From a very young age I was writing and illustrating stories. When I reached 16 I realised it was possible to do this as a job so I set out in pursuit of the career I dreamed of . . . it only took another 16 years!!

In between quite a bit of travelling, I studied for an illustration degree and an MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. Along the way I made two animations, the first of which won the ‘Young Animator of the Year’ award in 1990 and was shown on Children’s BBC. Whilst studying for my MA I entered the Macmillan Children’s Book Competition with a story that I wrote and illustrated. This led to me signing a three-book deal with Macmillan.

I illustrate in a few different ways... line, collage and also a tonal way of working which is a bit like printmaking but done on computer.

I like to visit schools and read my stories to the children – click on 'Schools' to see some feedback from these visits. If you are interested in any of the following, please get in touch:- portfolio viewing - buying prints - commissions for writing or illustration work - story readings to primary classes - visual presentations to art students You can contact me on: paulametcalf@ntlworld.com