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 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!

Services

Illustration

Languages

English

Fiction

Children's - Middle Grade

Children's Picture Books

Humor & Comedy

Non-Fiction

ELT

Home & Garden

Certifications

none

Awards

none (yet)

Director/Janitor

Freelance Illustrator

January, 1969 – Present (over 50 years)

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'.