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My name is David McCleery, and I am a professional children's book illustrator based in Whitstable, UK. Illustration has been a lifelong passion of mine. Over the years, I have explored a wide range of artistic disciplines—from cartooning and portraiture to large-scale mural work. Throughout my career, I have also had the privilege of touring hundreds of schools across Australia and New Zealand, teaching illustration and cartooning to tens of thousands of students aged 4 to 18. These experiences enriched my love of visual storytelling and strengthened my ability to create engaging, heartfelt imagery that resonates with young people. In 2020, at the age of 55, I completed a BA (Hons) in Illustration and Animation at the University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury. This academic foundation has allowed me to blend contemporary techniques with my ‘old-school’ retro sensibilities, shaping a distinctive style that feels both modern and timeless. My work combines realistic characteristics with playful, emotive content—bringing expressive characters, animals, and natural environments to life in ways that spark curiosity and imagination. While my early children’s books leaned more toward a cartoon aesthetic, my practice has since evolved toward stories with greater emotional depth and narrative purpose. I’ve found that this approach resonates deeply with both children and adults alike. Although this is my preferred style, I understand that each story is personal to its author, and I am committed to adapting my work to honour and enhance their vision. With over 45 years of illustration experience, I have compiled a brief portfolio overview, which you can view on my website: _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_…My name is David McCleery, and I am a professional children's book illustrator based in Whitstable, UK. Illustration has been a lifelong passion of mine. Over the years, I have explored a wide range of artistic disciplines—from cartooning and portraiture to large-scale mural work. Throughout my career, I have also had the privilege of touring hundreds of schools across Australia and New Zealand, teaching illustration and cartooning to tens of thousands of students aged 4 to 18. These experiences enriched my love of visual storytelling and strengthened my ability to create engaging, heartfelt imagery that resonates with young people. In 2020, at the age of 55, I completed a BA (Hons) in Illustration and Animation at the University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury. This academic foundation has allowed me to blend contemporary techniques with my ‘old-school’ retro sensibilities, shaping a distinctive style that feels both modern and timeless. My work combines realistic characteristics with playful, emotive content—bringing expressive characters, animals, and natural environments to life in ways that spark curiosity and imagination. While my early children’s books leaned more toward a cartoon aesthetic, my practice has since evolved toward stories with greater emotional depth and narrative purpose. I’ve found that this approach resonates deeply with both children and adults alike. Although this is my preferred style, I understand that each story is personal to its author, and I am committed to adapting my work to honour and enhance their vision. With over 45 years of illustration experience, I have compiled a brief portfolio overview, which you can view on my website: _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_

David McCleery

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My name is David McCleery, and I am a professional children's book illustrator based in Whitstable, UK. Illustration has been a lifelong passion of mine. Over the years, I have explored a wide range of artistic disciplines—from cartooning and portraiture to large-scale mural work. Throughout my career, I have also had the privilege of touring hundreds of schools across Australia and New Zealand, teaching illustration and cartooning to tens of thousands of students aged 4 to 18. These experiences enriched my love of visual storytelling and strengthened my ability to create engaging, heartfelt imagery that resonates with young people. In 2020, at the age of 55, I completed a BA (Hons) in Illustration and Animation at the University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury. This academic foundation has allowed me to blend contemporary techniques with my ‘old-school’ retro sensibilities, shaping a distinctive style that feels both modern and timeless. My work combines realistic characteristics with playful, emotive content—bringing expressive characters, animals, and natural environments to life in ways that spark curiosity and imagination. While my early children’s books leaned more toward a cartoon aesthetic, my practice has since evolved toward stories with greater emotional depth and narrative purpose. I’ve found that this approach resonates deeply with both children and adults alike. Although this is my preferred style, I understand that each story is personal to its author, and I am committed to adapting my work to honour and enhance their vision. With over 45 years of illustration experience, I have compiled a brief portfolio overview, which you can view on my website: _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_…My name is David McCleery, and I am a professional children's book illustrator based in Whitstable, UK. Illustration has been a lifelong passion of mine. Over the years, I have explored a wide range of artistic disciplines—from cartooning and portraiture to large-scale mural work. Throughout my career, I have also had the privilege of touring hundreds of schools across Australia and New Zealand, teaching illustration and cartooning to tens of thousands of students aged 4 to 18. These experiences enriched my love of visual storytelling and strengthened my ability to create engaging, heartfelt imagery that resonates with young people. In 2020, at the age of 55, I completed a BA (Hons) in Illustration and Animation at the University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury. This academic foundation has allowed me to blend contemporary techniques with my ‘old-school’ retro sensibilities, shaping a distinctive style that feels both modern and timeless. My work combines realistic characteristics with playful, emotive content—bringing expressive characters, animals, and natural environments to life in ways that spark curiosity and imagination. While my early children’s books leaned more toward a cartoon aesthetic, my practice has since evolved toward stories with greater emotional depth and narrative purpose. I’ve found that this approach resonates deeply with both children and adults alike. Although this is my preferred style, I understand that each story is personal to its author, and I am committed to adapting my work to honour and enhance their vision. With over 45 years of illustration experience, I have compiled a brief portfolio overview, which you can view on my website: _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_

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My name is David McCleery, and I am a professional children’s book illustrator based in Whitstable, UK.
Illustration has been a lifelong passion of mine. Over the years, I have explored a wide range of artistic disciplines—from cartooning and portraiture to large-scale mural work.
Throughout my career, I have also had the privilege of touring hundreds of schools across Australia and New Zealand, teaching illustration and cartooning to tens of thousands of students aged 4 to 18. These experiences enriched my love of visual storytelling and strengthened my ability to create engaging, heartfelt imagery that resonates with young people.
In 2020, at the age of 55, I completed a BA (Hons) in Illustration and Animation at the University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury. This academic foundation has allowed me to blend contemporary techniques with my ‘old-school’ retro sensibilities, shaping a distinctive style that feels both modern and timeless.
My work combines realistic characteristics with playful, emotive content—bringing expressive characters, animals, and natural environments to life in ways that spark curiosity and imagination. While my early children’s books leaned more toward a cartoon aesthetic, my practice has since evolved toward stories with greater emotional depth and narrative purpose. I’ve found that this approach resonates deeply with both children and adults alike. Although this is my preferred style, I understand that each story is personal to its author, and I am committed to adapting my work to honour and enhance their vision.
With over 45 years of illustration experience, I have compiled a brief portfolio overview, which you can view on my website: Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup