John Shelley
I debuted as a book illustrator in London before living in Japan for over 20 years, specialising in illustration for everything from posters to packaging and TV, as well as over 50 children's books for Western and…
About
I debuted as a book illustrator in London before living in Japan for over 20 years, specialising in illustration for everything from posters to packaging and TV, as well as over 50 children’s books for Western and Japanese publishers. Now returned to the UK, I’m currently based in Norwich, from where I continue to write and illustrate for clients internationally.
Website: johnshelley.com
Bluesky/Instagram: @StudioNIB
- 44 years' experience
- Joined August 2025
Skills· 12
Languages
- EnglishFluent
- JapaneseAdvanced
Industry experience
- Media & Entertainment
- Education
- Professional Services
- Retail
- Other
More experts in Norwich, United Kingdom
Work experience· 5 roles
Continuing to work on design industry commissions and focusing on writing and illustrating children's books for international publishers, maintaining strong connections with Japan.
became the most established resident non-Japanese illustrator in Japan featuring a broad portfolio including advertising campaigns, editorial work, character design, and children's publishing; served as the only non-Japanese committee member of JAGDA and featured annually in Genkosha's Illustration File; worked with major brands such as Parco, Mitsubishi, Sony, Coca Cola, Toyota, and others.
Worked across editorial and children's publishing, producing illustrations for books and media.
Education
Certifications and awards· 8
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