National Geographic Traveller UK

For this issues Smart Traveller column David Whitely writes about over the top service in hotels and restaurants. This constant attention by staff can become quite an intrusion. When checking in at a hotel in America, David's luggage is swooped away by the bellman with "cheetah-like reflexes".

National Geographic Traveller UK

For the latest Smart Traveller column David Whitely writes about swimming with whale sharks off the coast of Mexico. During the tour he is fascinated by the groups dynamics. In the small motorboat the group is split in two, the quiet restrained people and the outwardly noisy people. In the end the trip is disappointment, as no whale sharks appear for the tourists.

National Geographic Traveller UK

Smart Traveller Column, September issue

National Geographic Traveller UK

For the latest column David Whitely writes about his heightened fear of people in authority when abroad. Whilst driving through Utah's breathtaking scenery he pays no attention to the speedometer and is stopped by a traffic cop. David is reduced to a quivering wreak, but he's luckily left off with a warning.

National Geographic Traveller UK

In this months issue David Whitely writes about the merits of learning a second language to have a proper conversation when aboard. Attempting to remember languages learnt at school can lead you to spouting off a string of words which make no sense and you come across a complete fool!

National Geographic Traveller UK

For this months issue David Whitely writes about how difficult he finds it to take timeout from work to relax and do absolutely nothing. During a holiday with his wife in Tenerife, David has promised her he'll relax by the pool with his Kindle. This is short lived, he soon finds new places on the island to explore.

National Geographic Traveller UK

For the latest issue David Whitely writes about his lost luggage on arrival at Los Angeles airport. He kept very clam, having prepared for this event by packing a change of clothes in his hand luggage and confident that his luggage would arrive on the next flight. But days passed and no luggage, turning his cool head into panicking one!

National Geographic Traveller UK

For this issue David Whitely writes about his unhealthy obsession with geography trivia. From a child he's learnt and accumulated futile facts and figures. This has led him to a persistent compulsion on winning geography quizzes!

National Geographic Traveller UK

For this issue David Whitely writes about a US road trip ending in Monument Valley. Throughout the journey the rental car takes a beating, covered in dents, dirt and the rear passenger seat is spilling over with rubbish. But for David the cars terrible condition is a testament to a great road trip!

National Geographic Traveller UK

For the latest issue David Whitely writes about his collection of unusual holiday souvenirs stored in a cupboard in his spare room at home. Having acquired these objects whilst drunk in bars around the world, they help him to recollect hazy memories of his boozy exploits.

National Geographic Traveller UK

For this issue David Whitely writes, at the start of their holiday in Budapest the couple's petty arguments are a process of adjustment to one another's way of doing things. After a visit to the spa they can't agree how to get back to their hotel. But after a few days of blowing hot air, follows a mutual understanding between the pair and they enjoy the rest of their holiday.

National Geographic Traveller UK

For the latest issue David Whitely writes about returning to a dream holiday destination which can turn out to be big disappointment. He fell in love with Cesky Krumlov a scenic Czech town. A recent visit was made unbearable due to the pouring rain and hordes of tourists. David was particularly frustrated with the tourist who'd block your path especially on bridges whilst composing a photograph of their partners taking a very, very, very long time!

National Geographic Traveller UK

The National Geographic Traveller UK magazine has been redesigned for a more "sophisticated and stylish" feel. The column pages, one of which I illustrate, have a fresh look. The magazine have asked me to use their small somber palette, but I can include a splash of colour to highlight parts of the image. This is a big change from using my vibrant colours, but a nice challenge for me working with a handful of colours. I don't use a black key line to define shapes, therefore I have to combine the colours carefully to produce the image.

In this column David Whitely over estimates his physical fitness on holiday in New Zealand.  A kayaking trip on Lake Taupo turns out not as easy as he first thought. A strong wind produces large, fierce waves, paddling against them is very exhausting and drains him of all his strength and energy.

National Geographic Traveller UK

For the latest issue David Whitely talks about the variety of annoying characters he encounters on long-haul fights, staring at the airport, then the security queue. His patience wears thin and in his mind invents punishments for the accused.

National Geographic Traveller UK

In this column David Whitely writes about his American road trip, driving off the interstate to discover odd but charming curiosities. On a diversion into The Cornell University campus, Whitely is fascinated by The Wilder Brain Collection, shelves of jars with a variety of brains. In his search for a large brain he finds the second largest brain recorded, belonging to a criminal and murderer!

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.

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!