‘The Story of Stars!’

Authors, Illustrators and silliness all squished together in one brilliant Bookhut by Nikalas Catlow (ably assisted by Des Hegarty). Here is a taster of the pilot show…

If you whizz to 8 minutes in, you can see Neal Layton draw the whole Mammoth Academy story in 60 seconds- also Featuring Sarah McIntyre and Andy Stanton!

The House of Illustration is the world’s first dedicated home for the art of illustration in all its forms. To help them in their forthcoming silent auction I’ve donated this artwork from ‘Howler’ by Michael Rosen.

Bidding closes at 2pm on October 14th. The original works will also be on display at Chris Beetles Gallery 7th – 13th October.

All auction proceeds will go towards opening the world’s first gallery and education space devoted to illustration in 2014.

At the weekend we took our family to visit The Teddy Bear Story in Portsmouth. Curated by The V&A Museum of Childhood it’s a touring show featuring over 100 teddy bears, a bear book library, bear films, the three bears hut, a moving bear diorama, and is well worth a visit (if you like teddy bears!)

Some of the books from the teddy bear library: Mick Inkpen, David Melling, Leigh Hodgkinson, Clara Vulliamy and Emily Brown…

My children were delighted to discover one of their Dad’s books!

After a productive day of filming and photography in our studios, and many weeks editing, here is the completed film by Jonas Jakunas and Massimo Mazullo, also featuring  Sadie Tierney and Cotton Candy Photography. Well done to all the Creating Balance team!

If you’re curious the music used was also made be me under my nocturnal Neal Beard and his Machines moniker…

And you can also view all ten films and the project’s latest progress here…

Sadie Tierney and I are very excited to be participating in the Creating Balance Project: an artistic collaboraton between Anglepoise®, Strong Island & The University of Portsmouth celebrating a design classic and local creativity in Portsmouth.

10 artists/designers have been twinned with 10 photographers and an Anglepoise® light. We’ve been teamed up with photographers Gemma and Philippa from Cotton Candy Weddings. The year long project will culminate in 10 posters / 10 videos and an exhibition in London.

Lead Project Organiser – Claire Sambrook, University of Portsmouth.

Lead Partners – Simon Terry, Anglepoise®, Paul Gonella and Tristan Savage Strong Island

BSc TV & Broadcast students – Massimo Marzullo and Jonas Jakunas

Photographs below by Claire Sambrook

Deadly: The Truth About The Most Dangerous Creatures on Earth has been shortlisted for the AOI Illustration Awards 2013.

The AOI Illustration Awards are the most prestigious illustration awards in the UK, open to illustrators worldwide working across all sectors and any medium. The entries were assessed by a panel of respected judges including illustrators, industry professionals and commentators.

Deadly was written by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Neal Layton, designed by Ben Norland and published by Walker Books.

Several other Arena illustrators have also been shortlisted for this year’s awards including, Simon Bartram, Frances Castle, Euan Cook, Chris Garbutt, Levi Pinfold, and Alex T Smith.

Deadly! The Truth About the Most Dangerous Creatures on Earth, receives a Junior Library Guild Selection.

Deadly is written by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Neal Layton and published in the UK by Walker Books .

Friday night saw the preview of the University of Portsmouth’s degree shows.

The opening was as busy and bustling as ever with palpable air of excitement and anticipation. Best of luck to all the graduates!

The show continues 3-14 June 10am-4pm weekdays only.

The shop with it’s student designed merch for sale.

Bat poster by Christian Bennett points the way to the shop.

Poster by Carl Reed shows you where to keep up with the work of students past and present.

Thanks to everyone at Puffin Books for their simmering summer party last night.