Simon Prescott first realised he had a talent for drawing when one of his masterpieces was exhibited on the 80s children’s TV classic, Wacaday. Since then he has honed his skills at the Norwich School of Art, achieving a BA in Graphic Design, and gained an MA in Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. Born in Aylesbury, now living in Cambridge, Simon also spent two years hunting Moomins in Finland. In 2009 Simon was shortlisted in the Best New Illustrator category at the Booktrust Early Years Awards.
Simon Prescott on Simon Prescott:
I’m a Cambridge based Artist, illustrator and published children’s book author.
I
have been exhibiting my work since 2004 and have been freelance since
2007. After finishing my BA in Graphic design, in 2003, I moved to live
in Finland for a few years. In 2005 I returned to the U.K. to undertake
an MA in children’s book illustration. Following completion of the
course in early 2007, I am now a published author/illustrator with my
first book published in 2009.
Primarily seeing myself as a
draftsman and painter. My work is mainly figurative and has strong
narrative and humoristic elements. Also I’m interested in playing with
light/shadow and perspective to create a sense of atmosphere and drama
in my work.
Some of my influences include Ronald Searle,
Heath-Robinson, Jan Svenkmeyer, the impressionists, retro cartoons,
toys and comics. I take Reference and Inspiration when making an image
from many sources; film/animation, music, nature documentaries, even
the street where I live.
I use a variety of mediums; Acrylic on canvas, watercolour, chalk/charcoal, lino printing, pen and ink and mixed media.
Previous commissions have included Picture Books, CD covers, information posters, educational materials, greetings cards, caricatures, portraits and Storyboard/character design.
Author's Website: https://simon-prescott.com/