The Bright Agency secures Catherine Rayner in licensing representation

Paul Black, Brand Partnerships Director at The Bright Agency is further expanding their reach into licensing with the signing of award-winning picture book creator and artist Catherine Rayner, whom he now represents across licensing, advertising and editorial work. David Higham Associates continues to represent Rayner’s literary, film and television rights.

Paul Black joined The Bright Agency in 2025 as Brand Partnerships Director, boasting a 17-year career that featured transforming Elmer into a cross-category success at Andersen Press, and leading award-winning campaigns at Walker Books, HarperCollins and Little Tiger. Paul’s career has been defined by smart strategy, strong storytelling and creative vision.

As Paul expands Bright’s Brand Licensing he is building a list of heritage publishing brands as part of Bright’s unique offering across the market with the aim of driving discoverability for artists, brands and their books, plus developing new and innovative routes to market through licensing with the book and the story at the heart of everything The Bright Agency do.

On Paul’s eclectic list of artists, Catherine Rayner joins the likes of BAFTA-nominated director and illustrator Robin Shaw who most recently concluded an exclusive illustration range for TESCO’s 2025 Christmas campaign, and Jane Foster who recently joined Bright, and is best known for her collaborations with Comic Relief on Red Nose Day T-Shirts, Ikea, and on various products in ceramics, homewares and apparel.

Catherine’s art can already be found on greetings cards, baby wear and more, but working with Bright the goal is to expand further and into new and surprising categories. Catherine’s books have been translated into 35 languages and sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide, and adapted for television, theatre, and musicals, including Augustus and his Smile (Little Tiger Press) which was adapted for the Royal Albert Hall stage.

Catherine has become a household name, both for her own author-illustrated titles as well as working with the likes of Julia Donaldson, Michael Morpurgo, and Michael Bond. Catherine continues to be represented in publishing by Isobel Boston at David Higham Associates. Paul and the Bright team will work with them to increase Catherine’s presence in the market, ultimately with the goal of increasing Catherine’s footprint across books and further retail.

On welcoming Catherine to Bright, Paul Black said “At Bright our licensing is always rooted in the work of the artist, and on expanding the footprint of their work from where they are currently positioned. I have long admired Catherine’s art, since I first commissioned her for events at Seven Stories more than 17 years ago we have maintained a great relationship hoping to work together again at some point. Watching what she has built on her own in the licensing space alongside her award-winning and best-selling publishing career has been hugely inspiring, and in joining forces with The Bright Agency I am excited to work with Catherine, and her literary agent Isobel Boston to reach new and lucrative partners and licensees for her work, and showcase Catherine’s art globally.”

On joining The Bright Agency, Catherine shared “Having worked as a professional illustrator for more than 20 years, I felt it was the right moment to explore a new avenue. So when my old friend Paul Black joined the team at Bright, I was excited to hear about the agency’s licensing branch.

I’ve licensed work in the past and produced many commissioned projects, as well as creating my own products - including cards and babywear - but this opportunity means my work can have a far wider reach. I’m really looking forward to some interesting and unexpected collaborations, supported by Bright’s expertise and contacts, in areas I’d never dreamed of before.

I’m beyond thrilled to be part of the Bright team for my illustrative work and can’t wait to see where my art ends up. Watch this space - it’s going to be fun!”

Catherine Rayner continues to be represented by Isobel Boston at David Higham Associates editorial work. David Higham Associates continues to represent Rayner’s literary, film and television rights.

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To find out more about The Bright Agency’s Brand Licensing properties, including David Litchfield’s The Bear in the Piano (Frances Lincoln), Chris Chatterton’s Uh-oh Niko (Ladybird), and artist Jane Foster, get in contact with Bright’s Brand Partnerships Director Paul Black here.