Hi, I'm Phil Sheppard, a passionate freelance author and illustrator with over two decades of experience creating engaging children's books and illustrations. I've published eight children's books and worked with well-known clients such as Rotary UK's End Polio Now campaign and the National Literacy Trust. My work spans a variety of styles and formats including color, black & white, and greyscale. In addition to my illustration career, I manage the Doncaster Stories hub at the National Literacy Trust, where I lead literacy projects and community initiatives. My background in teaching and school leadership complements my creative work, allowing me to engage deeply with educational communities and children. I love bringing stories to life with bright drawings and infectious humor!

Hi, I'm Phil Sheppard, a passionate freelance author and illustrator with over two decades of experience creating engaging children's books and illustrations. I've published eight children's books and worked with well-known clients such as Rotary UK's End Polio Now campaign and the National Literacy Trust. My work spans a variety of styles and formats including color, black & white, and greyscale. In addition to my illustration career, I manage the Doncaster Stories hub at the National Literacy Trust, where I lead literacy projects and community initiatives. My background in teaching and school leadership complements my creative work, allowing me to engage deeply with educational communities and children. I love bringing stories to life with bright drawings and infectious humor!

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Phil Sheppard, a passionate freelance author and illustrator with over two decades of experience creating engaging children’s books and illustrations. I’ve published eight children’s books and worked with well-known clients such as Rotary UK’s End Polio Now campaign and the National Literacy Trust. My work spans a variety of styles and formats including color, black & white, and greyscale.

In addition to my illustration career, I manage the Doncaster Stories hub at the National Literacy Trust, where I lead literacy projects and community initiatives. My background in teaching and school leadership complements my creative work, allowing me to engage deeply with educational communities and children. I love bringing stories to life with bright drawings and infectious humor!

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance author and illustrator (part time) at Self-employed
January 1, 2002 - Present
Authored and illustrated eight children's books. Provided illustration services for various clients including Rotary UK's End Polio Now campaign, Brake the road safety charity, National Literacy Trust, and more. Work includes a variety of styles in color, black & white, and greyscale. Published notable works and received awards and nominations. Maintained portfolio website www.philshepp.com showcasing work.
Hub Manager at National Literacy Trust
January 1, 2020 - Present
Manage the Doncaster Stories hub focusing on literacy improvement. Initiate and lead multi-stakeholder projects involving schools, communities, and volunteers. Collaborate with partners on strategic development of the hub and national projects to drive literacy change.
Writer and illustrator at Self-employed
December 31, 2019 - July 9, 2025
Provided services as a freelance writer and illustrator for various clients and projects.
Teacher / Head of Key Stage at Atlas Academy
September 30, 2019 - July 9, 2025
Led Key Stage 1 and English curriculum development. Managed teaching teams and drove strategic curriculum improvements.
Teacher / Senior Leader at Hexthorpe Primary Academy
September 30, 2018 - July 9, 2025
Led English learning initiatives and provided consultancy across the Astrea Academy Trust. Managed bilingual support and EAL programs. Served as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Education

Master of Arts at University of Hertfordshire
September 1, 2018 - September 30, 2020
Bachelor of Arts at Lancaster University
September 1, 1999 - September 30, 2002
High School Diploma at Hall Cross Comprehensive School
September 1, 1992 - September 30, 1999

Qualifications

National Professional Qualification for School Leadership
June 1, 2014 - March 31, 2015
Leadership Pathways, National College for School Leadership
September 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
July 1, 2009 - July 9, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Non-Profit Organization, Media & Entertainment
    paper Children's book mural

    This design was created as a mural printed for a children’s library. How many children’s book characters and references can YOU spot?