Banner image with a group of cartoon penguins and the text 'Penguin Parade, Ruth Mutch - Illustrator'

Ruth Mutch

Disabled illustrator who loves penguins.

Pathways

For my final brief, I illustrated a narrative non-fiction book with a target age range of 7-11. The story featured a girl and her grandad learning about climate change and transforming their garden.


About

I am an autistic and physically disabled illustrator living in Glasgow with my very floofy cat. I recently completed the Pathways Into Children’s Publishing course, during which I was incredibly lucky to have Sue Hendra (of Supertato fame!) as my amazing mentor.I work mostly digitally, as I delight in using smooth, clear lines and bright joyful colours. I enjoy making people smile, and try to sneak a few penguins into as many of my illustrations as I can.I also have a passion for including disabled characters in my work, representing not only my own personal experience, but also the experiences of disabled and neurodivergent children who will hopefully feel truly seen in my characters.I particularly enjoy illustrating picture books, as well as middle grade stories and characters, and I feel that there needs to be greater inclusion of disabled characters, voices and experiences in all children’s literature.In addition to my illustration work, I also sell my designs as cards, prints, mugs and more on my Etsy shop.

All images (c) Ruth Mutch, 2025