Biography

I left school at 16 and served an apprenticeship in a graphic design studio whilst attending a part-time design course at Leicester College of Art & Design.

I began working for the British Shoe Corporation developing and designing displays for various companies shop windows (see gallery). The chain then included Dolcis, Saxone, Curtess and Freeman Hardy and Willis. I married Maureen in 1969 and had two children, Heather born in 1975 and Joseph born in 1978. In 1979 I pursued a freelance illustration career, working from home and looking after the children. Maureen went to work full time. 

I had very little knowledge of how to publish my work, but I knew of someone who did. Also living in Leicestershire was the established illustrator Wayne Anderson. I did not know him but phoned to ask his advice. After seeing my illustrations he gave me a list of contacts and as a result my very first commission was a TV advert for British Sugar directed by Dianne Jackson who later went on to make THE SNOWMAN. My first colour book illustrations were two stories for WORLD TALES. In 2008 I illustrated THE STRONG TOWER, nominated and shortlisted ‘Best Children’s Book’ at the UKCB awards.

My work has been published by; Dorling Kindersley, Ladybird, Templar, Lion Hudson, Armadillo Books, Egmont World, Pan Books and Moody Publishing USA. My work also features on greetings cards, jigsaw puzzles, videos and an episode for the Christmas television series ADVENT.