AN artistic student has illustrated his talents in the world of fantasy literature.
Former Cleveland College of Art & Design illustration student Matti Walker, of Stockton, has teamed up with Redcar author Margaret D Clark, to illustrate his first book The Magic Kingdom.
The children’s fantasy adventure tells the story of Miranda who is taken to the Magic Kingdom by Pip the elf after she runs away from home.
Instead of sunshine and flowers they find an icy land ruled by evil witches and with time running out the pair bravely set out on a perilous journey to save the magical land.
Matti, 21, is now in his first year BA (Hons) Degree in Illustration for Commercial Application at CCAD’s Hartlepool campus.
He said: “It felt quite surreal to see my name and drawing on the cover of The Magic Kingdom and to physically hold the finished book in my hand was incredible.
“My mum has already bought loads of copies and has asked me to sign them all for family and friends.”
Matti, who met with the author once a week for three months, completed 15 drawings in total to complete the book.
“As I was reading the book the images just seemed to pop into my head,” said Matti.
“I knew immediately how I would illustrate it and Margaret loved my ideas but also gave me some constructive advice on how to tweak things a little to match her visions too.”
Diagnosed with dyslexia at school, Matti has used his love of art from an early age to help with his communication.
“I was good at maths but I found English really hard,” he said. “I loved art and after school I signed up for a design technology course to study as an architect but it wasn’t for me.
“Being creative I tried my hand at joinery but didn’t like being outdoors on building sites either.”
With one of his cousins studying photography at CCAD Matti decided to visit the college and was immediately stuck by the creative atmosphere and successfully applied to CCAD’s fine art course at the Middlesbrough campus.
“I’m currently studying illustration, on a new course that the college has introduced this year, and it is amazing,” he said.
CCAD fine art tutor Judith Crompton, who originally recommended Mattie to illustrate the book, added: “Matti was an extremely professional, hardworking and likeable part of our fine art cohort who made excellent developments and creative progression whilst studying on this course.”
Illustration programme leader Ben Clowes added: “It is really exciting to see a first year student already gaining experience of the industry and I look forward to seeing his development.”
The Magic Kingdom is now available to buy on Amazon, Waterstones and in other good book shops.
For more information on opportunities at CCAD contact (01642) 288888 or log on to www.ccad.ac.uk.
