Artist Profiles
Creative Talent is our Lifeblood
We thought that you may like a little insight into the talented artists and illustrators who provide Clare Maddicott with the wonderful images that adorn our cards and gift wrap. So here's a little biog & photo of just a few: -
Linda Edwards
Linda Edwards is an international illustrator who makes wonderfully vibrant images in both paint and digital media. From her lovely, old Shrewsbury studio, overlooking the River Severn, she creates uplifting artwork that offers people an escape from their everyday grind. She finds inspiration in textiles, mosaics, paper cuts and Persian art, and is an inveterate collector of books and artefacts. You’ll see flowers from her own garden or from the beautiful Shropshire Hills, as well as gorgeous, colourful birds, trees and animals from her time living in Africa.
Linda has been working with Clare Maddicott since 1993 and is widely known for her greetings cards, children’s books, ceramics, kitchenware, and prints. www.lindaedwards.co.uk
Alastair Taylor (aka George Onions, illustrator of our kids’ range “Only Joking”)
Sometime around 1966 Alastair Taylor scooped first prize for infant art at Ladbrooke School, Potters Bar.
During his long decline since then he has worked mainly as a freelance illustrator for clients as diverse as The Observer, Shell, Tate and Lyle, The Times, De Beers, Barclays Bank, Cosmopolitan, Prudential and even “That's Life magazine”. He has published two children's books and also been known to paint, animate and make clocks and strange furniture.
Alastair currently lives in Western Australia with a wife, two dogs, seven chickens and a couple of lesbian ducks.
Alastair's sense of humour can clearly be seen in his whacky illustrations for our 'Only Joking' range.
Lesley O'Hara
Since graduating in textiles in 1994, at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design, Lesley O'Hara has sold her designs worldwide for childrenswear, fashion and home. It is her love and knowledge of textiles that has informed her most recent illustration projects.
As a child Lesley was always drawing, cutting and sticking and it is this passion and playful approach, plus a love of coming up with new ideas, that has continued into her adult life. Lesley still spends many hours experimenting with collaged papers, paints, pens and inks to create delicate and lively illustrations. Mark making, pattern and colour are the key to her signature style. Continued fashion research keeps Lesley up to date with current trends, which she combines with inspiration from vintage illustrations.
Lesley has undertaken numerous commissions for Clare Maddicott, her
unique and fun style can be seen in the ranges 'Lollipop', 'Slice of Cake' and
the soon to be launched 'Cotton Candy'.
Reuben McHugh
Reuben McHugh went to Bradford College of Art where he studied Graphic Design and Illustration, after which he went onto Lincoln College of Art to undertake a HND in illustration and design. Having worked in busy studios and as a freelance illustrator, he has honed his design skills and mastered new techniques over the years.
Reuben works in a variety of mediums such as acrylic, oils and watercolour, although for commercial reasons he usually combines his painting skills with digital methods in Illustrator, Photoshop and Painter, giving much more flexibility for amendments. Reuben tries to give his work a distinctive look in the market place and his images are often whimsical and fun. He strives to offer the customer an alternative to the normal mundane imagery by giving traditional scenarios a new twist. Reuben also likes to use light and atmosphere in his work to create a mood and make the scene more dramatic.
He loves taking inspiration from films and music and believes the Marx Bro’s film Animal Crackers should be watched at least once a year. Reuben listens to a lot of music and pod casts while working; favourites include the Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo’s 5 live pod cast and Elvis Perkins Album in Dearland.