I designed a number of greetings cards for Madison Park Group and one has won a Louie Award! The louie Aawrds are ‘the Oscars of the greeting card world’ apparently and named after Louis Prang, the German-born Boston lithographer credited with the birth of the U.S. Christmas card in the 1870s.

My Card won the category of Congratulations/Special Occasion and here it is!

I’d like to thank my family for their on going support, my pencil, Yorkshire tea and my wacom tablet, I could’t have done it without you.

You can see all the winers here: https://greetingcard.nonprofitcms.org/a/gallery?roundId=11

I’ve just got home after a flying visit to the Bologna Children’s book fair, it was great to catch up with publishers and meet some new ones.

My work was exhibited in the Silent book contest area, it was great to see people looking at my work after spending so long, alone in a tiny room, drawing it all! The contest winner is announced in May so I’ll have to wait and see what the outcome is. 

It’s been 5 years since I visited the book fair and it seemed a lot larger and overwhelming than I remembered. It was also very busy which is hopefully a good sign for the industry. 

I took some business cards and posters for the illustrators wall too, thanks if you took the time to have a look and take a card. Get in touch!

As expected the books on the Corraini Edizioni stand were my favorite, a great whale themed stand this year! I also loved Flying eye books, I’ve bought a couple for myself recently so it was great to see them, always so busy I didn’t get a chance to chat, hopefully next time.

I also managed to arrive at the airport 4 hours early and in a strange state of inspiration came up with 9 ideas for new books, just have to get my pencils sharpened and sketch book at the ready!

I’ve been busy getting together some images together to take to Bologna Children’s book fair next week. I’m visiting to see my work in the Silent book competition exhibition there and thought I’d take the opportunity to have a look around and see what the publishers are up to! It’s been 5 years since I last visited and this time I am (slightly) more in the know about the world of illustration. Here’s some work I’ve done in preparation, wish me luck! 

I have designed a new range for my children’s brand Corby Tindersticks. The range includes cards, notebooks and prints and you can find our more at www.corbytindersticks.com

I’m delighted to say I have been shortlisted for the 2016 Silent book contest! My book, One previous owner is a wordless adventure on 4 wheels. Inspired by an amazing tiny car I spotted in Amsterdam and the many adventures I’ve had in my own Renault Modus.

You can find out more about the competition here: www.silentbookcontest.com