There hasn't been a pivotal moment, I just gradually slid into it. I guess the first time I did something design-ish was when I was about 14 and entered a Swatch redesign competition. That won me not one but two Swatch watches! I proudly wore both around one wrist at the same time thinking I was the height of kool. It were the eighties, after all.

I've had some art education, but most design skills I've learned almost casually on the side - by making flyers for drum 'n bass events, hanging out at an indie printing house and looking over the shoulders of more experienced designers - hogging their studios and poking around on their computers. A few years ago, I stopped treating design as a side job and became full-time illustrator. I love it and I've never looked back!

My subjects are generally fairly light and playful. I like mocking people and ideas, but in a very gentle way. Mostly I'm just telling small stories that hopefully amuse people! Ideally I keep the execution and colours simple so they don't get in the way of the subject. Also, I love mixing type and hand lettering into my projects!

When I've got some ideas, I start with a fairly crude thumbnail rough, or even the ideas in just a few words. Working on paper is essential for me in the early stage. next step is a more detailed rough. Sometimes I nail the idea in one go, at other times I've to do several roughs to test different approaches. Then it's scanning the roughs and on to the computer, or grabbing the markers and draw the work analogue. I like varying techniques to keep things fresh for myself.

Apart from the usual software, I often use cheapish black markers and white out correction fluid to create basic black and white pieces. These works I dubbed "marker doodles" and they often serve as a basis for a more elaborate colour illustration.

Having ideas is the easier part, really! The hard part is executing an idea in an effective and compelling way. Sometimes I've to kick an idea across the studio for days before it finally cries mercy and I can shape it into a finished piece that does the job. A lot of ideas die early in that process and never get executed. Just as well that new ideas come along all the time.

My ultimate goal would be working well into my 80s or 90s and still learn something new everyday and make good work.

I often prefer spoken word radio and podcasts over music. BBC Radio 4 is a really good source for podcasts. My favourite topics include literature, documentaries and tech and science. I especially like the almost surreal science programs about multi verses and such - science can be so weird and wonderful that it beats imagination at times.

Read lots. Learn some totally different skills besides illustration. It can be anything unrelated as long as you are genuinely interested in learning it. Learn to speak Russian, train circus animals, grow your own veg, you name it.

Firstly, because you need inspiration sources outside illustration to tap into. Secondly it can give you an edge for certain design jobs because you're knowledgeable and enthusiastic about a niche topic. Thirdly: if all else fails you can eat the veg.