UWTSD Illustration Students Welcome Back Renowned Illustrator Karl James Mountford

UWTSD’s BA and MA Illustration students enjoyed an invaluable opportunity to attend a presentation by illustrator and author Karl James Mountford. Karl studied at University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Swansea College of Art from 2008 to 2013, completing both his BA and MA in Illustration, and served as Artist in Residence during his final year.

Karl works across both traditional and digital media and has created artwork for titles such as The Uncommoners by Jennifer Bell (Penguin Random House, 2017) and The Peculiars by Kieran Larwood (Chicken House, 2018). He specialises in book cover design and chapter illustration and has also produced picture books, including Maurice the Unbeastly by Amy Dixon (Sterling Children’s Books, 2017) and The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth by Ellie Hattie (Little Tiger Press, 2017).

In 2022, Karl published his first book as both author and illustrator, Circles in the Sky, to critical acclaim.

The visit highlighted UWTSD’s commitment to providing students with industry-relevant experiences. Lecturer Ian Simmons said: “It was fantastic to meet up with Karl again. He has always been keen to pass on his industry experience to our current students. He will also be coming back in the summer to give portfolio reviews and advice to our third-year students.

“We always stay connected with our alumni and follow their careers, often offering help and advice where needed. The students were treated to a wonderful presentation and Q&A session with one of the world’s top book illustrators, and the fact that Karl is a graduate of Swansea College of Art added to the excitement and anticipation.”

Karl added: “It was wonderful to come back to Swansea College of Art. I loved my time on the course, and it was great to meet the current students and catch up with the staff.”

Caroline Thraves, Academic Director Art & Media said: “Karl’s continued connection with the university is invaluable, and his generosity in sharing his professional insight offers an inspiring example for our students. Karl’s achievements demonstrate the impact our graduates can make within the creative industries, and his visit reinforced the importance of nurturing those ongoing relationships. We are incredibly proud of his success and grateful for the time he continues to invest in our community.”

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071