Hello, I’m Sam. I’m a writer and illustrator from Surrey, England.

I’ve written and illustrated two children’s picture books (both published by Hodder Children’s Books), illustrated books by Julia Donaldson and Ian Whybrow, and feature in ‘Illustrating Children’s Books’ by Martin Salisbury (A&C Black).

Alongside the books, I’ve illustrated for ad campaigns, magazines and multimedia. I’ve done a spot of graphic design work too.

If I’m not engulfed in pastel dust or scribbling story ideas, you’ll most likely find me picking and plonking on the guitar and piano, running through the woods, laughing at my cats, or hunting for obscure kid’s books and TV programmes from when I was little.

I love a good beer in a Ye Olde country pub, 60s and 70s folk rock, swimming in the sea, exploring and bouncing.

Selected Clients

Awards

Selected for the Association of Illustrators ‘Images’ Competitions (Annuals 29, 30, 35, 36)

London International Advertising Awards (Finalist)

Silver, Bronze and Merit in The Kam Fan Awards (Hong Kong 4As)

Shortlisted for the Booktrust Big Picture Best New Illustrators Award

YCN Design & Communication Award

Highly Commended in the Macmillan Prize for Children’s Picture Book Illustration

The Orchard Books Prize (for the most promising graduate for children’s book illustration, 2003)

Education (CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL OF ART)

First Class BA (Hons) degree in Illustration / Masters in Children’s Book Illustration

“Sam’s pictures are very original, and I really like the way he has used a lot of shades of brown, a colour you don’t generally see much in children’s books.”

JULIA DONALDSON

“GREAT IS BOOK THIS! Kids will love Billy Back-To-Front’s reverse wordplay and marvel at McCullen’s charming and intricate illustrations.”

LANE SMITH