Catching up.

I started this Blog with the idea of coming here regularly to write down the stuff and nonsense that wafts through my brain tubes.
It hasn’t really worked out that way has it?

The irony that it’s called “Andy’s Procrastinating Pencil” isn’t lost on me either, since procrastination is the one thing I haven’t been doing since late 2012.
I’ve been doing quite the opposite in fact. Over the past year and a bit I’ve found myself being entirely focused upon the jobs in hand; applying myself diligently and fastidiously to produce beautiful pieces of artwork within the allotted time.

Oh God….what have I become?

The main reason for my “radio silence” is that I was working flat out for over a year on some educational titles for the lovely people at Oxford University Press.
It was the biggest job of it’s type that I’ve ever done. There were hundreds of illustrations that were needed, and the weight of the work meant that I regularly worked seven days a week, and sometimes for more than a 24 hours day. At times, I have to admit, it was tough.
Before you say anything, I realise that the concept of “toughness” is an entirely relative thing and it’s not like I’m putting out fires or fighting in the trenches or something; however I think you should know that spending an entire day colouring things in can hurt your wrist, and make your eyes feel very sore indeed!

Someone with a sore eye, yesterday.

Luckily, I had a fantastic Art editor who was fighting in my corner (I’m looking at you Buzz Mitchell), who was an absolute joy to work with.
I haven’t seen the finished books yet, but I hear from those in the know that they look good…..so Yaaaaaay! I’ll post pics when my copies arrive through the post.

I’ve also illustrated a little book for the lovely people at Franklin Watts, called “Stinky!”
I’ve been illustrating one of these little books a year for Franklin Watts for quite a while now, and they’re lots of fun to do.

The story is all about Bill Brady and his performing Guinea Pig, and was written by the hugely prolific children’s writer Ann Bryant.
It’s got furry animals, rodent acrobatics, and copious amounts of Guinea Pig poo and wee! What more could you ask for?

I’ve also done nine little stories for MacMillan, aimed at the Middle eastern market; and I’m soon going to begin on illustrating a “classic” story for Usborne. I’ll tell you what it is as soon as I get the nod that I can share it with you!

Alongside all of this I’m currently attempting to brush up my portfolio for the annual Bologna Book fair later this month, and am working on a story I’ve written myself too.
To be honest, I’ve been working on it for years but have never had the opportunity to devote all of my time to it. This year I’m determined to get all the pages done and dusted.
Here’s the most recent…

Finally, here’s a man with a prize winning leek….just because

Fruit and Reg

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