I'm a writer and illustrator living with my wife, Sarah, and cat, Pawtia, in Hertfordshire, UK.
Working from a cosy studio, drinking far too much coffee, I love drawing quirky, whimsical characters with silliness and depth inspired by nature, culture and the small things that make a big difference in everyday life.
I’m drawn to the texture of soft coloured pencils, sketches and collage, creating words and pictures that play well together.
I grew up in South Africa and Portugal where my scribbles and stories were awarded the high honour of a place on my parent’s fridge. I finally settled in Hertfordshire, where I met my wife, our cat and my love of children's books and illustration.
I studied graphic design in London and am a self-taught illustrator. I completed a course in picture book writing and illustrating through Curtis Brown Creative in 2019-20. I was a 2022 AOI mentee, mentored by Caroline Thompson of Arena Illustration and I was part of the 2023-24 Pathways Into Children's Publishing mentee cohort mentored by David Roberts.
I've had the urge to explore and follow every opportunity which has given me an eclectic work experience and source of inspiration to draw from. I've finally found all the adventure I need in a pencil, paper and the view from my studio window.
As an LGBTQIA+ artist, creating pictures and stories showing everyone, in every way in our world is very important to me. Creating work that encourages resilience, imagination, empathy, courage, curiosity and a sense of wonder in the world.
When I'm not drawing I'm usually reading, playing games, going for walks, listening to podcasts, eating sushi, waking up far too early or pottering around the garden with Pawtia.
Some other things...
-
My sister-in-laws thought it was hilarious that I'd added musical spoons to my birthday list, so of course they bought them. They've very noisy (the spoons, not my sister-in-laws) and I'm still learning...Pawtia is not a fan.
-
My mother-in-law bought firebricks for my birthday, so that I could paint a garden library. I've never been more excited to receive a box of bricks!
-
The Lego version of Sarah has a bow and arrow in homage to her DND character and Pride rainbow hearts on her back. The Lego version of me has a rabbit because Coelho means rabbit in Portuguese and a pencil icon on my back, because I like making things.
-
I made the Mimic dice box that Sarah is sorting her dice into (pictured below) from an old sewing box we found at a massive car boot sale.
-
I am a huge Tove Jansson fan, I love the Moomin's gentle world. The Moomin house I'm building (pictured below) costs almost as much as a real house, but I'm in it now...
(not physically, of course).
-
I am also a huge Dana Terrace fan, The Owl House is one of my favourite things.
-
I've been working on 5 picture book stories and 2 chapter books for 8-12 year olds.
-
I'm not sure if this list is very boring, it's strange writing about myself...
-
I love nonsense verse (Edward Lear, T.S. Elliot, Lewis Carrol) , puns, silly play on words and silliness in general.
-
When I was 8/9 years old I started a cardboard box monster club. No-one joined but my friend's brother and I sat on the wall for a while holding flyers that I'd made for it. We also started a neighbourhood 'school' for the younger kids in our cul-de-sac, we used old bricks we'd found at the side of my house to make the walls and once we'd built it we got over the game and the school never opened. We also collected snails in old ice-cream boxes, I hope we released them..
Some photographed things...
Sometimes I draw on my coffee when I have a deadline..
Best part of the day.
The garden library I'm working on...only 7 more to go!
My little creative corner.
My ninja glove, coffee, glasses and work in progress.
Rubics Cube, Elmer and the Pantone cards in matching outfits.
About to join a meeting, King keeping an eye on proceedings. I am a huge fan of The Owl House, Dana Terrace is an incredible artist.
On a very important pretend phone call with my Gran.
I painted a bee stone to keep watch over the garden. He's a little mischievous..
Sarah and I got married 10 years ago in the garden of a friends beautiful country cottage...I still love those trousers.
Pawtia full of the joys of spring!
Pawtia in Autumn.
Pawtia enjoying the great outdoors.
Building a Moomin house, it's been in progress for almost two years..it's massive and our actual house is quite small..send help.
Sometimes we make jam. It's delicious!
We also grow tiny fruit and veg in our little garden.
So many board games..our collection is outgrowing it's cupboard under the stairs.
Sarah deep in the Dungeons and Dragons obsession..dice organising is a very important part of it.
Revelling in my favourite season.
Revelling in my favourite weather phenomenon.
Trying to revel, but it's getting close to summer and I can't deal with anything over 25degrees..
Sometimes I play the Ukulele (not very well), I also have musical spoons.
Sarah and I as Lego people.
I make little clay characters, this is one of them. He's very happy to meet you!
I can't guarantee that I'll send anything but know that I would like to and one day, you might get something exciting in your inbox! Oh the suspense...
