I’m an award-winning illustrator, who works with editors and art directors to make wonderful, thought-provoking and colourful picture books for kids. 

I draw quirky animals. I’m inspired by poster art, and I love bright colour and simple shapes. My style is bold, bright and graphic with a vintage vibe.

For many years, I was a graphic designer at a major metropolitan newspaper. To lighten things up, I began drawing quirky animal characters in my spare time. A party of dapper little penguins on a milk glass launched my illustration career.

Now with 12 published books and several more in the works, I have earned accolades for my illustrations from 3x3 magazine, the American Society of Illustrators, Applied Arts, and the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

With every book I work on, I’m always looking for the WOW moment! The moment that creates a sense of wonder, adds a deeper layer of meaning to the story, and gives the reader something to take away and think about afterwards.

Fun is important too in my work, and it presents itself in my books all sorts of ways. It might be through a joke, a twist, a reoccurring symbol or a punchline. However it shows up, it will make you laugh or smile.

I believe reading is number one for kids! Through books, kids make connections from the story to their own life, helping them to understand and cope with the world around them.

When I was growing up, art was always a big part of my life, A favorite family photo shows a four-year-old me drawing one squirrelly, dramatic line with a thick wax crayon on a large piece of construction paper. My face was both serious and joyful, and I haven’t stopped making art since.

My mom, an artist, had a collection of children’s books illustrated with woodcuts. My dad, an engineer, was a fan of modern architecture and Scandinavian furniture. They bought me two books by M. Sasek: This is Munich (my mom was Austrian) and This is Hong Kong (my dad was Chinese). But I preferred This is New York with its big red fire engine and grey skyscrapers on the bright yellow cover.

Other things to tell you about me?

I love airports, chocolate, and illustrated maps. I collect enamel pins and toy London double-decker buses. I still believe in Santa Claus.

I live with my wife in an empty nest so high up we sometimes see a falcon or two fly by as we sip our morning coffee. On a clear day, we can see the far-off skyscrapers of downtown Montreal.

Drop me an email to get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.