About the Author

Mike Spoor has illustrated more than 200 books and previously has taught and lectured in ceramics. He has extensive experience giving demonstrations and workshops to all ages. At the beginning of his career he taught Ceramics and Art in a Kent secondary School, then lectured at the Kent Institute of Art & Design. In 1992 he moved with his family to Australia and began illustrating children’s books professionally. Soon after arriving in Queensland, he was contracted to deliver ceramics workshops throughout Northern Queensland with the Australian Flying Art School and thereafter he visited schools and offered workshops with demonstrations on illustration, supported by the Government Arts bodies. Since 1996 he has been freelance illustrating in the UK for publishers worldwide, lecturing in Art & Ceramics and offering schools workshops in both. Mike is flying back to tour schools in Australia this August.

Mike works with all ages including teachers/INSET etc

Mike’s illustrative style is injected with humour and is very appealing to children during his demonstrations, but he also draws realistically - animals and people with lots of ‘character’ as well as landscapes and architecture.

Mike offers:

• Illustrator visits and workshops for all ages
• Performances lasting 30-45 mins for younger children
• Middle primary an hour, older primary an hour & a half, and secondary as long as needed
• An insight into illustration using a variety or practical and humorous techniques

 

Illustrator Visits:

Children watch, listen and ask questions about book illustration.

Sessions usually one hour,

Topics may include:

How to become an Illustrator

The business of Illustration

Cartoons & humorous subjects

Creating ideas

Picture Books.

Demonstrations of drawing animals & people, landscapes, nature, townscapes etc.

Demonstrations showing different use of materials & techniques, for example: Charcoal / pastels Brushwork / airbrush pencils, coloured pencils, pen & ink watercolour

 

Illustration Workshops:

Practical  sessions.

Group sessions should be a minimum of one hour and whole day workshops are possible.

Strong guidance given throughout.

Responding to text

Gathering and creating ideas

Artistic principles eg. composition           

Mood & action

Cartoons & humorous subjects

Colour

Techniques

Testimonials

"Mike came, he was great. The children had a fantastic day watching
an expert at work then having a go themselves. He kept everyone enthralled
from reception to us oldies. Would recomend him to anyone. Thank you."
Teacher, St Francis Catholic Primary School, Surrey

 

Publications

No publications currently available

Booking Information

Home:	Kent
Travels to:	Anywhere
Prices:	£340 per day + travel expenses/ accommodation expenses as necessary + VAT

Publications by the Author