ILLUSTRATOR

Growing up in Mirboo North, South Gippsland, Ben would draw as much as he could – whenever, wherever.  Even on family outings at the footy he would sit in the car the entire time just so he could draw!  After high school, Ben studied his Bachelor of Visual Arts (Graphic Design) at La Trobe University, Bendigo, completing an Honours year to major in Australian children’s book illustration. 

While he was living in Bendigo Ben fell in love with the sounds and animals of the bush and was inspired to cultivate a unique but thoroughly nostalgic style of Australian imagery.  Kangaroos and emus were his favourites to draw.  All of this led to Ben being accepted into the May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust Mentorship program in 2006. He was introduced to the big world of publishing and children’s book illustration.  He even got a chance to work alongside award winning illustrator Roland Harvey. 

Ben’s first picture book Give Me a Home Among the Gumtrees by Bob Brown and Wally Johnson, published by Scholastic (Omnibus Books), is a great example of his love of Australian life and animals.  He loves teaching kids about his own characters – kangaroos, emus, wombats and his crazy cat and also helping them to create their own characters.

In April 2009, Ben's second book in the "Aussie Gems" series, Big Bad Bushranger, will be published by Omnibus. It is written by Bob Brown, and from our sneak peaks of Ben's illustrations, looks to be every bit as beautiful and charming as Give Me A Home Among the Gumtrees.

Ben is a welcome addition to our collection of speakers, and will be one to watch in 2009!

For more information on Ben, check out his website: www.benwoodillustrations.com