John Shelley -

John Shelley was born in Birmingham UK in 1959 to an Anglo-Welsh background and grew up in Sutton Coldfield. He studied painting at Bournville School of Art, then Manchester Polytechnic specializing in children's illustration under Tony Ross. Graduating in 1981 he then founded and became editor-in-chief of the indies rock music and arts periodical The Blue Blanket.

In 1983 Shelley began working as a freelance illustrator in London, and by 1984 had co-founded the artist's collective Facade Studios with designer Andy Royston and illustrators Jane Ray and Willie Ryan. His client list at this time included a wide range of publishers and magazines, as well as the Labour Party and developing countries support organizations. At the same time his interest in Ukiyo-e woodblock prints attracted him towards Japan. In January 1987 he moved to Tokyo, initially with the intention of sketching, studying the culture and traveling for around a year.

From his arrival in Japan Shelley quickly grew to be a familiar face in the Tokyo advertising scene. The style initially developed in work for Parco Department Store has been associated with numerous award-winning ads, as well as major special promotions such as the JR Ski Train. His commercial style is used in everything from animated TV ads, poster and newspaper campaigns to character merchandising and editorial.


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