Cat Sims

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Architecture

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Cartoon & Humour

Character Design

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Jacket design for Ploto Press New Books, Autumn 2022

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Portrait of a Buckminster Fuller for The New Republic

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Packaging illustration of Stuffed Jalapeno chips by artist Cat Sims

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Couple sitting on sofa eating and drinking with a cat and plants around

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Metrics' cover art for July 2022 Sociological Review

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Between hand sketch, Photoshop, and halftone screen.

London-based Cat Sims' work focuses on powerful lines and a strong stance on social issues.

Cat creates visual narratives in her work, grounded in her love of comic art. Feminism, social equality and climate change are some of the key themes she explores in her work. Film, science fiction and architecture are just some of Cat’s influences, and she studied Graphic Design at UAL London College of Communication before launching her illustration career.

Approach

Cat likes to mix things up and looks for different ways to combine handmade and digital elements in her work. Usually, rough sketches are scanned in and progressed in Photoshop, layering her work to bring in texture, light and colour.

Key Software

Photoshop

Style

Narrative is always a strong element in her imagery, which is based on line work, lots of clever detail, and texture. The latter is often derived from printing techniques such as halftones.

Impressions

Interview

Website

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Interview

What led you to become an illustrator? I think it probably stems from my love of reading comics and the excitement I feel when an artist opens up a whole new world with visual storytelling. Did you study illustration in college? I studied Graphic Design at the London College of Printing, but I have always loved drawing. I just never considered that I could do it for a living until more recently. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Bracknell but moved to London when I started university. Do you have a childhood memory relating to drawing/art that you hold dear? I remember realising at about age 7 that drawing was something I could do. I was drawing a pencil sketch of my right hand at school and it actually really looked a lot like my hand! My teacher was very impressed, and I remember that the process felt really satisfying. Where do you live now and what drew you there? I’m currently staying with family in a suburb of London after a brief 2-year stint in Birmingham. I can’t wait for galleries to reopen so that I can take full advantage of what this great city has to offer. Describe your studio for us Aside from my huge computer, I am surrounded by books, comics and zines. And lots of plants. Describe the view from your window Now, I can see a mass of green as the trees outside start to get their spring leaves. Who or What is your biggest inspiration? Comic artists I admire are a great source of inspiration to me - people Like Joe Sacco and Julie Doucet in particular, but I also love old comics and am always on the look-out for rare and unusual pieces to add to my collection. Do you collect anything? I have a lot of comics…What are your interests outside of illustration? I love movies and literature. I try to watch a film everyday and read for at least an hour or so. What is the first record you bought? Probably something by Kylie Minogue. What would be your dream commission?I love to do a book cover or even a whole children’s book! Working with literature would be a dream. What is the best use of illustration you have ever seen? Hokusai’s ‘Manga’ is a remarkable piece of work. It was first published in 1814 for use as a drawing manual containing over 4,000 illustrations to teach aspiring artists how to draw people, daily life, animals, buildings, nature and even ghosts and supernatural beings. It’s a beautiful thing and I keep a copy on my desk.What makes a good client brief? I find that clear, confident art direction is what makes a job satisfying to work on. I like to work with clients who are experienced and passionate about what they do. How much of your work is hand drawn? All of it. I just happen to hold a Wacom pen most of the time these days.How do you envisage illustration evolving? I imagine that the digital side of illustration will continue to evolve as new technology emerges, which I find very exciting. I love to learn how to use new hardware to create my work and am intrigued by the new possibilities these tools present. Who is your art hero? Comics artist Joe Sacco is a hero of mine. Sacco’s latest graphic novel “Paying the Land” focuses on the painful history and life of the indigenous people of the North-western Territories. It’s a powerful piece and exquisitely drawn. I also love the colour work of abstract expressionist painters like Kandinsky and Willem DeKooning and am a huge fan of modernist architecture. Who is your design hero? I love of the work of the artists associated with the Memphis Group, such as Nathalie du Pasquier and Ettore Sottsass. Their unique use of colour, pattern and form is so unique and playful. I like to introduce fun elements into my work too if the project lends itself to that possibility. Who is your music hero? I love A Tribe Called Quest. I seem to listen to them a lot while working, as the pace and mood are perfect to keep me going! If you were not an illustrator, what would you be? I’d probably go back to working on Graphic Design projects, as I did for some years when I worked at the Victoria and Albert Museum. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would really love to visit Japan. I’ll get there one day, I hope! How would someone who knows you well describe you? They’d probably say that I’m too modest! If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I love Paris. It’s a treasure trove of comic art and has the most magical atmosphere. I try to visit once a year. If you could travel back in time, who would be the one person you would want to meet and why? Mary Wollstonecraft. I’d love to talk to her about her work as a pioneer for equal rights for women.What themes or content in the world inspires you?The beauty of the natural world is a bottomless resource and a constant source of inspiration to me. How do you keep on trend and up to date in our quickly changing industry?Social media is an invaluable tool for keeping up-to-speed with what people are doing in this industry. NFTs seem to have grabbed a lot of attention recently, and I am interested to read about what my peers make of this new phenomenon, paying particularly close attention to the ethical aspect / consequences of Ethereum mining. What is your go-to comfort food?Katsu curry.Sushi or pizza.SushiWhat movie can you watch over and over?Dune. Controversial, but I love it! I’m looking forward to seeing the new version too. What do you listen to when you’re illustrating?I listen to audio books and NTS radio most of the time. What is the last show you binged?Behind Her Eyes. I accidentally started watching it and before I knew it, 5 hours had passed!! What was the last exhibition you saw and loved?William Blake’s vast retrospective at Tate Britain was an overwhelming, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see so much of Blakes work in one place. I wish I could have visited that exhibition several times, there was so much to take in! What was the last concert you went to?Sleaford Mods at the Roundhouse. I’ve seen them a few times and love what they do. The energy at their live shows is incredible. What is your favourite book?I love literature and am not sure I can commit to one title! I particularly enjoy science / speculative fiction from writers such as Jeff Vandermeer, Octavia E. Butler, Margaret Atwood, J.G. Ballard and Ursula Le Guin to name a few… What do you do when you have creative block?Go for a walk! I find that it’s the best thing I can do if I’m having a bad day or struggling through my creative process. What is your go-to karaoke song?Anything by Kate Bush.What is your favourite quote?“Creativity takes courage”- Henri Matisse. What is your favourite ice cream flavour?Pistachio.

Couple embracing near a wooden post in cowboy attire by Cat Sims

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Illustration of a boy holding a remote control with RC car in motion

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Character design of F1 racing commentators

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Futuristic city street with neon signs and palm trees at night

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Book artwork commissioned by Pan Macmillan for Lewis Hamilton

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Illustration of a chicken gyro with tomatoes, onions, and herbs by Cat Sims

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Book cover of Corralled showing a cowboy and woman embracing, by Cat Sims

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Wrestler tearing yellow shirt in front of crowd by Cat Sims

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Comic strip depicting Manchester United women's team history

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Cat Sims illustration of race cars driving through heavy rain on a mountain track

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Woman swinging on vine over jungle stream with tropical drink

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Illustration of race car driver Fernando Alonso in racing suit.

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Animated GIF of woman lounging at poolside

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Vintage race car driver wearing helmet and goggles holding steering wheel

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Oatly's Silent Barista campaign in Shanghai

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Black-and-white No Gods No Masters illustration by Cat Sims

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Dramatic comic-style illustration of a vampire wielding a sword in a dark room

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Race car on track with opening in 2026 banner by Cat Sims

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Cat Sims illustration of F1 driver James Hunt holding a racing helmet

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Supermom with cape pushing baby in stroller in a colorful supermarket aisle by Cat Sims

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Custom spot illustration in comic art style

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Race car driver holding trophy and waving amid confetti by Cat Sims

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Illustration of excited audience for Pan Macmillan

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Mark Webber portrait commissioned by Pan Macmillan

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Animated gif of "Everyday Stories of Climate Change"

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Romantic couple embracing closely, by Cat Sims

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Mark Zuckerberg practicing jujitsu in white gi, illustration by Cat Sims

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Two young women talking, one holding a cup, wearing trendy clothes

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Tropical jungle with large green leaves and dense foliage by Cat Sims

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Three women in colorful outfits pointing fingers at each other like Spiderman meme

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Cat Sims illustration of Carne Ross beneath ornate foliage with Anarchy Is Love text

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Race car driver holding helmet with off-road vehicle and mountains by Cat Sims

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Peaky Blinders poster featuring two men in vintage clothing by Cat Sims

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Black and white illustration showing diverse people advocating for safe homes

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Child playing with dinosaur toy outdoors near chicken in field

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Family sitting at dinner table with a robot, illustration by Cat Sims

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Underwater scene of divers and shark by Cat Sims

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Two soccer players holding trophies in comic style artwork

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Illustration of an elderly man in sunglasses and suit, smiling

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Illustration of people and moose by a Cicely Alaska welcome sign by Cat Sims

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Cat Sims illustration of Anne Hathaway as an astronaut

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Superhero woman lifting heavy trash bags as man and girl with dog pass by, art by Cat Sims

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Cat Sims illustration of two men seated beside a bright blue window

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Comic-style floral illustration by Cat Sims showing a woman reaching toward flowers

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Vintage adventure scene with woman in yellow dress by river

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Couple embracing by door with chandelier, book cover by Cat Sims

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The Guardian Guide's Don't Pass the Popcorn cover

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Cat Sims

Selected illustrations

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Birmingham Phoenix Women cricket team artwork

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Comic-style exhibition featuring Manchester United girls' academy players

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Woman in sunglasses holding martini glass with 'It's Tini Time' text.

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Black and white portrait illustration of a smiling young man with curly hair

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Man in a wine cellar startled by a bear among wine barrels

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Celebrating 90: Spear's Magazine's striking cover artwork

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Illustrated educational poster about beavers by Cat Sims

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Illustration of a man tearing shirt with crowd cheering by Cat Sims

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Cat Sims illustration of a suited man tipping his hat beneath a mushroom cloud

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Colored illustration of group sitting on chairs by Cat Sims

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Artwork depicting Super Communicators for The Observer

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Line art of person navigating dense jungle foliage, by Cat Sims

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Men in early 20th century attire with vintage car illustration

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Illustrated portrait of Jim, played by Mark Heap, from Friday Night Dinner by Cat Sims

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Book cover of Back in the Saddle by Maggie Eckersley, cowboy and woman illustration by Cat Sims

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Cat Sims illustration of a blonde woman and cowboy in a split portrait

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Black and white comic collage with woman, cat, pizza, and text by Cat Sims

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Urban scene with Barbican Estate buildings and two people walking

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Cash-holding taco truck under attack by LA Magazine

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The Guide magazine features David Horbour's portrait

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"The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" book by Ally Carter

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Publix supermarkets illustration featuring cheese and jalapeños

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Racing driver Alberto Ascari artwork for Pan Macmillan

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Vintage poster showing a moving truck and person with text about illegal relocation by Cat Sims

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Book cover illustration by Cat Sims showing six characters in a mall setting

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Female athlete hurdling on track by Cat Sims

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Shocked woman holding wand with open mouth and black hair

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Spear's magazine cover with Vitruvian man illustration and tropical background

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Colorful ice cream sundae with two faces smiling, illustration by Cat Sims

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Framed black and white illustration of a family portrait

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Comic panel showing a worried woman and soldiers with AI technology by Cat Sims

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GIF animation of survival in extreme environments

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Two men watching Max Verstappen race win on TV

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Black and white portrait of Fernando Alonso

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The Appointment musical poster illustration

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Blue risograph print detail of lush tropical plants at Barbican Conservatory

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Two women with towels on heads toasting with champagne by ocean at sunset by Cat Sims

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Racing Legends book artwork featuring F1 engineers

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Colorful illustration of Pizza with people eating slices around a circular menu

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Shark fins circling in water under bold black SHARK letters

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Graduate embracing veteran while wearing cap that says future vet.

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Modern house exterior and interior with person in living room by Cat Sims

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Black and white design of a female footballer

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Comic panels depicting conversations and scenes about UK housing crisis by Cat Sims

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Editorial illustration about superheroes for Sojouners Magazine

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Room with woman reading on couch and another woman standing near plants

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Cat Sims illustration of a fashionable couple in vintage-inspired clothing

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Man with bucket hat and sunglasses in black and white illustration

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Woman looking at apartment listing on phone with emotional facial expressions by Cat Sims

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Cat Sims illustration of red palms, storefronts, pedestrians, and geometric urban architecture

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Cat Sims illustration of a bald bearded man with glasses in a glowing cosmic grid

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Batman and characters with treasure chest surrounded by bats by Cat Sims

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Lively party scene with people dancing and socializing, dog lying on floor by Cat Sims

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Black and white illustration for Shadow Ticket by Cat Sims

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Woman in shorts standing by Route 66 sign with red car on road behind by Cat Sims

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Black-and-white crowd illustration by Cat Sims with diverse people in the foreground

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Child sitting alone at a cafe table surrounded by green plants

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Woman instructing girls to move to the front of a crowd in black and white drawing

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Illustrated cover art commissioned by Penguin Random House

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Comic panels showing female soccer players training and playing in a match

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Illustration of famous tennis player Serena Williams

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Black and white illustration of go-kart racers on city street by Cat Sims

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Book cover artwork by Cat Sims showing racing cars speeding around a track.

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Black and white drawing of bus passengers by Cat Sims

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Black and white illustration of Jamie Chadwick holding a trophy

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Portraiture of British race car driver, Lewis Hamilton

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Illustration by Cat Sims depicting Benjamin Zephaniah across television and printed pages

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Cat Sims illustration of two people relaxing in bed with multiple electronic devices

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Person with umbrella entering Thessaloniki Grill saying don’t you know who I am

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Illustration of tech enthusiasts reaching towards a Mark Zuckerberg figure

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Black and white portrait of Lando Norris wearing a cap by Cat Sims

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Book cover of Wrangled and Tangled by Lorelei James, cowboy and woman embracing, art by Cat Sims

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Conceptual art piece 'Secret City' featured in The New Yorker

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Wasp flying near picnic food including sandwich and cupcake outdoors

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Illustration of two F1 race cars crossing the finish line

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Food GIF animation pouring sauce over hotdog

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Illustration of a man in camouflage holding a rifle outdoors

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Illustration by Cat Sims of F1 driver Denny Hulme in a race car

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Macmillan F1 racing legends editorial spot art

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Wellness illustration with treadmill, heartbeat line, and person in water bath

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Man in cowboy hat relaxing on grass near mountains by Cat Sims

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Hands holding phone showing texts about marital issues by Cat Sims

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Portrait of elderly man with glasses and beard by Cat Sims

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Character art of Jackson Lamb from Slow Horses

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Superheroes editorial illustration Sojourners Magazine

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Pan Macmillan commissioned black and white Ayrton Senna portrait

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Portrait of racing driver Maria De Villota holding her helmet by Cat Sims

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Two scuba divers studying sharks underwater

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Comic-style exhibition on Manchester United women's football history

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Black and white illustration showing two people, hands, and epilepsy terms

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Comic showing Manchester United fans cheering at Old Trafford stadium

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Visual art for Waitrose Weekend editorial piece

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Koi carp stickers for Batbican Centre products

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Comic football-themed mural design for Adidas store

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Comic strip with characters discussing Jewish and Holocaust themes by Cat Sims

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Racing Legends activity book cover by Cat Sims featuring Lewis Hamilton

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Romantic couple embracing outdoors with mountains, book cover by Cat Sims

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Colorful comic mural showing Manchester United women's team history

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Portrait of Jack Brabham wearing racing helmet and suit

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Comic panel depicting people queuing amid UK housing crisis, by Cat Sims

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Black & White Protest public order & the law

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Selected Clients

Barbican, V&A, Sisters Uncut, STRIKE! Magazine, Blackwater Studios, People of Print