New Job at Paper Dove

At the beginning of September I started a new job as a designer at Paper Dove Company in Northumberland. This amazing company creates innovative, tailored designs exclusively for charities in the UK and Europe.

The artwork that we have to produce is so varied, from cute 'children's booky' animals to painterly religious scenes. Charities who I have been creating work for include RNLI, Tearfund, PDSA, Leukaemia, RSPB and Sue Ryder.

Unfortunately the designs I create this year won't be for sale until next year as we have to work so far in advance, but watch this space!

Illustration Friday - Teacher

Here is a little taster of something that I have been working on over the summer. For purpose of this week's Illustration Friday topic I am going to say that 'this little girl is teaching this cute dog how to behave nicely.'

There is more to these two little characters though.... I am being very daring and having a go at writing AND illustrating my own picture book, after much encouragement from friends, mentors and my lovely agent Kathryn Ross.

I wouldn't say that writing stories comes naturally to me, but I feel that things are finally starting to take shape. The main character is inspired by my little niece, which definitely keeps me entertained!

Animals

For the past week I have been developing these little fellas. Although I love to paint with acrylics, I haven't illustrated with them for a long time. I used this opportunity to free up a bit with this painterly approach. I've had so much fun doing it! Hope you enjoy them :)