bio
How it started
“I was always told as a child that I would become an artist — someone who drew for a living — so I never seriously considered another occupation.”
Adrian recalls an early memory from the age of eight: carefully rendering each individual scale on a dinosaur drawing while classmates remarked on his ability. “That’s my earliest memory of recognising that I might have a natural talent for drawing.”
Thirteen years later, in 1990, Adrian began freelancing in Leicester after studying Technical Illustration at Mid Warwickshire College and Falmouth School of Art and Design. While many students concentrated on developing a single recognisable style, he was more interested in experimentation — exploring different techniques, processes, and media to broaden his visual and technical range.
Early days
Adrian started his business working in a spare bedroom, and within 3 years was renting a studio in an Advertising agency in Leicester’s city centre. In that time he learnt some valuable life and business skills.
Adrian began his business from a spare bedroom at home. Within three years, he had progressed to renting studio space within an advertising agency in Leicester city centre — a move that proved pivotal in both professional development and commercial growth.
The first three years were challenging. To sustain the business, Adrian supplemented his freelance income with additional work. “At one point I was juggling five separate part-time jobs alongside building my illustration business. Quitting was never an option.”
Securing studio space within a local advertising agency transformed the trajectory of the business, leading to more consistent commissions and greater exposure to collaborative creative work. “I thrived working alongside others. I still miss those studio days — sharing ideas, having a laugh, and constantly learning from the people around me.”
Over the next fifteen years, Adrian remained based in Leicester and later Loughborough, building his business while pursuing a wide range of personal interests. He swam three to five times a week, spent time with friends in Yorkshire and Leamington Spa, and developed a strong appetite for adventure. Motorcycle touring in France, scuba diving in Egypt and Australia, and even parachuting reflected his willingness to step beyond the familiar.
In 2004, Adrian spent an extended period in Australia, travelling through the outback and reconnecting with old friends. The experience offered a renewed perspective and prompted reflection on both life and direction.
Returning to the UK, he recognised that change was overdue. Energised by this shift in outlook, he made the decision to move away from Leicester — and within three months had taken decisive steps toward building a new chapter.
Westbridgford Sandbox
A new start in a new city proved transformative. It gave Adrian the space to reflect on both his personal life and his career as a freelance illustrator. During this period, he continued developing new technical skills while embracing fresh experiences and forming new friendships.
Professionally, work was steady and commitments were minimal — a combination that created a rare sense of freedom. “It was a special time where I finally felt free. I even considered buying a yacht and living in Barcelona — sailing around the Mediterranean while living and working aboard.”
It may have remained a dream, but life had other plans. Before long, he met the woman who would change his direction once again.
Rollover to Mickleover
The move to Derby saw Adrian move into a new home in a new city with a new love in his life, later to become his wife. Only 2 years after moving to Mickleover Manor, Adrian became a father. This was at a time when work was coming in from around the world with some prestigious customers. And it was only 2 more years before a second son was born. “I’ve always enjoyed being active, and have swam multiple times a week since the mid 1990’s. There have been a few years where I’ve replaced swimming with another sport like Road cycling just recently. However I always seem to go back to pool swimming.” Other activities include Sailing and Bike Packing.
Currently
Adrian now lives with his family and works from his home studio at Mickleover Manor. All of his work is digital, and, as ever, he continues to experiment with new techniques and approaches.
Recently, Adrian was invited to be a panellist for the BBC, speaking to a live audience of over 500. It was an exciting new experience, and he looks forward to collaborating with the BBC again in the near future.
Note:
“Being an illustrator is the perfect job for me…”
And to all those people who told me when I was a child that I would draw when I grew up.
Thank you.
* especially Mr Griffiths