Illustration& Myth, Magic and Folklore
11 November 2026
Join us to discover the artists and projects shaping illustration today in this series of short talks.
Hear leading contemporary illustrators talk about their work, their process, the inspirations and influences they draw upon or how a particular project came to be. Find out the breadth of what illustration can be and how familiar themes can be explored in new and surprising ways in this evening of inspiring talks.
This November, in connection with Faerdom: Now, as Ever, we invite four illustrators to talk about how themes of myth, magic and folklore are represented in their work. From digital to hand-made, 3D to animation, our speakers demonstrate how humanity’s oldest stories, characters and motifs still resonate with audiences today.
The line-up includes illustrator, graphic designer, and art director Ferry Gouw, stop-motion animator, director and illustrator Cat Johnston, and Fromm Studio.
Illustration& is an event series spotlighting different themes in illustration. This event is programmed in connection with Faerdom: Now, as Ever, on from 23 October 2026 – 29 March 2027.
Ferry Gouw is an illustrator, graphic designer, and art director based in London. He has worked with music artists such as Major Lazer, Paul McCartney, James Blake, and Roxy Music as well as brands such as Adidas, Levi's, Lacoste, Ghetto Gastro, Stüssy, and many others. Ferry is also a comic artist, his latest book Limbo is published by Breakdown Press.
Cat Johnston has been working in stop-motion animation for over twenty years, notably as a character designer for Aardman Animations and Passion Pictures developing the feathers and costume making on Wildwood for Laika, and has gained an incredible breadth of experience with music videos for Radiohead and Coldplay and work in commercials. Her artistic practice moves fluidly between animation, illustration and mixed media sculpture. Her personal work is inspired by her love of folklore, weird horror films and nature in all its strange and wonderful forms! Cat recently made her first short film, The Wickywock and the JubJub Berry and has several other short films in the works.
Fromm Studio is a British 3D art and design studio founded by Vince Ibay and Jessica Miller in 2022. Inspired by mythology, folklore and their love of Staffordshire pottery, their colourful work blends the old with the new, reimagining stories and traditions through 3D animation, illustration and sculpture. Their creations have been used in commercials, editorials, exhibitions and physical installations.
Our talks are held in Deeney’s Cafe.
Please be aware the Centre closes at 5pm. Doors for the evening event open at 6pm. Please arrive to our Myddelton Gate entrance and have your ticket ready to be scanned. The talks start at 6:30pm and will run for approximately 1 hour with a short interval at a half-way point. There will also be a Q&A to finish the evening.
Make sure to join us early to enjoy a complimentary cocktail from our generous sponsors El Rayo Tequila.
We want our events to be inclusive and accessible.
If you have any accessibility requests or questions, please email events@qbcentre.org.uk or phone 020 4524 2657.
You can find out more about Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration’s facilities and accessibility here:
