How long have you been writing books?

I just started! This is my first book - after a lifetime of many other artistic pursuits, and a love of the magic of books - I finally sat down and wrote my own.

How long have you been an artist?

I used to draw as a kid, and I took art class in high school, but it wasn’t until I was in my early 30’s that I finally learned to paint. When I was first learning, I spent some time illustrating and working out ideas for a children’s book, but I decided to focus instead on making fine art. So it wasn’t until very recently that I made a pivot and started illustrating for stories.

What are your influences?

I have so many influences. My earliest books were by Maurice Sendak, Dr Seuss, and classics like Corduroy. As a father, I fell in love with the books of Eric Carle and his abstract, collage art style - and that’s been a big influence on me, along with Ezra Jack Keats.

As an early reader I lived for Roald Dahl and C.S. Lewis - any fantasy, myth ir fable. As a teen I became a huge Frank Miller/Dark Knight Batman fan, and of course Harry Potter is truly the pinnacle of the ‘writing of wonder’.

How do you make your illustrations?

While I have a long history of making traditional art - drawing, painting with oil, acrylics and watercolor, for example - I find I enjoy the process of digital illustration for storytelling. It allows me to quickly make changes or try different compositions ‘on the fly’ - something nearly impossible with physical media.

I use a hybrid technique of digital collage, digital painting, drawing and layering of textures in Photoshop to create vibrant, warm, digital illustrations.

Do you ever do illustrations for other authors?

I haven’t yet, but it’s something I would consider – depending mostly on the timeframe needed for completion. If you have questions, reach out to me!