When I left art school and went in search of work, visiting publishers and showing them my drawings and illustrations, I was met with a polite and sometimes enthusiastic response but no commissions. Chris Riddell artcommissiondrawing Change image and share on social
I'm calling myself 'The Doodler,' and with the simple addition of a small burglar's mask, I achieve utter anonymity. Chris Riddell achieveadditionanonymity Change image and share on social
Go out and find a copy of 'The Shrinking Of Treehorn' and its sequel, 'Treehorn's Treasure.' Written by Florence Parry Heide and illustrated by the great Edward Gorey, master of the gothic and the macabre, these books are small masterpieces. Chris Riddell bookcopyedward share on social
I want to show how much fun you can have drawing... parents and children can draw together as a wonderful shared activity. Chris Riddell activitychilddraw Change image and share on social
As a child, I copied Tenniel's illustrations from 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' obsessively, particularly his drawing of the white rabbit in waistcoat and frockcoat, umbrella tucked under one arm and a fob watch in paw, a look of suppressed panic in his eye. Chris Riddell adventurealicearm share on social
I want to put the joy of creativity, of drawing every day, of having a go and being surprised at what one can achieve with just a pencil and an idea at the heart of my term as laureate. I want to make sure people have fun whilst addressing fundamental issues I care about passionately. Chris Riddell achieveaddresscare share on social
In the digital future, texts will be annotated visually, animated and illustrated like never before. The austere 'prayer book' paper that permitted the space for Shepard's illustrations to Pepys' diaries is now being recreated in the digital era. Chris Riddell animateannotateaustere share on social
As the Kindle's dread grip on digital publishing is challenged by tablet computers and Android smartphones, with their bright screens and high resolution, the need for illustration is growing. Chris Riddell androidbrightchallenge Change image and share on social
I want to bring drawing back to the basics, make it about the pleasure that it can afford and remove the notion that it's some kind of precious or difficult activity. It's another way of telling a story. Chris Riddell activityaffordback share on social
I think stories can grow out of the visual. It can be an engine for literacy. Chris Riddell enginegrowliteracy Change image and share on social