When I am in my studio, with paintbrush or pencil in hand, I am in my happy place. My preferred medium for commissions is watercolour, acrylic, pencil, or pencil and ink.
I frequently venture into the digital world to create illustrations and graphics. Here are some I drew or reworked for the DIY features of Britannica Magazine.
In the summer of 2019 I came up with a bunch of characters, which I have since woven into three completed adventure stories for children aged six to eleven: ‘Hoodie & Banks and the Protection Racket', 'Hoodie & Banks and the Identity Crisis' and ‘Hoodie & Banks and the Raging Rumours'.
The main characters are two robin friends, who embark on adventures with their fellow birds. Along the way, they address a particular issue most children will experience in life.
Utilising my artistic skills, all characters are drawn in pen and black ink on paper, then coloured and enhanced digitally. The format works as a first reader, but also as a book that can be read to a child by a parent.
Adventures with Hoodie & Banks is available on Apple Books
In 2021 I took part in my first craft market. As well as being a lot of fun, it led me to turn my paintings into greeting cards and framed and stretched canvas prints. You will find some of my cards on sale at Woodings Yard, Stafford. And finally, in September 2022, we added HicklingStudios on Etsy. You can buy my cards, as well as prints of my paintings.
If you don't see what you want, contact me and let me know how I can help.
Over the years I have acquired a fair number of design and management skills, both on the job and through further training. I have worked on exciting projects for various companies and charities, designing logos, graphics, internal comms, presentation screens, newspaper and magazine layouts, social media and marketing material. If I can fit you in, I'd love to collaborate.