Sheffield artist features in fun colouring book to lift spirits during lockdown

Tom J Newell, originally from Chesterfield, has created a bespoke illustration, featured in a free colouring book, specifically designed for the lockdown period.

Compiled by the print company, Awesome Merchandise, the ‘Great Indoors’ colouring book compiles illustrations by its favourite artists across the UK, encouraging kids and adults alike to get creative in these strange times.

Tom’s illustration has been featured in the colouring book, along with 11 other artists.

His design portrays a ‘chaotic scene, with all characters in the same boat’ resembling the current pandemic.

Tom said: “I wanted to create a chaotic scene with all the characters on the same boat. Some of us are in more treacherous positions with more chance of falling overboard of course, but it's up to all of us to help things stay afloat and share the hand sanitiser and toilet paper onboard.

“Whilst these are unchartered waters, we can make our way through them together. It's always an honour to work with Awesome Merchandise because of projects like this. Getting one of these free colouring books pop through the door right now might just be enough to brighten up someone's day during these strange times. That is something of huge importance. Let's look out for each other, stay in the lines and put the lids back on the felt tips.”

To download a version to print your at home, or colour in digitally, visit https://thegreatindoors.awesomemerchandise.com/