Do you have a visual item or moment from your childhood that has stuck with you, shaping the artist you are today?

The first moment that came to mind was the time that I set out to draw every single character from The Simpsons. I made a little A6 booklet and laminated the cover. I seem to remember my Professor Frink being particularly accurate, so he was the first page. I was less proud of my Disco Stu. I’m not sure what this says about me as an artist but we have to admire my childhood ambition at the very least.

What did creativity look like for you as a child? Were you always drawing or making things?

I was always drawing. My childhood love language was drawing pictures for people. It would either be a portrait of me and that person (and for some reason I’d always write our names and ages next to the drawing) or I’d draw something that they’re fond of, like a drawing of Dennis the Menace for my uncle Andrew.

Was there someone who encouraged you to make art when you were young?

I was a very quiet child so I think I could only be encouraged to draw. My grandad once bought me a little pink suitcase full of art supplies, and my dad used to draw half of a picture so I could draw the other half. My older sister was brilliant at drawing realistic pencil portraits and I remember being inspired by her.

Did you have artwork on your bedroom walls or around your home growing up, and do you remember a favourite piece or how art made you feel as a child?

Alas I think my bedroom was covered in boy band posters, but I do remember a painting that my grandad had above his dining table. It was of a little girl and a dog, and a dolly that had been dropped on the floor. This must be the first piece of art that ever made me feel sad. I used to wonder who she was and what had happened, and also why you’d want such a sad painting on your wall. I recently came across the same painting in a charity shop window and I still felt the same.

What do you think your younger self would make of your art and the fact that you became an artist?

My younger self would think this is all pretty cool. I mean, my current self thinks this is all pretty cool. It’s a dream and I hope I get to do this forever.

You run workshops for children - why is that important to you and how do you encourage their creativity?

I love getting away from my desk and working with young people. It makes me think differently about my own practice and it gives me the opportunity to make things that I probably wouldn’t be making otherwise. Kids are so brilliant and naturally so creative, it’s such a treat to introduce them to new ways of making or new ways of thinking. I’ll always encourage them to create whatever they feel inspired to create (even if that is totally off topic!) and it’s so nice to be able to plan sessions to their strengths once you get to know who they are as little artists.

What else do you like to do when you're not illustrating?

If I’m not drawing you might find me walking, reading, pottering about, pestering my friends, locating sweet treats, listening to comedy podcasts or watching my favourite sitcoms on repeat (shout out to The Job Lot!).