This week we are shining a spotlight on a very special project featuring the illustrative skills of Steve May. Well known for his wonderful comic style illustrations which have adorned numerous books for children, including a hugely successful illustrated Dennis the Menace fiction series and titles written by comedian Harry Hill.
Steve was commissioned to create a 6-panel comic strip which could be used to highlight the work carried out by the Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service who have worked tirelessly supporting adults and children affected by the Grenfell Fire.
The process began with a two-hour workshop where Steve worked with a group of adults and children on choosing how best to communicate the invaluable work the service has provided to help with the long-term rehabilitation needs of the community.
"The workshop was a really special couple of hours. We sat together with the kids and let the ideas come naturally, and they did. Everyone agreed the story needed to feel big and adventurous, so we built it around one character finding her way through a series of challenges.
The spark came from one of the boys, who shared a dream he'd had about being chased through a house by goblins with spears. It was vivid and brave of him to share it, and it became the heart of everything. We transformed that into a haunted house filled with emotion monsters - fear, anger, anxiety, trauma - things these kids know something about.
We talked about who should face them. After some back and forth, we landed on a girl as our hero. The Grenfell workers, represented by green hearts, would guide her through - each one helping with a different challenge, a different way out. And at the end, an art therapist literally paints a door to freedom: a green field, sunshine, birds, a carnival with music and food, and everyone together again.
I did a rough sketch and you could feel the room respond to it. From there, the kids helped shape it further - they gave her a name, Emily, tweaked her words, and then I brought her to life in full colour."
We are incredibly proud of Steve’s work on this inspiring project.
Steve kindly answered a few questions for us.
Your favourite cartoon character? It's probably a tie between Dennis The Menace & Judge Dredd! Judge Dennis?!? Now THERE'S a thought!
Favourite comic when you were a kid? I was quite a promiscuous comic reader, I read LOTS of different comics. I started reading DC & Marvel comics before I could actually read! Probably The Beano, I also loved the Asterix books - I learned ALL the Latin I know from Asterix!
Most used creative tool? A collision between my brain, my fountain pens and a judicious bit of Photoshop!
Best free toy you ever got off a comic? I seem to remember a whoopee cushion which was quite a lot of fun!
Best desk snack? I actually really love an apple (which as rather boring but true!)
What do you listen to while you are working? Depends what I'm working on. If I'm writing or plotting things I listen to music but other times I like a bit babbling in the background - some Radio 4 or occasionally LBC (to make me cross!) I love the 'You're Dead to Me' podcasts which are obscure history with a dash of comedy. If I'm colouring in I like noisy fast music - Stooges / Pixies / Sleaford Mods etc.
Most recent graphic novel you read? I've just been reading some Looshkin the Maddest Cat in the World by Jamie Smart (which is joyfully insane!) and I really enjoyed My Favorite Thing Is Monsters by Emil Ferris recently.
You can find Steve on Instagram where he shares all sorts of fantastical doodles and sneak-peeks. You can also view his online portfolio over on our website. Keep up-to-date with Arena Illustration's talented artists by subscribing to our weekly news.
