Simon Bartram

Simon Bartram studied illustration at Birmingham Polytechnic. He has written and illustrated several children’s books and worked as a portrait painter and fine artist. He has delivered many illustration workshops for children in schools and performed at many book festivals. He works from his home studio in the north-east of England.

Describe your approach to teaching
My approach to teaching is informal and interactive. I aim to use my knowledge and background in children’s books, art and writing to help students develop their own ways of working that are personal and unique to them.

What inspires your own work?
For me, inspiration can come from anywhere and anyone. Primarily, I am interested in people and they are central to my work whether they feature in stories, illustrations or paintings. Equally, I like to explore the places they inhabit and how such places affect who the characters are.