Category Archives: Creative Process

To Pee or not to P

The meeting with Bloomsbury went well – but basically, for the foreseeable future I’m occupied by being a writer for that particular project. So this – I’m not sure how much I can say yet – but these wee-uncomfortable children are part of an initial stage of character development for a project that I hope I’ll be workingContinue reading “To Pee or not to P”

Grotsby in Black and White

I’m experimenting with black and white because Grotsby might appear first as an older children’s chapter book, and in those the illustrations are often black and white or just two colours. Will try the two colour version next. Generally though – it’s been a while since I’ve drawn him (other than line sketches) so it’sContinue reading “Grotsby in Black and White”

Work in Progress

I’m sure I’m not meant to be doing it like this. I just love drawing people (and things) doing stuff, in different poses, with different expressions…  I reckon I’d have made a good old-style animator. You know, back in the day when they animated page by page and line-tested everything first. I say I shouldn’t beContinue reading “Work in Progress”

A Hairy Bean with Dreadlocks

I’ve not blogged for a while. This is mainly due to starting a new teaching job, which I am very much enjoying but is taking a fair bit of my time. I also have a fair few other self-employed jobs which I am also trying to find time for – so poor old Grotsby-Snot frequently getsContinue reading “A Hairy Bean with Dreadlocks”

Quite Good for a Doodle

Further to the ‘monsters and dogs’ post, I have been doodling the character of Monster – who I think is a little girl canine, some sort of scruffy terrier-whippet mix. I’ve been enjoying creating a form, a character on the page, WITHOUT using line. The form emerging out of tone. I’ve been exploring what IContinue reading “Quite Good for a Doodle”

Monsters and Dogs

My local illustrator’s group meets about once a month and we set each other briefs. Due to being on the MA I’ve been spectacularly bad at completing any of these mini-projects but I am determined to try now that the MA is finished (I got a distinction by the way, I’m pretty chuffed). Anyway ourContinue reading “Monsters and Dogs”

Sketchbook: Café Drawing Again

So today I took some time out (I had to go to the bank) to draw in a cafe again. I tried out a new medium I came across in an art shop in Bologna – a lovely pastel stuff that comes in a flat palette and can be applied very smoothly if you wish. IContinue reading “Sketchbook: Café Drawing Again”

Sketchbook: Little Chimney Houses

From our apartment in Bologna I could see rooftops. Well, mainly one rooftop. I noticed, not immediately, this delightful way of making the chimneys. Perhaps it is a peculiarly Bolognese thing, I don’t know. Presumably it was done to prevent birds nesting on top of the chimney – except they look rather like inviting little housesContinue reading “Sketchbook: Little Chimney Houses”

Over and Over Again

Just to show a little of the amount of work involved with creating a picture book.. here are just two sketchbook pages from many more. This is me drawing the pose over and over, one pose for just one picture in the whole picture book… Luckily I love drawing people. Over and over again. And here isContinue reading “Over and Over Again”