Interview with Cathy from Anorak Magazine

Anorak magazine is one of the most innovative childrens' magazines out there so I was delighted when Cathy who is the editor/ founder agreed to be apart of The Little Interview Series.

How did you start working at Anorak?

We launched Anorak in November 06. I had been thinking about a magazine along these lines for a while but it's when I met Supermundane, our creative director that the idea became 'real'. It seemed to me back then that kids were short-changed with magazines that often looked the same. It took a while to bring out the first issue as we both had other work commitment but since then we have never looked back!

 

 

What is the next step for the magazine?

 

We are hoping to bring out a book and some more Anorak items before the end of the year. The magazine's fan base is growing really fast at the moment and we are really grateful to be able to share the fun we are having with more and more people around the world.

What are some of your favorite pieces you have ever worked on?

Hmmm... Let's see! I loved interviewing Mr Zippo, he is the owner of a circus and a world-famous clown. He was very knowledgeable about the history of clowns and had wonderful tales to tell. Very inspiring. Every issue is plenty of fun, there is always a story or some bizarre drawings that crack us up. I love going to schools to talk about the magazine because the response we get from kids is plainly heart-warming!

Current Magazine Spread




What is your magazine background?

I worked in magazines such as The Face & Sleazenation for a few years, they were style bibles in the mid-90s. 

 
How has the internet affected Anorak and your career?

It has affected Anorak massively! We use it as a tool to connect/communicate with fans and discover talented people too.  A year ago, I thought Facebook was just some odd dating site. A friend convinced me (after to open a fan page and the response has been amazing. These days we are even Twittering! I love discovering people who make gorgeous things in their homes and without the internet I would never know about this talent out there.

Inspiration

Currently Reading/ Watching?

 I just finished reading a book called A High-Pitched Buzz by Roger Longrigg, which is about the advertising world in London in the 60s. It's surprisingly very modern. I found it in a second hand bookshop, loved the cover  (it's a Penguin book) so picked it up.

              Being a Mum I tend to watch lots of cartoons! I think Bolt was the last film I saw at the         cinema. I just watched a 1968 British movie called Up the Junction, again about the 60s in London. Supermundane recommended it and I loved it. Very grim!

What are your favorite publications?

I love Julia Rothman's blog called Book by its cover, she has impeccable taste.

I love picking up old magazines from the 70s.

Comments

[Patrick Algrim]

Oh man, Anorak is so awesome! I am so jealous of the people who live in the UK! Beautiful illustrations and I know that my niece would love to look at them as well. Makes me sound so childish when I buy things for me, and know that my 4 year old niece will enjoy them as much as me.. Haha!

[caroline]

How did I not know about this magazine? Looks/sounds wonderful.