New signing with Little Tiger Press...

Well you wait for one book deal, then two come along at once - DING DING!

I'm happy to announce that I have just signed a two board book deal with Little Tiger Press.

The books are beautifully festive and will be out in time for Christmas 2012.

I can't show you anything at the moment but as soon as I can I will.

In the meantime click on the Little Tiger logo to take a look at their list - its quite expansive!

Beauty and the Beast sample spreads...

I think I can now pop a few examples from my second round competition entry - it was a fantastic exercise in scale, layout and colour - such fun!

Congleton Chronicle take 2...

My family spotted me in the local rag again this week - a nice little article thanks Congleton!

I should have sent them a couple of other photos though!

Congratulations to Loretta Schauer!

The winner of the Waterstones/Harper Collins 'Picture This' 2011 competition has been officially announced today and the winner is lovely Loretta Schauer who now goes on to create Michael Morpurgo's re-telling of the classic fairytale 'Beauty and the Beast'.

Below is the piece that appears in today's Telegraph featuring Loretta's Beastly character design!

More of Loretta's work can be seen on her website HERE

Waterstones/Harper Collins 'Picture This 2011' Shortlisters...

Here we all are at the event last week where we met Michael Morpurgo and the nice people of Waterstones and Harper Collins.

From left to right we have;  Tracey Smith, Matt Robertson, The Giant (Me), Elys Dolan, Loretta Schauer and Madeleine Hill.
Sophy Henn was also there but her daughter insisted they go to the Paperchase downstairs to do a spot of stationary shopping when this was taken.

I think my hands were stuck in my pockets and I can be seen here desperately trying to get them out without anyone noticing.

I believe the winner is announced officially tomorrow...

'Walkies!' card collection...

All 12 designs for my everyday dog card collection have just been been finalised - now featuring landmarks and assorted background elements.

The collection is called 'Walkies!' and will be available in shops towards the end of this year.

Nosy Crow Press Release...

I just received this lovely press release from Nosy Crow - aren't they lovely!  I didn't give them any sweets or cakes to make them say such kind words honest!

Something a bit different for C-C-C-Christmas...

There I said it - the 'C' word!  Sorry, but on my way home after an inspiring talk by illustrator Oliver Jeffers, I nipped into my local supermarket to get some milk.  I did a double-take when I spotted rows of MINCE PIES on the shelf.

I was quite tempted to purchase a box but I held back.

Instead I rushed home and created this new Christmas Card design.  So I saved some calories AND have a new design in the bargain.

The card will be available from Not On The High Street from October...

(The Gold colour will be a rectangle of lovely gold foil)

I'm in the 'Nosy Crow' Nest!

Well, if you'd told me a year ago that I was going to be on a list with Axel Scheffler (The Gruffalo) and Leigh Hodgkinson (Limelight Larry) I would have told you to get off your flying pig and put the kettle on...

However it has just happened!  I am absolutely over the moon to be officially part of the Nosy Crow team and am very much enjoying commencing designing Tracey Corderoy's new title 'Shifty McGifty and Scarface McGann' which is very funny indeed!

Click on the link below to look at the Nosy Crow website;

Can you still put the kettle on though please - I'm parched!

Sewing 'Spot the Difference' Competition...

I thought it would be nice to have a little competition.  I have 10 sewing lady tote bags to give away.  This is out of pure generosity and has nothing to do with the fact that I have 10 sewing lady bags featuring a misprint!

Inspired by said misprint, I have devised a little 'Spot the Difference' for you to have a go at.

There are 10 differences and the first ten people to email me at steve@2dscrumptious.com with a list of them will win themselves a lovely cotton tote bag...

(Click on the designs to enlarge them)

Good luck!