With echoes of Studio Ghibli Billy's cutting-edge style is immediately visually arresting and would translate perfectly to branding, animation and publishing projects. Based in Scotland, Billy works digitally and finds inspiration in popular culture, animation, toys, video games, puzzles and the stunning highland landscapes which he can often be spotted exploring.

Billy’s first graphic novel Hupo and the Wonder Thief published in 2025 with Flying Eye Books, eagerly enjoyed by newly independent readers there was no doubt that this would be followed by a sequel. Hupo and the Doom Lagoon publishes this month and it delivers even more magical adventure. 

Hupo is off on another adventure as he travels through the land of Yip in an airship, but this time he’s sharing the decks with Zimmy, a peculiar person who looks, sounds, and smells, just like Hupo! They make their way to the Doom Lagoons, a place where you can trap your worst fears below the waters so you never have to be scared again. But things don’t go to plan, and after hundreds of years of fear is released into Yip, it’s up to Hupo and the suspicious Zimmy to save everyone from the horrors of the Doom Lagoon!⁠ Hupo's courage will be put to the ultimate test as he battles his very own worst fears…⁠

Here are two of our favourite spreads from the graphic novel. We think you’ll agree they are simply stunning.

Hupo and the Doom Lagoon publishes with Flying Eye Books and available to buy at all good bookshops. Take a look inside Hupo and the Doom Lagoon HERE. 

You can find Billy and his wonderful beings over on Instagram, his portfolio is also available to view on our website.  

If you would like more information regarding working with Billy or collaborating with any of our artists, please drop us a line info@arenaillustration.com and don't forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter. 

Billie has spent every summer at her Aunt Edith's seaside home, it's always been her favourite place in the world - but this year something's shifted. Her best friend Andy seems more interested in boys and makeup than in her, and Edith, a Holocaust survivor, is staying the whole summer. Billie doesn't quite know how to talk to her aunt, but slowly Edith starts to open up about her own girlhood, and the two find an unlikely connection across the generations. It's a story about first love, betrayal, and the uncomfortable in-between of growing up, told in verse that makes it feel quietly beautiful.

Depicting a sun kissed beach, lapped by foaming waves is the perfect background to set the scene for this romantic novel. Richard has an innate feel for colour and his use of peaches, jades and brilliant whites come together to present Pearl Beach as the perfect summer read. He also created the wonderfully poignant back cover featuring Aunt Edith, which you can see over on his portfolio here.

Richard is an award-winning creative whose bold characterisation, atmospheric use of lighting and confident handle on colour have led to him working across many platforms, from graphics for the Tokyo Olympics, magazine covers and picture books to a hugely successful series of books for emerging readers published by Barrington Stoke.

You can find Richard Johnson on Instagram where he shares snippets of works in progress, picture book projects, advertorial works and unique stand-alone illustrations.

Be sure to visit our website to view Richards complete online portfolio, it really is a visual feast.

Do email us if you would like to find out more about any of our creatives, we’d be more than happy to present their work to you info@arenaillustration.com 

Chris’ most recent work adorns the cover of Death’s Daughter  written by S.A. Barnes and published by Macmillan in the US and Headline in the UK. His cover illustration sets the tone perfectly for this seductive dark academia fantasy. The novel follows Jocasta, the only child of Death, quietly surviving university life by feeding on the emotional failures of those around her - until a descendant of Lust arrives on campus and upends everything, naming her Death's successor and putting everyone she loves in danger. Hailed as "the urban fantasy resurrected" and drawing comparisons to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it's the spicy, sinister debut that paranormal fans have been waiting for and Christopher's illustration captures every bit of that dangerous allure.

This striking cover features several of Chris' signature iconography, including a gravestone, and a tangle of roses which perfectly balance this dark and intriguing cover.

With an extensive back catalogue of visually arresting cover design projects, Christopher Gibbs has maintained a reputation for consistently creating artworks which masterfully encapsulate the themes in the books he is asked to illustrate. From YA fiction to high-profile design commissions - Chris brings richly layered storytelling to every project he touches. He has become a much sought-after creative for science-fiction, horror, and thriller titles and has worked on franchises including Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie.

Alongside his creative work Chris is also a senior lecturer in Illustration, you can see more of his most recent projects on Instagram where he shares cover reveals and concept work. 

You can view Christopher's haunting and atmospheric portfolio over on our website.

For more information regarding collaborating with Chris please email info@arenaillustration.com or give us a call 020 8555 9827, we would love to help match the perfect artists with your project. Keep up-to-date with Arena Illustration's talented artists by subscribing to our weekly news.

Beverley has recently been commissioned to design a cover treatment for An Accident of Dragons, written by Cheri Radke and published by Kensington Publishing. Bold, considered, and utterly distinctive - Beverley's cover stops you in your tracks.

Teddy never asked to be Lord Summer - the dragon just seemed to fancy him. Charming but hapless, he's muddling through well enough until a priceless dragon egg appears and throws his world into chaos. Part cosy fantasy, part swashbuckling adventure, An Accident of Dragons is a warm, witty story for adults about unlikely heroes, found family, and discovering who you really are.

Created in a range of jade inspired tones with a pop of warm orange, it features an impressive dragon cleverly weaving through the title text.  This mystical, light-hearted queer adventure story featuring pirates, dragons, kidnapping and tea will have immediate reader appeal.

Inspired by her love of both nature and urban environments, Beverley has a particular passion for print-making which she adapts for some of her digital work. She has an extensive back catalogue of work in a variety of genres - from stationery and wall murals to visually arresting fiction covers. With a keen eye for stylistic trends she regularly takes part in print and illustration fairs across the country, also sharing process work and feature pieces on Instagram. Happily working from her studio in Norfolk she can often be found accompanied by her hairy sidekick Alfie the Schnauzer, who is not so good at print-making.

You can view Beverley’s stunning online portfolio by visiting our website.

For more information regarding working with any of our fabulous artists please email info@arenaillustration.com or give us a call 020 8555 9827 we’d be delighted to help you select the perfect illustrator for your project. Keep up-to-date with Arena Illustration's talented artists by subscribing to our weekly news.

This mystery-adventure draws the reader into the world of the legendary Wide Eye monster. Ten-year-old Meridian spends many happy summers with her grandfather, helping run their quirky lakeside museum and collecting evidence that the monster really does exist. But this summer, everything is about to change. Hidden amongst the museum's old files are long-buried family secrets that turn Meridian's world upside-down. Determined and resourceful, she sets off to solve her family mystery and by chance stumbles upon a new mystery and a whole new adventure begins.

Gaia has created a bold landscape-themed cover treatment, including rolling hills, towering mountains and a glimmering lake, all overseen by Meridian surveying the lake for the ever-elusive Wide Eye. Gaia also created a wonderful map of the magical landscape - a key part of the reading experience. Study it closely and you might just find Wide Eye before Meridian does! Check out the map and full wrap-around cover over on Gaia's online portfolio. 

The cover and map is the result of a truly collaborative creative process. Gaia worked closely with both the publisher and Jennifer Liss throughout, responding to the thoughtful feedback and photo reference supplied by the author to ensure the world of Wide Eye Lake felt authentic and richly imagined. The result is a cover that feels like a genuine extension of the story itself. 

Drawing inspiration from films, folklore and pop-culture, Gaia Alessi’s work is characterised by robust shapes, organic compositions, and rhythmic line work. Gaia works digitally and is also fascinated by traditional techniques and experimenting with gouache, coloured pencils, ink and collage, often drawing inspiration from the people and places she visits, hence her talent for world building.

Find out more about Gaia in this interview in which she tells us a bit more about her inspirations, aspirations and influences.

Pre-order a copy of Wide Eye published by Pushkin Press here, or by popping in to your local book shop.

Gaia is on Instagram where she shares insights, new work and up-coming projects. You can view Gaia’s full portfolio over on our website, for more information regarding collaborations with any of our fantastic artists please email info@arenaillustration.com.

Keep up-to-date with Arena Illustration's talented artists by subscribing to our weekly news.

Steve was commissioned to create a 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.

"Poo might be disgusting to you, but for sloths it's what they use to say hi to their neighbours. It's how hippos find their way home in the dark. There are even thousands of different kinds of dung beetles whose favourite food is poo - which is a good thing or we'd be up to our necks in it.

For scientists, poo helps to unravel the secrets of animal life, not just now but millions of years ago (yes, there are fossil poos!). In short, poo is full of surprises. It’s not nearly as disgusting as the other things in this book, which are parasites: living things whose habitat is other living things – like you! Just wait until you read about lice in your eyelashes, the worms as long as a whale that can live in your gut, or the microbes that can make you smell like cheesy feet. You’ll find out that some diseases can be cured by a dose of worms, and how having two toes stuck together helps kangaroos fight fleas."

So, if you’re eager to learn more about how parasites use mind-control on their victims, which animals eat their own poo, and how poo can actually be useful, then this is the book for you.

Neal has been working in the illustration industry for many years, working with iconic authors such as Cressida Cowell and Michael Rosen. His infinitely recognisable illustrations with their bold line, elements of collage and bright colour palette make each of the projects he works on a delight to read and share. With a personal interest in conservation and the sciences, Neal pours his passion for knowledge into his fresh and exuberant illustrations, and his unique page layouts and information delivery make each of his books the perfect platform for communicating information to a younger audience.

Based on the south coast, Neal is an avid scribbler, either found with his sketchbook, combing the local beaches or hurtling at high speed on his long board.

If you’ve safely already eaten, now would be the perfect time to enjoy "A Tour of Poo" from Poo: The Most Disgusting Bits of Animal Science.

You can find Neal on Instagram where he shares event news, sneak-peeks, daring skateboard stunts, conservation projects and new releases. You can also view Neal’s fab online portfolio over on our website.

Poo: The Most Disgusting Bits of Animal Science publishes with Walker Books this month. You can grab a copy HERE.

For more information regarding collaborating with Neal or any of our fantastic artists please email info@arenaillustration.com or give us a call on 020 8555 9827.

Levi Pinfold's illustrations are spellbinding. He's an exceptional artist who's brought Harry's world alive in a unique and wonderful way - J.K. Rowling

We've updated Levi's portfolio with six new images plus the cover and will reveal more of the stunning work after publication on 6th October 2026.

You can pre-order a copy of the book with 30% off and get a free tote bag featuring the cover on Bloomsbury's website here.

You can find out more on our first announcement news article.

We’re thrilled to showcase the newly revealed cover for the fully illustrated gift edition of Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince, illustrated by the exceptional Levi Pinfold.

We’re extremely proud to unveil Gaia Alessi’s first picture book, a stunning re-telling of the classic Greek myth, Little Minotaur. Halloween marks the debut middle-grade novel from Dotty Sutton, Moth the Veggie Vampire , launching a darkly comic series packed with her hilariously wacky artwork. Alex T.Smith presents... J. Algernon Pickle in… The Mystery of Odd-Doings House, introducing its resident detective who just happens to be a beaver! And his much-loved mouse, Winston, sets sail for New York in his third festive adventure, How Winston Delivered a Christmas Wish.

We look forward to another ambitious year - building series, launching new worlds, and collaborating with brilliant publishers. If this wasn’t quite tantalising enough you can enjoy THE EXTENDED VERSION. Enjoy!

We would be more than happy to help you choose the perfect creative for your project so please call us on 020 8555 9827 or email us: info@arenaillustration.com, we look forward to speaking to you. Keep up to date with our weekly news articles by subscribing to our newsletter.

So, let’s find out more about this sequel…

Spike and Merry are back and they've swapped rainy Britain for the sun-soaked streets of Greece. A cursed Medusa painting is up for auction, and there's just one very deadly catch: look at it directly, and you won't live to regret it. When a bidder turns up dead and the painting's owner vanishes without a trace, the twins have no choice but to do what they do best - bend time and get sleuthing. But is this really an ancient curse at work, or is something far more human behind it all?

You can grab a copy of A Clock Strikes Murder, published by Simon and Schuster.

(More exciting Natalie news following later this year, keep your eyes peeled). Check out Natalie's portfolio and delve into both books in the series by Michelle Harrison HERE. Natalie can be found on Instagram at @natsmiliedraws where she shares sneak peeks, new projects and some wonderful insights into her sketchbook work. For more information about her work and potential collaborations please email info@arenaillustration.com