It’s time for record breakers!
It’s that time of year we all revel in, the publication of the brand-new edition of the Guinness World Records, we are always keen to find out whose successfully launched a ballon into space, grown the longest finger nails or eaten the most hot dogs! This year we are delighted to announce that the Guinness World Records 2026 features artwork by fabulous Arena illustrator Steve May. Steve has done a fantastic job rendering the story of young conservationist Aneeshwa Kunchina, the youngest documentary presenter, in comic strip form.
We couldn’t think of a better pairing for this project with Steve's charming illustrations bringing this inspirational story to life.
Steve spent a moment talking to us about this project.
Which world record do you think you would break?
Probably something to do with ‘biggest procrastinator’ or ‘best at losing things’!
Which records were you most fascinated by as a kid?
Generally extremes of the animal kingdom - things like fastest/heaviest/stickiest land animal - things like that, although I also remember a man called Peter Dowdeswell who held loads of ‘eating things very fast’ records which was always fascinating and revolting in equal measures!
Trophy or medal?
I’d take the trophy, stick a ribbon on it and wear it round my neck at every opportunity - best of two worlds!
Which was the most interesting fact/record you had to illustrate?
For this edition of the Guinness World Records I was drawing a comic strip about the extremely impressive Aneeshwar Kunchala who is the youngest documentary presenter in the world so I got to draw lots of animals - I particularly like tigers and walruses.
I’d like to illustrate one of those ‘how many elephants can you fit in a double decker bus’ kind of records.
Who should we follow on Instagram?
I love @w_john_hewitt - beautiful intricate black and white, pen and ink drawings which are posted most days, @tormalore - Tor Freeman’s comics are joyful and she’s amazingly prolific, @_alexpotts_ - Alex’s comic work is very offbeat and funny, @rubywrightlino - I love Ruby Wright’s lively colourful sketchbook drawings, @fredblunt - great energetic illustration work and @arenaillustration of course!
What's on your TBR pile?
Too many things! I’ve been meaning to get around to reading Hangover Square by Patrick Hamilton which I bought AGES ago, I’m also gradually buying and re-reading Tove Jansson’s Moomin books so I’ve got Moomin Summer Madness coming up next, her artwork is beautiful and the books create an absolutely magical intoxicating world. I’m also looking forward to Tor Freeman’s Boss of the Underworld: Book 2 - Shirley vs the Huge Beast, the first one was hilarious!
What is the first thing you doodle when you are thinking?
Lots of faces, odd cats, Batman, monsters etc.
If you could give a child/teenager or graduate a piece of advice about becoming an artist or illustrator what would you say?
Just draw every day, draw anything and everything. Don’t worry about perfection, just draw and above all, ENJOY the process of drawing.
Do you have a favourite book shop?
Gosh Comics on Berwick Street in Soho is a wonderful place, I love Foyles on Charing Cross Road (although it’s very ordered these days compared to how eccentric it used to be!) and Hare & Hawthorn on George Street in Hastings (my hometown) is another favourite.
Thank you for your time, Steve, and good luck with your world record attempts.
Check Steve out on Instagram. You can also view his fantastic online portfolio over on our website. For more information regarding working with Steve please email info@arenaillustration.com. Keep updated with our latest artists' projects by signing up for our weekly newsletter.
