I started working as an illustrator when I was in my final year at Art College and now, over 25 years later I still haven’t got a proper job! I’ve illustrated literally hundreds of books, predominantly in educational publishing. A few years ago I was main illustrator for Longman’s ‘Story Street’ reading scheme, illustrating 79 titles and writing 5.
I’ve worked in children’s television, specifically in character development and most notably in the ‘Raggy Doll’ series in the mid to late 1980’s. I have also done a certain amount of licensed work, illustrating characters such as Postman Pat, Bill and Ben and Sesame Street.
I’ve been described as an ‘Animal artist’, not I hasten to add because I’m wild and hairy but because I love to draw animals and especially like to give them human characteristics.
I’ve  been writing children’s books for about 5 years and have already had several picture books published with more in development.
I’ve got 4 great children and although they’re almost all adults now, my memories of them growing up inspire and inform my writing.
I’ve been visiting schools for about 5 years, working with children from nursery level up to key stage 2. I can provide a range of different sessions which are tailored to suit specific age groups and can be focussed on illustration, writing or a mixture of both.
In my illustration workshops I show my folio of artwork which includes character sketches, pencil roughs and finished artwork from my books. I’ll teach the children how to draw facial expressions in an interactive session that works for all ages. Then I’ll go into more detail covering things like shading, scale, movement, texture and figure drawing to whichever level is age appropriate.
In my writing workshops I’ll read my stories and talk about where my ideas came from. Then, in an interactive session I’ll work with the children to develop their own story ideas. I like to draw sketches of their characters which often help to inspire their writing.
With older children, I like to include a Q and A element as they generally seem much more interested in the process of writing and illustration.
And if that isn’t enough, I also paint murals in schools, either on my own or working with groups of children and I take inset training sessions for teachers in drawing.
Anything except get a proper job!
FEEDBACK
Bluecoat Infant and Primary School Walsall
Dear Steve,
May I on behalf of all of the school thank you for visiting us on the 7th of February. Every class teacher has reported how delighted they and the children were with your workshops.  We really enjoyed your stories and fantastic illustrations.  You delivered each presentation at the right level for the children and gave them ideas to develop on their own.
Brierly Hill Primary School
Dear Steve,
…the children all had a wonderful day and we’re going to buy a few copies of some of your books to keep in our school library. They were so impressed that they’d met a real life author and were astounded by your illustrating skills. Thank you ever so much for coming to us.
Excellence Walsall
Dear Steve,
Thank you for a fantastic couple of days! All the feedback has been extremely positive. Staff and pupils alike have commented on how much they enjoyed the experience! I will be in touch again! Thanks for making both days a huge success.
Reception Class, Peterborough Primary School
Dear Steve,
We thought your pictures wer GRAT!
Awards:
The Lamb Who Came for Dinner (Little Tiger Press)
Commended at the Sheffield Children’s Book Award 2007
Shortlisted for the Red House Children’s Book Award 2007
Shortlisted for the Stockport Schools Book award 2007
Silver star Norfolk Libraries Children’s Book Award 2008
Shortlisted for the Portsmouth Book Award 2008
The Monkey With a Bright Blue Bottom (Little Tiger Press)
Shortlisted for the Sheffield Children’s Book Award 2008
Books
Here are just a few of the books I’ve written:
The Lamb who came for Dinner (isbn:0864617348)
When a hungry wolf gets an unexpected visit from a little lamb, he starts planning a delicious lamb hotpot. But the lamb doesn’t want to be the wolf’s dinner, she wants to be his friend…
Smelly Peter the Great Pea Eater (isbn:9781845066253)
Peter Pod eats nothing but peas which make him smell awful and turn him green. And if that wasn’t bad enough, he gets abducted by aliens…
A Hug for Humphrey (isbn:9781845062668)
An endearing story of friendship and of never giving up!
The Monkey With a Bright Blue Bottom (isbn:9781845064587)
When monkey finds a paintbox and decides to decorate all the jungle animals they find the perfect way to get their own back!