How and why did you decide to pursue illustration as your career?

Since venturing out into the world I have tried many different career paths, from acting to international air steward to hospitality. But one thing has always been consistent, my love of drawing. It's the one thing I've constantly engaged with since I was a child, so it feels like illustration as a career just makes sense. 

Where do you currently live and where did you grow up?

I currently live in Bristol with my partner and 200 plush animals. After a decade long stint in London, I made the journey west in search of more relaxed pastures.

Such a big move is not unusual to me, however, as I originally hail from Magnetic Island in Far North Queens land, Australia. (The island is thus named due to Captain Cook's faulty compass, which went haywire in the proximity, leading the explorer to believe the rocks were magnetised.) 

Many ask why I'd trade tropical beaches for grey, slippery streets and the simple answer is that I cannot stand the heat, and that I love the rain. Cozy days in during a downpour are pure magic. 

Was creativity part of your childhood?

Most definitely! I was always drawing and creating something. Collecting toilet rolls to turn into colourful creatures became an obsession. Whenever my dad would pop out to buy the newspaper I'd request art materials while he was there. Painting and customising furniture for my room was a common occurance. If something held creative possibilities, I wanted to be a part of it! 

Who or what have been some of your major artistic influences?

Television shows like Steven Universe, Adventure Time and Gravity Falls have been a huge influence for me as I hone my signature style. I love how those shows have a venear of cute and exciting which appeals to audiences of all ages, but they're also able to capture the macabre and scary aspects without dropping that lense. 

What piece of software or hardware could you not live without and why?

My graphics tablet! It was a long road to obtaining a tablet with a screen display, so I feel like I learnt to draw digitally with training weights on. But when I upgraded from a regular tablet to a screened tablet, those weights fell to the ground and my process and style developed quickly. 

What do you hope children take away from your drawings?

I hope my drawings give them a sense of fun and excitement. I love using bright colours to bring cute creatures to life and I would love children to be entertained, comforted and inspired by my work.