: “It is amazing, I mean, it is Philip Pullman and it was my first big commission so it was very exciting. I read the books and thought they were fantastic.”

Kate added that the author himself congratulated her on the design during a party hosted by the publisher.

“He was so nice. He was very easy to talk to and was very nice about the cover,” she said.

Kate attended Hethersett Old Hall School and Wymondham College before heading to the University of the West of England, in Bristol, to complete an illustration degree.

As she approached graduation earlier this year, she began to send out samples of her work to publishers who were quick to identify her as an emerging talent.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do while at school but I just enjoyed doing art. That’s what made me sure I wanted to do that at university,” she said.

“I’m hoping to keep getting work as a freelance illustrator. It’s been a pretty good start so I’ll just try to keep going.”

To see further examples of Kate’s work, visit www.katebaylay.com