I first picked up a pencil as a form of defence against yet another thump from my older brother. Now-a-days my pencil is for a much more peaceful endeavour – rough scamps of characters and spreads for children’s picture books before I start the finished artwork in Illustrator. My images are fun, colourful, and occasionally so busy there’s plenty to surprise and entertain on the second, third or even fourth reading. Anyway, these days I have a very grouchy terrier who has proved a far more effective deterrent than a 2B Staedtler against my brother.