EXTRACTS: Illustrators issue 11 © 2015 The Book Palace (96 pages PAGES in Full edition)

81 about their hobbies. A boy in my year talked about bird watching and this appealed to me. This has become a lifelong interest and also a great part in my illustration work for children’s books, which usually feature animals. Then in late 1969 when I was working for a design group as a typographer in London I came across the work of the illustrator Alan Aldridge. At this time this was new and very exciting to see illustration like this used in a magazine. Alan Aldridge embodied the spirit of the 1960s and for a freshman like me it was the impact of his work with graphic design, bold colours, and faux naïve images. Gone were the days of sombre tones and drabness and in came the evocative psychedelic images. PR: Did drawing come easily to you? MT: Drawing was very easy. It was natural to me and was such an enjoyable pursuit. I could use my imagination, capturing the things I found interesting. PR: Did you find it difficult to break into illustration? MT: Not at the time. This was the beginning of the 1970s. It was not difficult, it was challenging, a case of being persistent with great dedication, and belief in myself and my work. I was given a great boost in my career during 1971 in the shape of adverts promoting the company I was ABOVE: A Batchelor's Soup poster from the 1980s. High profile ad posters, such as this, made a huge boost to an illustrator's earnings. LEFT: UK TV host, Bruce Forsyth.