I am engaged!

I have the most beautiful bespoke made ring! I am so happy!

Belated Happy New Year... it's time for Grazia to get organised!

It's a new year and I have a great feeling about the next 12 months. During this year, I will feed my creativity, hope for good health and aim to initiate lots of laughter. 

I can't believe a year has gone by since I made the 2014 planner for Grazia but it has... some of the UK Grazia office favourites have remained in place for the 2015 planner; take-away coffee, designer high heels, Mulberry bags, and the editor's gorgeous dog, ...and a new favourite emerged - the Moschino Mc'd's iPhone case!

Breathing in Istanbul from afar for Hotel Momcierge

A few months ago I received a commission from Hotel Momcierge, an Istanbul-based company catering to families visiting Turkey. 

The owner, Sevil, is successful, energetic and motivated; and I was excited at the prospect of creating artwork for her. 

I have illustrated the company logo - a bright and welcoming concierge bell; and created a company mascot in the form of a stork, as well as other promotional artwork in colours to tie in with the company website.

Hotel Momcierge has already been positively reviewed by The Guardian Travel, Monocle and Louis Vuitton City Guide. 

I left Istanbul a few months ago and am now back in the UK for the time being.  I have relished the opportunity to return to Istanbul in my mind's eye, to portray the city and some of its icons: the ubiquitous simit stands, seagulls, ferries, mosques; the bridges, fishermen and cats - or in this case a fishing cat!

Mince Pies, Ink, Wrapping Paper and Treacle

I have wrapped pretty, little presents and spent the afternoon making some sweet, felt decorations for the tree. Tomorrow is mince pie making day but i'll opt for a modern recipe, rather than a nostalgic 1940s one! Wartime baking had restrictions due to rationing so substitutions were made. My latest illustrated recipe, a wartime Christmas cake, for They Draw They Cook is featured on The Dig for Victory Show Blog. Merry Christmas to you all!

Births, Baptisms and Beyond....

I love creating artwork for a new baby!

Christmas Carols, Mulled Wine and Mince Pies…in Brighton

It's December, it's colder and it's getting nearer to Christmas! I have ordered my turkey, made the Christmas pudding and I have a new hat with ears on that bounce as I walk. 

Here is the Community Christmas poster that I produced for Exeter Street Hall, Prestonville Community Association and St. Luke's Prestonville. The community-owned hall is a wonderful local asset and I am looking forward to the party! 

Take your time… but you only have a week : 'The Tortoise and the Hare'

This week MATS has been all about children's book illustration. It was the section of the course that I had been most looking forward to. 

Having said that, by the time I had read all the literature that was provided I felt somewhat numb. It was enormously helpful and indeed inspiring, but also quite overwhelming in its sheer quantity! I did not initially feel hugely inspired to draw a tortoise; however, once I started sketching, a small girl character evolved, riding a micro-scooter and called Tilly. 

Benedict on Zaffy

Soon enough, Tilly had won me over and I regained my earlier excitement as her race with Horace the Hare began to take shape.

I have put a lot of hours in this week and I feel I've learnt a lot about the industry and about my own technique.

The Hare is depicted riding our much loved orange Vespa, Zaffy. The words were kindly composed by Benedict Protheroe.

Anyway, here is my double page spread of The Tortoise and the Hare.