My studio

This is my studio. The desk runs alongside three walls because I need lots of space to spread out. On one wall is a rack for displaying the pictures I am working on. This is so I can see them in their entirety. While I work I almost always listen to music and podcasts.

When thinking or imagining, I prefer slow classical music. For instance, the music of Frederic Chopin. This sort of music really helps me think. It is a contrast to my pictures that erupt with silliness and energy. When painting, I prefer slightly upbeat music, like the Blues.

My computer sits in a corner. I used to use it for colouring. But never for drawing. Nowadays I don't use it for colouring either. Sitting at a computer all day is no longer my idea of fun. But it is great for all sorts of other things; like emailing rough drawings to an editor, and music, and the internet, of course. On one wall is a large mirror. When I'm waiting for paint to dry, I love to check out the garden. Working on my own in the morning and afternoon means I do lot of thinking and listening, but almost no talking. Even when I'm illustrating several books I am largely left alone to do the work.