It’s a time-old tale - what if you were to time travel back in time to tell a 13-year-old you the things you are getting to work on today… oh boy!

Scrapbook 1984/85

Sketches and Paintings - Early 1990's

Star Wars Painting 1997

John Williams Tribute painting 1998

Raiders of the Lost Ark 20th Anniversary 2001

Some advice I would likely give to myself would be to never be ashamed of the things you love and enjoy while growing up. Let the TV shows, the movies, the books, comics, toys and games wash over you and become engrained in your existence, it usually is coming from the right place, deep in your heart and soul. There were times growing up where I can remember being made to feel that I shouldn’t be into certain things any more - ‘grow up!’ they would say. There is peer pressure that can stop you from being into something you enjoy too. One thing I have found is that the things we are into as children can shape your future if you don’t give up on them. The stuff you loved growing up, you can continue to enjoy as you go throughout your life. In essence, the memories you have, however rose-tinted they may be, can define your future. No one can know where your path through life will lead to or end up - but we can steer towards our own interests to shape our own futures in the hopes that our choices can help make the world an even better place.

At this stage of my life and career, I feel very humbled and grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. Growing up dreaming about working on official work for something like Star Wars, to actually being hired to create art for the franchise! 🤯 I still find myself in awe of the enormity of this even happening in reality … Is it fate at hand, coincidence, has prayer got something to do with it or is it merely willing things to become a reality? It is hard to put one’s finger on it. It could be all of the above. All I can really suggest is that it has been a dream of mine to do this kind of work. Without knowing how to even make it become a reality, keeping the faith has been my mantra. Never giving up despite any naysayers. Believing there is even the slightest possibility.

“If you build it, they will come.”

Be passionate, be consistent. Work hard. Never give up.