Friday 16 January 2015

Illustrated Reading Bags

I've recently designed some illustrated book bags. This is something that I've wanted to do for a while and I was quite pleased with the initial outcome.


Je Suis Charlie


Thursday 8 January 2015

Lessons from my Grandma



Almost four weeks ago my grandma died. Even writing that sentence feels very surreal, like I'm writing it for somebody else. For the majority of my adult life I've known that the reality of losing someone I love was inevitable but as a child you feel like your grandparents and even your parents are indestructible. 

I had watched her fade away from the beautiful, strong lady that used to pick me up from school, take me on magical day trips to the countryside and teach me how to bake. 

In truth, I am completely heartbroken. I feel as though my childhood has died with her, and nothing will ever make it right. 

Grief is a strange feeling, it almost creeps up on you when you least expect it. One minute you're fine, the next, a trigger of a memory can have you uncontrollably weeping in the toilets of a supermarket (yes, this has happened).

I miss her so much. Sometimes so much that I feel like I can't breathe. 

As the weeks pass, I'm constantly trying to remember all of the little things. 

Her voice, her perfume, her laugh. 

I've found that losing someone close has made me more conscious of my own life. It's a cliche to say but life really is only a finite number of days. Some get longer than others but ultimately, the choices we make and the life that we live defines who we are. If this whole experience has taught me anything, it's that life is precious and all that really matters is to be happy. 

If you hate the way in which your life is headed, then change it. 

If you love somebody, tell them. 

When you break it down the answers are simple. It's just that life has a funny way of complicating things.

I'll cherish every moment that I spent with her. I'll treasure her memory, her wonderful wartime stories and all of the precious things she taught me. (Although I am yet to master the art of crocheting, despite her best efforts, sorry gran!)

The best thing we can do is to look after each other, be good people and pay it forward. 

Life is too short.

I'd like to dedicate this post to my darling grandma, I'll love you forever.

x

Tuesday 6 January 2015

Illustration Friday- Invention

My illustration for this weeks Illustration Friday based on the theme of 'Invention.' :)


Monday 5 January 2015

New Year, New Studio

So after years of wishing, I have taken the plunge and have gone full time freelance with my illustration career. At the end of December I left my job and got myself a studio.

Here's to 2015! (Hopefully!)






Framed Character Designs

The following were specially commissioned pieces which were drawn using coloured pencils and then text added using pen and ink. 








Character Designs

Some examples of book spreads and character design that I have done using coloured pencil and pen.





Blank Greeting Card Designs