Friday, 13 May 2022
Friday, 6 May 2022
Supernan's Day Out - behind the scenes
In celebration of the publication of Supernan's Day Out, the sequel to Superdad's Day Off & the 4th collaboration between me & the brilliant Phil Earle I thought I'd share some of my process & initial sketches for the book.
They liked this version so I added a bit of colour...
A few more sketches of the clifftop hotel being drenched by a tidal wave & my first sketch of Gladys, Nan's best friend
Monday, 2 May 2022
PUBLICATION DAY FOR SUPERNAN'S DAY OUT!
'An unexpected family secret has hilarious consequences in this action-packed story from Phil Earle and illustrator Steve May - perfect for superhero fans. Plane crashes, robberies and fires were not what Stanley was expecting on a day out at the seaside with his nan and the other residents of her care home!
Nan doesn't know about his superpowers, so Super Stan can't step in to help as it would blow his cover. Luckily, though, another mysterious superhero seems to be on hand, saving the day.
But who could it possibly be?'
This is the sequel to Superdad's Day Off & is full of colourful hilarious action. It's my 4th collaboration with Phil & publisher Barrington Stoke & I always relish our projects.
I loved illustrating this book & it was huge fun relating the antics of Stan & his nan & reimagining a seaside town which was part Hastings (my hometown) part Blackpool with a tiny smidgeon of Coney Island in the mix somewhere. Being brought up by the sea reading superhero comics the British seaside resort & superheroes are subjects very close to my heart so in Supernan I had to opportunity to indulge myself in both so that's a bit of a bonus!
Nip down to your favourite bookshop & tell them me & Phil sent you (or alternatively you can order a copy here)
Tuesday, 15 February 2022
Draw Along 'Dirty Ulf' from Two Terrible Vikings
Here's me showing you how to draw Dirty Ulf, the grubbiest Viking in the village from the second Two Terrible Vikings book Grunt the Beserker by Francesca Simon & me published by Faber & Faber you can order a copy here!
More draw-alongs here
Thursday, 3 February 2022
Publication Day For 'Two Terrible Vikings' - 'Grunt The Beserker'
I'm extremely pleased to say that Hack & Wack, the WORST Vikings in the village are back in the second of the Two Terrible Vikings series Grunt The Beserker which is published TODAY - 3rd February by Faber Childrens!
In the new book the twins are forced to attend school & EVEN WORSE a fierce & stinky beserker warrior moves in NEXT DOOR!
How will the twins & their friends outwit Grunt & his vicious dog Muddy Butt?!?!
This is my second collaboration with the brilliantly funny Francesca Simon & was an absolute riot to return to draw the terrible Viking twins Hack & Wack along with their friends Dirty Ulf, Twisty Pants, Elsa Gold-Hair & of course Bitey Bitey their pet baby wolf!
In this new book I also got to draw the terrible (& rather stinky) Grunt The Beserker, his huge vicious dog Muddy Butt, Pecky Pecky the fiercest chicken in the Viking world & a plethora of angry puffins too!
I frequently found myself laughing out loud when realising Francesca's hilarious text which is always a VERY GOOD THING!
Pop into your nearest independent bookshop & say hello or you can order a copy from here
Tuesday, 1 February 2022
Monday, 10 January 2022
Grunt The Beserker - cover reveal!
Me pulling my BEST beserker face after receiving my copies of the new Two Terrible Vikings book 'Grunt The Beserker' by Francesca Simon & me! There's NOTHING quite as exciting as seeing an ACTUAL PRINTED COPY!
It's a very funny book, Francesca has such a brilliant imagination & turn of phrase - I found myself laughing out loud at various things I was drawing which is always a good sign (even if my studio mates think I'm going mad occasionally!
All the old gang are back, Hack & Wack the terrible viking twins, their baby wolf Bitey Bitey, Dirty Ulf, Twisty Pants, Elsa Goldhair & some brilliant new characters! I'll reveal more soon, watch this space...
You can preorder a copy here
Wednesday, 5 January 2022
Grunt the Beserker...sneak preview
Psst...here's a glimpse of the brilliant bookmarks to go with the publication of the SECOND Two Terrible Vikings books - 'Grunt the Beserker' written by the brilliant Francesca Simon & illustrated by me.
(If you look closer you can get a sneak peak of the cover of the book which is published on Thursday 3rd February by Faber Childrens)
Tuesday, 4 January 2022
Thursday, 25 November 2021
Murder of Soggy Crows!
Recent commission based on the view from my kitchen window (pen, ink & wash on 300gsm watercolour paper)
(based on an original digital drawing)
Tuesday, 12 October 2021
Monster Fun!
AAAAAARRRGGGHHH! Very excited to receive my copy of the Monster Fun Halloween Spooktacular last week. It's the first issue of a brand new British comic for kids of all ages! Great to be included with some stellar comic talent in here - here's the strip I drew, Teddy Scare written by Maura McHugh with lettering by Ferre Schutz. You can order your copy from here
Thursday, 30 September 2021
The Incurable Oaf™
My spirit superhero. (Hark! Is that Marvel & DC Comics on the phone I hear?)
MORE made-up comics you say? Go here!
Wednesday, 15 September 2021
A Murder of Soggy Crows.
Tuesday, 29 June 2021
Grumpy Mermaid At An Underwater Tea Party
I drew this in response to a prompt by illustrator Becka Moor on Twitter & it just flitted back into my mind seeing as my previous post had a rather maritime air.
NB NEVER feed cupcakes to an octopus, hammerhead sharks like their tea with milk & four (I know!) sugars.