David Lock - Designer

I see my job as surprising the author by drawing what he or she meant in just a few lines - and, hopefully, making them laugh. Essentially I'm thinking sideways, linking together the author's text with current news, literary references -whatever.
My working method is to carefully read the author's text, together with any guidelines they might add, and work up a selection of ideas (usually too many!) as ink or pencil roughs for him or her to look at. I am always ready to draw and redraw until everyone is satisfied.
I specialise in adding the spice of humour to otherwise unpromising material. Some of the least promising manuscripts can be the most satisfying to work with: The Selfish Pig's Guide to Caring (Hugh Marriott), for example - difficult to lighten up text about disability, you might have thought;or Is There Life After Housework (Don Aslett): even cleaning lavatory bowls can have its light side. Essential, really!