Episode 39 • Illustration • Cathy Olmedillas, Anorak • Charles Baker, The Fence

The magCulture Podcast

This episode looks at the role of illustration in publishing, with two guests whose magazines rely on drawn images to bring their pages to life. Cathy Olmedillas launched her ‘happy mag for kids’ Anorak 18 years ago, and has developed an international audience for its colourfully themed quarterly editions. The magazine is also one of a set that launched early in the noughties that can be viewed today as the ‘original’ indies. She discusses Anorak’s origins, its longevity, the power of illustration, and why her young audience still enjoy a magazine despite the lure of the smartphone. She also reveals the best place to get a pistachio ice cream in London. Charles Baker edits The Fence, another quarterly packed with illustration. The magazine mixes humour, investigation and fiction in a manner reminiscent of both the 18th century London news sheets and more recent US titles such as Spy. He discusses the role of illustration in bringing stories to life as well as providing a visual identity to his magazine. We’re grateful to our friends at Park Communications for their support of the magCulture Podcast. Find them online at www.parkcom.co.uk Audio produced and edited by Sam Williams