Can you recommend a children's book that you recently enjoyed?

I'm a big fan of Emily Gravett and I love all her books as they're so quirky and inventive, yet her illustrations are wonderfully done as well. I think my favourite is DOGS - it's one of those books that makes you wonder 'Why didn't I think of that!'

I also just love Polly Dunbar's books - Penguin is great, so simple it's a lesson in 'less is more' and the expressions on Penguin's face are spot on!

When I read books like these it makes me want to write my own - so far I've always illustrated books written by other authors but I've got ideas in my head and that's something I'd like to have a go at very soon!

Do you have a piece of advice for beginning illustrators?

I'd really recommend joining the Association Of Illustrators as they're great for helping illustrators just starting out with advice, portfolio surgeries and information on the business side of illustration that might not have been covered at uni or college. 

I took a page in Contact New Talent source magazine and it was spotted by my agent Advocate Art who have represented me ever since (eight years now!) I also sent flyers to publishers using the Artists and Illustrators Yearbook to get addresses and got my first job illustrating a book for Child's Play this way. It just takes a lucky break and you're off! 

It's also a great idea to enter competitions to help build up your portfolio and develop your style while you're waiting for that first job to come along!