Artist illustrator whose work will move, engage and
entertain, sparking imagination in readers, both young and old.
Artist illustrator whose work will move, engage and
entertain, sparking imagination in readers, both young and old.
“There's a world outside my window
and a world inside my head,
my job is to marry the two together”
Martin Impey - book illustrator
I’m MARTIN IMPEY, an award-winning artist illustrator. My journey through the creative world has taken me across many areas illustrating for design, advertising, film, toys, games, gifts, editorials and many more. I’m most passionate about my work as a book illustrator, especially for children. With over 50 books under my belt, I’ve dedicated my craft to bringing stories to life through passion, research and detail, sharing my books through school visits and speaking at literary festivals.
I have always loved drawing and painting, which I try to do every day. Over the years, I have worked in a huge range of styles to meet design and editorial briefs. However, as I have become better known, I am now requested to create artwork in ‘my style,’ especially as a book illustrator, which is the goal of any artist illustrator.
I have been a freelance artist illustrator for 33 years. My creative journey began with studying graphic design at art school for 4 years. After graduating with a distinction, I spent a few successful years as a designer. An opportunity then arose for me to follow my dream and become a book illustrator —and the rest is history!
What sets me apart is my distinctive style, and the meticulous detail
I infuse into my work. Whether it’s character design, storyboards,
or editorial illustrations, I pride myself on my ability to understand
a creative brief and add my unique flavour to every project —
however big or small.
As a book illustrator, my work has earned me TWO nominations for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal,
and I’ve been honoured to have won awards and be shortlisted for many others throughout my career including:
Nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2015
Nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2019
Winner of the North Somerset Teachers' Book Award 2016
Winner of the Historical Association - Young Quills Award 2016
Winner of the EOCT Best Picture Book Award 2017
Finalist for 2 books for the ERA - Educational Book Award 2015
Finalist for The People's Book Prize 2015/16
Shortlisted for the Hampshire Children's Book Award 2014
Shortlisted for the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2015
Shortlisted for the English Association Picture Book Award 2015
Shortlisted for The International Rubery Book Award 2015
Shortlisted for the Coventry Children's Book Award 2015
I’ve had the pleasure of being featured on various media platforms,
including BBC 1 - Songs of Praise Wilfred Owen 100th Anniversary Special.
My work on Where Once We Stood featured on SKY News.
I was interviewed in my studio for Forces TV.
YouTube - I was part of a mini documentary discussing my collaboration with Chris Riley on our book Where Once We Stood.
I have also appeared on BBC Radio 2.
BBC Radio 4 - Saturday Morning Live -
discussing my work creating Dulce et Decorum Est.
Many BBC Local Radio stations across the country.
BFBS Radio (British Forces Broadcasting Services), among others.
These opportunities have all allowed me to reach a wider audience
and connect with those who share a love of art and storytelling.