I live and work from my home in Manchester, United Kingdom. History It all began for me at Manchester University, whilst studying for my degree in illustration I received a Highly Commended in the 1990 Benson & Hedges illustration awards. This was a nationwide exhibition beginning at the Mall Galleries, London, UK I left university in 1991, and worked as a freelance illustrator for the best part of the 90’s. I used traditional oil painting techniques at that time, something that has been a good grounding for everything I’ve done since then. My clients at that time included packaging for Whittard of Chelsea tea’s and Safeway fruit juices, and illustrations for the BBC, IBM, Heinemann, Harper Collins, McCann Erickson and Virgin amongst many others. One of the most memorable jobs was drawing an important prop for a Granada TV film Sherlock Holmes. I also worked under contract for Lipp international, a successful Manchester based independent card company, painting many card designs, and wrapping paper. At the turn of the century I successfully converted to digital and quickly adapting to the Apple Mac, I worked in a few various studios, which proved to be excellent experience in working quickly, efficiently and to tight deadlines. In 2002 I became a Senior designer at UK Greetings in Yorkshire – part of the US greetings group. Working in the Innovations studio, it was my job to come up with concepts for whole card ranges, and design them from scratch to finished artwork standard. I drew characters, used photography, painted images, and designed straight onto the computer using a graphics tablet. These designs would often be sold as exclusive ranges for companies such as Sainsburys Clintons and W.H.Smith. I also worked on many other ranges and licensed products, including own brand ranges, for example the whole of Sainsbury’s own brand cards. The Present After 5 years I needed to spread my wings into all areas of illustrations once more, so I became freelance again and soon signed with the Lindgren Smith agency. Since then I have expanded into packaging, editorial, advertising, publishing, and still regularly design card and gift wrap. Working at these design studios gave me a versatility in using different styles and techniques such as photography, traditonal drawing a painting and designing artwork straight on to the computer. I also have clear understanding of what is technically required for print ready artwork. I pride myself on delivering the best possible job I can quickly and efficiently. I work extensively in the UK and the US.
