I’m a children’s book author and illustrator based in Melbourne Australia, and I spend a lot of my time drawing in front of an audience. I draw in notebooks, on digital screens, on easels and on huge bits of cartridge paper stuck to the walls and windows.
When I’m not drawing in front of people, I write and illustrate books in my studio in Melbourne.
Scroll down to see some sketches from my terrible sketchbooks!
I also use a digital pencil with a Wacom tablet to do some of my illustration, and I usually use Photoshop to put my final illustrations together. Sometimes, I use ProCreate on my iPad to draw with too - this is great as I can take my iPad out and about with me.
So far I’ve illustrated thirty three books - and written eight of these. Some of these books aren’t in the shops yet, but they will be soon.
SKETCHBOOKS
You know those illustrators who collect A5 Moleskine skechbooks? And fill them with exquisite artwork in pencil, gouache and fineliner? The ones you might see on Instagram?
Well, that’s not me.
My sketchbooks are … variable. Ok, let’s be honest, they’re a mess.
I usually have between three and eight sketch/notebooks on the go and none of them match. And sometimes they get so messy or out-of-date (usually because they’ve been left in the bottom of the wrong bag for several weeks) that I give up on them and use them for ‘To-do’ lists, or to record Scrabble scores.
But I think it’s important to see how everyone works, so here are a few pages. And possibly a few Scrabble scores.
I am quite good at Scrabble.
Some fish I drew – based on their names and not on actual research.
Octopus facts! I find octopuses very interesting. Also, did you know you can say 'octopi', 'octopuses' or 'octopodes' for more than one octopus? It's all fine and I like that.
I sometimes draw out the plot for the books I write as graphs – in my sketchbook. I know what this means. I'm not sure if anyone else would.
Scrabble score! (I won this one)
This is a cartoon of a dog at a birthday party. I might use it for something one day.
Not sure who or what this is.
Sometimes I get title ideas for books, so I sketch the cover out. Then I find the sketches years later. Then I might write a story to go with the title. 'Mushropolis' could be fun, perhaps?
This is from my 'monster phase' (2016-2018)
A sad little cartoon with no punchline yet.
From a book idea that hasn't come together yet.
I drew this in 2020, after we all had to wear masks everywhere. This is how I imagined everyone looked under their masks.
There are no other words for this...
Cat running away (before I could draw it)
I don't know who Cedric is yet, but he needs his own story.
Sometimes I just draw out familiar situations (ie. from my own life). Although I am not actually the parent of a crocodile, of course.
Some bugs - I like the expression on the centipede-type bug.
A really cool hoverboard
A few years ago, my son used my fancy Moleskine to write out all the different types of superpowers. I still find this extensive list quite useful.
This is an early storyboard for 'Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas'. Again, I know what it means.
Occasionally, I work in colour. It is not usually very successful as I can't wait for the paper to dry before adding more paint/pencil.
Some windows and thoughts on windows.
A common case of mistaken identity.
I find all puns amoosing.
AWARDS
ME
** FIVE MILE PRESS Inaugral Illustrator award – Winner 2014 **
MY BOOKS
The Wolves of Greycoat Hall: Boris in Switzerland
WINNER - Best Children’s Novel, DAVITT AWARDS 2024
Big Dog is a Big Help, written by Sally Rippin
Picture book children's: Illustrator
2024 Children's Book Council Book of the Year Awards — Notable Book
Hair! written by Mike Dumbleton
Picture book children's: Illustrator
2024 Children's Book Council Book of the Year Awards — Notable Book
This Book is a Time Machine, written by Tracey Dembo
2024 West Australian Young Readers' Book Award — Shortlisted
Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas
2022 Young Australians Best Book Awards (YABBA) — Shortlisted
2021 Young Australians Best Book Awards (YABBA) — Shortlisted
Dogasuarus
Picture book children's: writer & Illustrator
2019 Children's Book Council Book of the Year Awards — Notable Book
The Cat Wants Cuddles, written by P Crumble
Picture book children's: Illustrator
2018 Children's Book Council Book of the Year Awards — Notable Book — Early Childhood
The Cat Wants Custard, written by P Crumble
Picture book children's: Illustrator
2017 Children's Book Council Book of the Year Awards — Notable Book
2017 Shortlisted West Australian Young Readers' Book Award — Picture Books
Space Alien at Planet Dad
Picture book children's: Writer & illustrator
2017 recommended Australian Family Therapists' Award for Children's Literature — Picture Book and Younger Readers
The Fourteenth Summer of Angus Jack by Jen Storer
Middle grade novel: Illustrator
2016 Children's Book Council Book of the Year Awards — Notable Book
