Illustration – ‘Coral Cities’

How did you first discover illustration?

I first discovered illustration through picture books, which I absolutely adore. I love how imaginative they are; anything can happen in a picture book, they are timeless, and engage both children and adults. I’m drawn to colourful books with fun stories; Brian Wildsmith is one of my favourites. There is a lot happening in contemporary children’s books at the moment with some great publishers such as Nobrow’s Flying Eye Books, and Wide Eyed Editions who are pushing the boundaries and creating works of art.

The London Transport Museum exhibition ‘London Spaces and Places’ has just gone on public view, you were shortlisted for this exhibition among 100 illustrators how did your idea for your image come about?

I live down the road from the Horniman Museum, and it is such a source of inspiration. There is something for everyone; the World Galleries, the musical instruments, natural history galleries, the aquarium, the gardens, cactus garden, and views across London… Every time I visit I discover something new. I created this piece to celebrate the diversity of this unexpected (and very old) museum in south London.

You take hands on approach to your work with Collage being one of the mediums you use, what appeals to you about this way of working?

Using collage is a very tactile, I can move the pieces around on the page and play with the composition. I don’t like being too fusy with my work, so collage allows me to focus on shapes and patterns, and then add as much/little detail as I want. I love how you can get a lot of texture and colour with painted paper and mix that with nice slick cut lines. 

Illustration – ‘Things that Blow my Mind, Cities’

What’s the most important thing you have learnt about your career in the time you have been a professional Illustrator?

Persistence and enjoyment…every day I am learning something new so keep taking on board new ideas and not giving up…

How do you go about promoting your work?

I work with NB illustration agency who promote my work, which is great as the do all the negotiating leaving me free to do the fun part… the drawing! Oh and then all the obvious social media channels, instagram is great as it’s such an immediate way of getting your work out there and seen.

What’s next for you?

I am planning to produce a new book in my ‘Thing’s that blow my mind’ series, so am currently in the initial research and experimentation phases, with my walls covered in drawings, paintings, and coloured paper.