About Illustrator

Growing up in Western Massachusetts in the pre-internet era of the 80s, life was simple. With no streaming back then a only handful of TV channels available, entertainment was often found outdoors, in books (a challenge for me with dyslexia), or by looking after my younger sisters. It was during this time that I discovered the captivating world of comic books.

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To afford my growing comic habit, I took on a paper route, happily delivering newspapers each morning for that precious pocket money. It wasn't just the stories that fascinated me; it was the artwork that truly captured my imagination, sparking a desire to draw myself.

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I started drawing in my teenage years, a bit behind the curve. My early attempts were far from perfect, and my mother, with her straightforward honesty, never hesitated to point out where my drawings fell short. While her critiques could be tough, they inadvertently fueled my determination to improve. I kept practicing, letting my imagination guide my pencil, driven by a desire to show myself, and maybe even my mother, what I could create. Over time, I felt my skills growing, though the joy of drawing itself was always the primary motivation. I held onto a dream of one day creating my own comic book, a world I called "Shadowbox."

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Life eventually led me to New York, where I met my beautiful wife, and together we built a family with three amazing children. Becoming a parent brought a new perspective, subtly shifting the way I saw the world and, consequently, my art.

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Years later, the idea of creating something of my own resurfaced, this time as a children's book. Recognizing my inexperience in writing, I sought advice from publisher and author friends. Inevitably, our conversations would turn to my ability to draw. When they'd asked if I was an illustrator, my hesitant "I guess so" often led to discussions about authors seeking someone to illustrate their stories. It was in helping these authors bring their visions to life that Shadowbox Art House began, a journey that started with a childhood love for comics and the enduring power of a creative spark.