David Lock

David Lock – Designer

I've produced humorous illustrations for many UK Educational Publishers, mostly in ELT, and I can extract humour from a potato!

Overview

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 specialise in adding the spice of humour to otherwise unpromising material!
Services
Fiction
Children's
Non-Fiction
ELT Home & Garden
Languages
English

Work experience

Freelance Illustrator

Jan, 1972 — Present

These are some of the publishers and organisations I have produced artwork for:
Mary Glasgow Publications (later taken over by Scholastic), Nelson, Pearson, Macmillan ELT, Heinemann ELT. Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, Exley Publications, Letts Educational, and Chancerel Publications.
Over the last few years (mainly in conjunction with Oxford Designers & Illustrators), I produced the artwork for a large number of books and posters for C.J.Fallon (Eire), where I was the principal conceptual artist on the 'Wonderland' and 'Wandsville'; series (author: Fiona Holmes).
I have also worked for RoSPA (mainly on safety cartoon strips, which I wrote), the RLSS (safety posters), 'Woman' magazine, and a weekly cartoon for'Amateur Gardening'.
Please note that at present I provide illustrations only, and not typography (unless a part of the artwork) or interior design.

David has 16 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Jeff and Ashley W.

Jeff and Ashley W.

Oct, 2024

This was our second time working with David and he was absolutely wonderful, again. Professional, talented, and timely. We love his art and the life he can bring to a story. Highly recommend!!
Baldwin S.

Baldwin S.

Oct, 2024

I am so happy with the work that he did for me. The illustrations are so amazing. He was great to work with and I would definitely hire him again in the future!!
David L.
Baldwin's positive feedback throughout made the work very enjoyable.
Pria D.

Pria D.

Jun, 2023

Great experience once again! Readers love David's funny illustrations with all the attention to detail
David L.
I always enjoy working with Pria: her briefs are always clear, yet still allowing me the freedom to express myself.
Jeff and Ashley W.

Jeff and Ashley W.

May, 2023

David is an excellent illustrator and a joy to work with. He went above and beyond to ensure our illustrations were just right. He is excellent at giving animals fun personalities and expressions. We highly recommend David for anyone looking for an illustrator and hope to get to work with David again in the future.
Maggie C.

Maggie C.

Mar, 2023

David was amazing to work with! He was very professional, quick to respond and great with feedback. Not to mention his artwork is incredible. He was up for the challenge of trying new things too. I would highly recommend David for any future project! And will hopefully have another project that we can collaborate on. Thanks so much David! I appreciate you!
David L.
Working with Maggie has been a very satisfying experience, in that I wasn't able at first to provide some of the services she asked for, but during the back and forth between us I was prompted to f...
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