After studying graphic design and illustration at Liverpool college of Art and The Royal College of Art, Ray remained in London, working for a number of design consultancies while also taking on commissions through illustrators agents. Later, moving from the offices of Conran Associates, in Covent Garden, to the BBC's television production centre in west London, required acclimatising to a new medium, with animation and experimental film in the frame.
Working in television left little time for freelancing, but still scope for a lot of drawing; in particular, the behind the scenes art direction of technically complex 'Blue Screen' drama productions. The marathon storyboarding involved provided a useful visual guide for production staff, cast & crew but remained unseen by the viewers.
Freelance practice as an independent designer & illustrator followed a memorable thirteen years at the BBC, before the lure of the hills inspired a move north to Cumbria: here Ray was able to put something back into the education system as a visiting lecturer at Glasgow School of Art and later as a member of the lecturing team developing degree courses at Cumbria College of Art and Design.
While accepting occasional illustration commissions, Ray now concentrates on adding to his range of limited edition prints and children's book projects.
Working in television left little time for freelancing, but still scope for a lot of drawing; in particular, the behind the scenes art direction of technically complex 'Blue Screen' drama productions. The marathon storyboarding involved provided a useful visual guide for production staff, cast & crew but remained unseen by the viewers.
Freelance practice as an independent designer & illustrator followed a memorable thirteen years at the BBC, before the lure of the hills inspired a move north to Cumbria: here Ray was able to put something back into the education system as a visiting lecturer at Glasgow School of Art and later as a member of the lecturing team developing degree courses at Cumbria College of Art and Design.
While accepting occasional illustration commissions, Ray now concentrates on adding to his range of limited edition prints and children's book projects.