Illustrator in Residence 2026

Each year, we work with an illustrator to share the story of Hay Festival through their art. We’re delighted that Charlotte Hepburn is our Illustrator in Residence 2026. Creator of this year's programme cover, she’ll join us live in May to produce Festival-inspired illustrations and lead hands-on workshops.

What first inspired your love of illustration?

I’ve always loved drawing. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting with my grandpa for hours, drawing anything and everything, especially animals. He would draw alongside me or quietly do his crosswords; he always made sure I had every drawing tool imaginable. Paper, pens, pencils, there was always something to create with. After he passed away, my interest in art was encouraged by my uncle, who was also a designer and keen artist, so creativity always felt supported within my family.

As a dyslexic child, art was one of the few things I didn’t struggle with. It felt natural and easy in a way nothing else did. It was calming, exciting, and something I could focus on completely. Creating has always felt like a scratch I have to itch – once an idea arrives I can’t stop thinking about it until it exists on paper.

Which artists and illustrators do you look up to?

I’m inspired by so many artists, but I’ve always had a particular love for illustrators from the 1950s and 60s, especially Abner Graboff, Aliki and Roger Duvoisin. I’m drawn to their confident use of colour and space, and the way their work feels bold without being overwhelming. There’s also a real sense of humour and playfulness in what they created, which I love. Their illustrations don’t take themselves too seriously, but they’re still beautifully crafted and full of life. I think that balance of joy, simplicity and strong design has had a big influence on how I approach my own work.

What made you want to apply to be Hay Festival Illustrator in Residence?

Hay Festival celebrates storytelling, creativity and bringing people together through books and ideas, which feels perfectly aligned with why I make art. I’m passionate about creating work that feels welcoming, joyful and accessible to all ages, and I love the idea of illustration being part of such a vibrant cultural space. As an illustrator and printmaker living in rural Wales, and as a mum to two young children, creativity is woven into my everyday life. I’d love to use this role to inspire curiosity, spark imagination and show that art doesn’t have to be intimidating; it can be playful, colourful and for everyone.

Being Illustrator in Residence is an opportunity to share that joy with a wide audience and contribute visually to the magic of the Festival.

Tell us about your programme cover design…

I wanted the programme cover to capture the idea of escapism through books, to show how opening the pages can transport you into a whole new world, and how that experience is different for everyone. Reading can be joyful, comforting, exciting or surprising, and I wanted the illustration to reflect that sense of imagination opening up.

The design was inspired by risograph printing, a process I love for its bold colours, layered textures and beautifully imperfect finish. Each colour is printed separately, creating rich overlaps, subtle shifts and a tactile grain that gives the artwork real depth and personality. The texture makes the cover feel alive and hands-on.

I chose a bright but limited colour palette to keep the design playful and energetic while allowing the risograph textures to shine through. The slight misalignments and ink richness bring movement into the image, and make it interesting. Most of all, I hope the cover makes people smile and brings a bit of colour into the world. I want it to remind people how joyful and immersive reading can be.

Find out more about Charlotte and explore more of her work here.