Matt Cockayne : Artist - Illustrator

I’m a left-handed artist, which brings its challenges, but perhaps the most surprising fact about me is that I’m also colour blind. On paper, that might not sound like the best combination for a creative career - but I’ve been drawing all my life, and after 11 years as a professional artist, I must be doing something right.

I left school in 2000, never went to university or art school, and instead built my skills through experience. I worked in the printing industry, trained as a sign writer, and spent several years as a graphic designer before taking the leap into becoming a full-time artist.

I grew up in Halfway, Sheffield, with family roots in the steel industry. That heritage means a lot to me, and it continues to inspire much of my work.

My style is bold and unapologetic - I love strong lines, bright colours, and you’ll often spot comic book influences in my pieces. I’ve never been a fine artist (and my art teacher certainly didn’t appreciate my approach), but thankfully plenty of people do. Over the years, my work has brought smiles to many, and that’s what drives me to keep creating.