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Neal
was born in Chichester in 1971. He wanted to be an astronomer,
but then decided that he would become an artist instead.
So in 1990 he took a Foundation course in Art and Design
at Northbrook College of Art and Design, he then went on
to do a BA in Graphic Design at the University of Northumbria
at Newcastle. Neal graduated with special commendations
for his course work and final project. In 1995 he studied
for an Illustration MA at Central Saint Martin’s College
of Art and Design, where he gained a Distinction. His books
include Zartog’s Remote (with Herbie Brennan),
Nothing Scares Us (with Frieda Wishinsky), Rover
(with Michael Rosen), Oscar & Arabella, Mucky
Duck (with Sally Grindley), The Photo and Wicked Poems (with
Roger McGough). He also illustrates the Totally Tom
series by Jenny Oldfield.
Neal
on himself: 'I was born and grew up in Chichester, West
Sussex. When I was young I had a little dog called Scamp,
who was a great inspiration for illustrating Rover.'
I now
live in Eton, Berkshire with my girlfriend who is also an
artist. My studio is a room in our house where I can make
a creative mess. Its walls are covered with images, drawings,
scribbles, badges, photos, posters — anything that
I find inspiring. I work in all sorts of different media;
pencil, paint, ink, collage, felt tips, markers, biro. Its
window overlooks the High Street on which a lovely dog with
a sandy coat was walked every day whilst I was illustrating
the book. He looks a bit like Rover too! I have a collection
of children’s books, art books, soft toys and nodding
dogs. I enjoy travelling and love animals. I like things
that are funny and stupid and nonsense and sensible and
sensical and meaningful all at the same time. I like my
work to be about the things I like. I hope my books can
be enjoyed by adults and children. For me a good book should
appeal, amuse and have meaning for people of all ages.'
Profile
supplied by Bloomsbury. Last updated December 2002.
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