Matty Long
MA Children's Book Illustration
1. Tell us about yourself.
I'm an illustrator and author best known for my Super Happy Magic Forest series, which has been turned into a BBC TV show. I have a strong background in children's book illustration and have won multiple awards, including the Sheffield Children's Book Award.
2. What is your fondest memory of Anglia Ruskin University?
Being around other like-minded people who were excited about and motivated by the same things I was. I made a good group of friends on my course who also acted as a support network even after graduating.
3. What has been your favourite job?
Creating books is all I want to do really, but I had quite a few different jobs that paid the bills until I could move into it full-time. I used to work at a tiny book and gift shop in Bene’t Street called The Angel Bookshop in Cambridge that’s sadly no longer there. I loved working in the centre of town in a three-person team, surrounded by books. After it closed I worked in the children’s department at Heffers bookshop, which was a brilliant place to be while working as a children’s book author. They have always really supported graduates from the Children’s Book Illustration MA too, me included.
4. In one word, how would you describe Anglia Ruskin University?
Colourful.
5. How did your time at ARU help you?
I had a background in illustration, but moving into children’s book illustration was new for me, and so I learned how to channel my way of working into that medium. The tutors were supportive and instructive but honest as well, which I respond really well to. While on the course we visited the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy, where publishers from across the world gather. It’s a great place for students to show their work to publishers and see the international approach towards the medium. I’d continue to go annually with friends on the course even after graduating, and it was there I was offered my first book deal in 2014.
6. What did you love about your chosen course?
I was one of the highest achievers on my BA illustration course, but I soon realised at Anglia Ruskin I was surrounded by a lot of very skilled and talented people. That really kept me motivated. Everyone was very passionate about what we were doing, and all wanted the same thing. It was the ideal environment to hone your craft in.
7. What advice would you give to current students as they’re preparing to graduate?
Prioritise ideas that feel unique to you and be prepared to stick up for them, even if it means making hard decisions. Make sure you enjoy creating the work you put out, as this will give you the best chance to succeed and make the harder aspects of the industry worthwhile.
8. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying?
That getting published or getting an agent is not a golden ticket to anything. You still have to keep working hard; it’s just that one set of challenges gets replaced with another. The trajectory of everyone is different and things might get worse before they get better after graduating. You just have to stick at it.
9. Who was the biggest influence on your career?
I remember a chance meeting with Pam Smy, one of my tutors on the course, a couple of years after graduating that really helped restore belief in myself to keep going. There was Peter Marley, who offered me my first book deal. Richard Young, formerly of the Cambridge Library service, who championed my work and got me my start in school visits and author workshops. And my friend Elys Dolan who I met on the course and is now a lecturer on it. We had many long nights in the studio and were always pushing each other to succeed. I don’t think things would have worked out the way they did without having met these people!
10. What advice would you give your younger self?
Stick to your vision and create books you would want to read yourself. Don't waver from your weirder ideas and embrace your sense of humour as they are what will help you stand out. Also: your long hair looks stupid.
11. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I can pat my head a rub my stomach at the same time. Easy. I can also lick my elbow, it’s not impossible.
12. What’s next?
I’m working on my new chapter book series, Croaky, with books 3 and 4 due out in 2025. We’ve also got 26 more episodes of the Super Happy Magic Forest TV show coming out in spring. I’ve also got a few festival appearances coming up, so keep an eye on my website or socials for news of those.