About me

I just thought I’d add a little bit about me, the website feels a little bit more complete this way and this may act as like a pre interview for any clients.  I’m 22 years old, from Castleford West Yorkshire

I’m learning drums, which is cool but I wish I could have learned when I was about 5 or something so I would be awesome now!  Really into my music over the last few years, and I tend to go for any bands really, from Tool to Metallica, Sigor Ros to The Hives my music tastes are broad.  I’ve been listening to lots of audio books too while I work, its good to be able to ‘read’ and paint at the same time.  I used to play rugby for 5 years, during which I made some good mates, but I had to quit to be an illustrator, as I broke my wrists three times I could not really risk it anymore!

I’m into stories in a big way, of any kind.  Harry potter, Terry Pratchett, Stephan King are my preferred books, but the book I am reading now is about the tribes and history of the British population, I’m happy to read anything that takes my fancy really Films tell tales too, my favourites being Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, but great films like Requiem for a Dream, Donnie Darko, Gladiator, and Big Fish would be up there in my top ten.

I went on an amazing trip to America in the summer of 2005, which I recommend to anyone who likes kids, the whole thing was an amazing experience where I met some of the best people of my life, the whole summer flew by.  I went skydiving, and to a huge American theme park, looked after a group of ace kids, went canoeing, had some great house parties and nights out.

The one thing I’m going to miss most about Uni is the once in a lifetime chance to work in a group of like-minded people, all mates and learning from each other.  I’ve picked up so much stuff from my classmates; I look back on my 1st year work and can only really see all the flaws in it now.

My work was highly commended by the McMillan’s children’s book awards, which was a real confidence boost to me personally.  I’d spent a lot of time on the book, and my tutor was not as keen as I was about it, so it was great, my first taste of success!

I like to work hard and feel as if I’m doing a good job on something.   I’ve kept my job at Marks and Spencer’s through College, Art College and University.  I like to be able to tell a piece of work is handcrafted, I also tend to go for a lot of texture and shape in my paintings, and at the moment I’m experimenting a little with my perspective.  At the moment I have discovered the joys of Photoshop, and although it feels as though I have betrayed painters and artists everywhere, I have been working in this medium for its flexibility, speed, and the colours tend to be much better than a photograph of a painting. 

If your REALLY want to know more (as I am sure you do…) your more than welcome to visit my Myspace, at www.myspace.com/keirbirch.  Thanks!