National Geographic Traveller UK

For this issue David Whitey reports on the troops of monkeys that overrun the Thai city of Lopburi. Behind their cute exterior these naughty primates regularly harass the tourists, stealing their personal possessions. Entering some streets can be quite intimidating, the roof tops are lined with monkeys on the lookout for their next victim!

National Geographic Traveller UK

For the latest issue David Whitely writes about the misfortune to be struck down with food poisoning whilst on holiday. The timing of a stomach bug cannot be predicted, with the consequence of having to cancel pre-booked plans. But he was not able to miss a romantic dinner with his wife. The meal was less than pleasant, having to bear with his protesting stomach, which at any movement could have been a cause for grave embarrassment.

National Geographic Traveller Family

This is for NGT Family magazine. The article is about what parent's can and can't do with their children. In this case, going on a bike ride with the kids sat in a heavy trailer through Nottinghamshire's Sherwood Pines Forest Park. Taking the easy family trail wouldn't be a challenge, so they take the adventure trail. Both parents are exhausted and aching by the end of their bike ride, but felt it was worth the struggle.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

National Geographic Traveller UK

In this column David Whitey writes about a trip to Marrakech, he has planned
a surprise marriage proposal in the cities main square. Unfortunately this exotic
location is not the ideal setting for this romantic gesture. The market square is
bustling with distractions and obstacles, such as the snake charmers. They like
putting snakes around tourists necks and charge them for a photograph.

Ted Baker - A Baker's Dozen, The Best Of British Pastimes

Traffic Jam print . title: Tea & Jam

I was thrilled to be asked by the Association of Illustrators to work on an exciting collaboration with Ted Baker, to be part of A Bakers's Dozen. The AOI members were asked to design a limited edition A2 litho-print to launch Ted Baker's Autumn/Winter 2012 collection. The exclusive prints, a 1000 of each illustrators image will be given out to customers as a 'gift with purchase' in Ted Baker stores worldwide.

The projects theme was celebrating The Best of British Pastimes. Each illustrator was randomly assigned a theme, mine was Traffic Jams. That was a bit of luck, because I'd been sketching cars and vans recently, the sketches turned out to be a good reference source for me. 

Vehical drawings from sketch book

 














Not wishing to interpret Traffic Jams showing angry frustrated drivers and passengers, as we've all experienced sitting in commuter or holiday traffic. I chose the more reserved, polite side of the British to create a cheerful witty image. The main focus of the print is on the couple in the open top car, framed by an arched road with a queue of vehicles. Look closely at the people in the vehicles, one boy is picking his nose, a driver engrossed on his smart phone and the old sailor is accompanied by his parrot in the back seat. These small details to the people and vehicles progressed bit by bit within the three weeks given to produce the artwork. Colour combinations drove me around the bend (no pun intended!), especially when I'm using my selective palette. The vehicle shapes and colours were often tweaked until I was happy with the results. Ted Baker asked if possible to include their icons in the prints. The 'bowler hat' worn by the bird strutting crossing the road. The 'lobster' on the white delivery van. The 'tea cup', this icon inspired the idea of the couple drinking a flask of hot beverage in a traffic jam, hence the title of the print 'Tea and Jam'.

Rough sketch for Traffic Jam

We were asked to sign and number our 1000 prints at The Absolute Group, the printers in east London. Here at last I got to see the other images, wonderful work by all the illustrators and richly reproduced by the printers on a slightly textured off white paper. On our signing day I was pleased to meet fellow illustrators Michael Woods and Robert Shadbolt. Both completed signing their prints well ahead of me, I was stuck in traffic!

Print 1000 signed and numbered

It was great to be part of this project, I really enjoyed producing the image and working with Fiona Smith from the AOI. Fiona liaised between Ted Baker and the illustrators, thanks to Fiona and the other AOI staff for organising the project. A big thanks to Ted Baker for originating the project and commissioning AOI members to create these exclusive prints for their customers.

To see the all the exclusive prints and short film about A Baker's Dozen project go to:

Ted Baker Promotions - www.tedbakerpromotions.co.uk
The Association of Illustrators - www.theaoi.com

Signed print No.1 hung in the reception of Ted Bakers HQ

Fellow illustrators and I were invited for lunch at Ted's global head quarters in London to meet the Creative Team who worked on the Baker's Dozen project. Heng Khoo Managing Director from the AOI popped along too. We were taken on a tour of the 'Ugly Brown Building' and shown the various departments which work behind the Ted Baker brand. It was great meeting Craig, Hannah, Megan, Zoe and Jodie. We had a lovely lunch the lemon cheese cake was very nice! 

National Geographic Traveller UK

For the latest issue David Whitely recollects a romantic weekend 
with his now wife. He knows how to show a girl a good time, on 
their return journey home from Liverpool Whitely makes a detour 
to Southport to visit the British Lawnmower Museum. Packed with 
garden equipment on display is a strimmer donated by Brian May 
from Queen. These small museums stuffed with bizarre and obscure 
collections amuse and fascinate him along with the handful of people 
who visit these collections.

National Geographic Traveller UK

In this issues column David Whitely is in Guam airport with hours 
to spare before his connecting flight. He decides to hire a car and 
explore the local attractions. He stubbles upon a Wildlife Refuge for 
turtles on a beautiful white beach. This great discovery ends up to be 
not so great, having not noticed the closing time on the entrance gate 
Whitley inadvertently finds himself locked in.