Once Upon A Time

Bee Willey will be taking part in 'Once Upon A Time'; an exhibition celebrating Children's Book Illustrators of East Anglia.
Opening on 25th January, the show takes place at Ipswich Art School and includes original artwork from artists such as Edward Ardizzone, Michael Foreman,  Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone and Helen Oxenbury. Bee says "I am very happy to be showing five images here as part of a large show at the Ipswich Art School Building. This is one of the artworks included as well as older pre-digital pieces . It is great to be there amongst great illustrators!". Running until the beginning of May, admission to the exhibition is free.

New Talent Alert: Amyisla McCombie

Amyisla McCombie's illustrations are both delicate in style and bold in design, take a look at her portfolio...

Reading Is Fundamental

Anne Wilson has received the wonderful news that one of her children’s books has been chosen by the RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) organisation to be part of the Macy's Multicultural Collection of Children’s Literature 2012-2013. 40 titles were chosen for RIF to distribute to schools and other organisations across America with a focus on reaching at-risk and underserved children. Anne says "There were 800 books looked at and my book 'We're Roaming In The Rainforest' (written by Laurie Krebs) was selected! It's a lovely pat on the back to know your work is out there benefitting children."

Read For Good

Keith Robinson's work for the charity 'Read For Good' continues with this latest set of illustrations. The images which are for a variety of uses such as bookmarks, certificates, sponsorship cards and posters, are to communicate the pleasure kids can get from reading. Last year, Keith designed the mascot and logo for the charity; Jamie and the orange balloon can be seen 'unifying' this set of images.
"'Read for Good' improves children's lives by encouraging and enabling children in primary and secondary schools to enjoy the powerful positive effects of reading for pleasure. In doing so these children also fundraise fantastic sums of money - to help seriously ill children across the UK."

Mind The Gap

Natalie Kilany has completed a most enjoyable commission for Harper Collins. 'Mind The Gap' is a 32 page book of Roger McGough's 'weird and wonderful poetry'. The educational book which is aimed at seven to eight year olds is now available worldwide. Natalie says " (It's) a lovely educational book that I adored working on".

'Sally's Bones' is USA Today's HOT TITLE

Incredible news for T.S. Spookytooth, 'Sally's Bones', a book illustrated by himself and written by MacKenzie Cadenhead has been profiled in USA Today. With a readership in the region of 17 million this is fantastic exposure. The review, written by Brian Truitt talks of the successful relationship between author and illustrator, and quotes Mackenzie saying "The moment I saw T.S Spookytooth's work, I knew they had found the best artist to bring Sally and Bones to life. There was no one else considered. Plus, with a name like his, how could he not be the perfect fit?". Read the article here, and see the book here.

Howdy Chris Lensch

Fresh blood to the agency comes in the form of Michigan-based illustrator Chris Lensch.

His super bright, characteristically fun narratives have been used by such clients as McDonalds, The New York Times, Piggy Toes Press and Compaq. Check out more of his lustrous work.

Louis The Tiger Who Came From The Sea

This sensational image is just a taste of the many from Sholto Walker’s latest children’s book “Louis The Tiger Who Came From The Sea”. Published soon, Sholto worked very closely with Canada/US based publishers Annick Press on the 28 artworks. They were very clear about the Tiger character they wanted, Sholto says: "…he went through many versions! They've since let me know how very happy they are with the result." More about the book.

Becker's Private Project

Hush, hush everyone, you didn't hear this from us!  Greg Becker recently completed a private and rather unusual commission from a couple wishing to commemorate their relationship. It was a very secretive project which involved illustrating a book of poems. Greg's dreamy and enchanting style is perfect for such a romantic gesture.

Jason Hawkins's Scrapbook

Equally comfortable creating in paint, pencils or via computer, without these tools Jason Hawkins would even be happy to draw in the sand. Jason Hawkins's Scrapbook.

The Return Of The Young Prince

Sarah Beetson wows us this month with this gorgeous illustration, part of a pitch commissioned by Marc Catala Rodas of Mucho. For the new follow-up book to The Little Prince, Sarah introduces her take on line and wash style, using a gouche wash to preserve her bright colour palette, we are all thrilled with the outcome. She says: "I really enjoyed doing them and hope they will open up more doors in the children's publishing world for me".

Hello Beto

New to the stage this month, and an illustrator we welcome with a round of applause is Beto Campos from Brazil. Beto brings with him a portfolio full of lively and bold illustrations. He began his career as a traditional artist, hosting his first solo exhibition when he was only 14 years old, now with over 12 years of experience under his belt in advertising, design and concept art, his impressive portfolio of clients includes Disney, Stephen King and Adobe.

VW Fairground

This fantastic image is part of Natalie Kilany's latest delivery, a campaign visual for VW via DDB London. Focusing on two of their family cars the Sharan and Touran, Natalie greatly enjoyed the brief which was to create two visually enticing lenticular posters; a forest scene and a fairground scene. In addition the brief requested designs for other collateral including a goodie bag with stickers for the brochure and a bingo car game. The posters and goodie bag can be seen in all local UK and Ireland Volkswagen dealerships.

Xiao Xin's Scrapbook

Shanghai based illustrator Xiao Xin shares his love of animals & portraying them in his artwork. Xiao Xin's Scrapbook.

FRAME X FRAME Yoplait Disney Ads

More fun animations from Alan Miles, this is one of four pieces done for children's TV channel Disney Playhouse advertising Wildlife Yoghurts. WATCH IT.

Healthy Portions

Tim Bradford is the creator of these vibrant characters which can be found within the pages of a fantastic booklet he has produced for Doctor Foster.

The project for Birmingham East and North NHS is aimed at reducing childhood obesity. Primarily aimed at adults, Tim’s free booklet is one element that will be distributed to 4-6 year olds to encourage them to eat healthily with the correct portion sizes.

Laurence Cleyet-Merle and La Musique Classique

In time for Christmas Laurence Cleyet-Merle has put the last touches to this melodic illustration for Atlas, music tales by Marlène Jobert.

Anne Wilson's Scrapbook

Anne Wilson shares her passion for children's books and the influences that shape her special style of illustration.
Anne Wilson's Scrapbook
Anne Wilson's non-kids portfolio

T. S Spookytooth's Scrapbook

T.S Spookytooth's highlight of 2009 was successfully mixing the right shade of green "it can be such a problematic colour". 
T.S Spookytooth's Scrapbook
T.S Spookytooths's Light Portfolio
T.S Spookytooth's Dark Portfolio

Victoria Ball's Scrapbook



Illustrator Victoria Ball tells of her luck at having not one, but 2 studios! She also has 2 portfolios to reflect her kids & lifestyle work.

Victoria Ball's Scrapbook