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John Shelley studied at Bournville School of Art, then illustration at Manchester Polytechnic under children's illustrator Tony Ross.
Debuting as a freelance illustrator in London, by 1984 he'd co-founded the artist's collective Facade Studios. With a fascination for Japanese art, in 1987 he moved to Tokyo in search of the missing link between samurai and Sony, making it his home for over 20 years.
In Japan his award-winning illustrations have been used in everything from animated TV ads, poster and newspaper campaigns to character merchandising and editorial illustration. With a unique insight into the Japanese creative market he has stood as a committee member of JAGDA (Japan Graphic Designer Association) and presented at colleges across the country.
Shelley's work for publishing follows a more elaborate vein of pen and watercolour. His first major picture book The Secret in the Matchbox was shortlisted for the Mother Goose Award, since when his children's illustrations have continued to gain steady recognition in East and West.
Bilingual in Japanese, Shelley returned to the UK in 2008, but still maintains close associations with Japan.
Member of The Society of Authors, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and Picture Book Artists (PBA)