Zines, quizzes and illustration as an antidote to AI: Q+A with CMYK Festival founder Nicholas Stevenson

If you had to pick one (or two, or three) highlight from CMYKs past - what are moments that stand out to you?  

When we first hosted CMYK at HCA in Spring 22 we didn’t know how many people would make the trip up to our campus, but it was just heaving and there were so many amazing artists there! It’s only got bigger each year since. I remember standing on the stage looking out at all the visitors and being super excited. 

Also... Losing horribly at the incredibly difficult Jonny Hannah quiz! He’s an illustrator we’ve talked a lot about on the course over the years and is so inspiring, it was surreal to participate in his very challenging pub quiz alongside students. He’s back again this year! 

For CMYK first-timers - what can they expect from the art market? 

There are over 50 stalls, with artists from all over the country. We try to select a really wide variety of people, so you should find someone whose work you really love! Stickers, posters, prints, zines, kids books, badges, t-shirts, illustrated ceramics, stationary, homeware... Every illustrator has their own voice, you can find out a bit about some of them via our Instagram. 

What is the thing you love about illustration - and what makes the illustration community, and connecting with them at CMYK, so special?

Illustration is continuously evolving and is one of the disciplines that shapes contemporary culture and aesthetics; it also has quite localised pockets of trends and influence. It is so interesting spotting waves of themes and seeing how everyone responds to what’s happening in the world each year. I feel we’re in a very post-ai space right now, we’re all pushing the handmade and human elements of our work, and these really matter in a setting like CMYK.  

Illustrators are wonderful imaginative colourful people, but we also spend a lot of time alone in our studios. There are so many incredible people spread out across our county and beyond it’s great to bring everyone together to celebrate what we do. Although illustrators are there to sell their work, there is a big culture of mutual support, table sharing and giving the next generation a leg up! 

How can visitors get involved and make something themselves on the day? 

There are workshops for all ages in the library throughout the day, these will be especially great for those with kids. There will also be a Risograph workshop with printmaker Jess Bugler, where you can try our favourite print machine, using sustainable soy ink and bright fluorescent colours. (£10) 

Will the iconic boiler suit be making a comeback in 2026? 

Haha yes, it was out of action at Christmas, but it will be looking fresh and green for May 16th. 
 

What’s one piece of advice you give to students selling work for the first time? 

If you really like your work probably someone else will! There are so many audiences and for just one person, your thing might be the favourite... Be positive about what you do, go compliment other people, make new connections and get ideas for next time. 

How many HCA alumni are coming back to take part this year?

There are about 20 HCA alumni participating this year! Some are fully established artists, like Russell Taysom, who recently released a line of Garfield clothing with H&M, and some just graduated last summer, like Dots n’ Blots who are an independent comic writing duo. It’s great to have a reason for students to come back and visit year on year. 

There will also be a exhibition from current second-year degree students - Collections - that you can enjoy.