Jeff Crosby

Jeff Crosby (he/him) is a Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University's Cambridge School of Art, Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences. He serves as Course Director for the BA (Hons) Animation and Illustration program, bringing over thirty years of professional illustration experience to his academic role. His expertise spans illustration, drawing and book art, animation, and graphic design and typography.

Jeff's educational background includes:

• MFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York City
• BFA in Communication Design from the University of North Texas
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Jeff Crosby's creative practice centers on children's literature, with a focus on writing and illustrating picture books and graphic novels for young readers. His work features animal and mythological characters in fantastical worlds, exploring themes of empathy, friendship, corruption, and identity. He is proficient in various media including acrylic painting, ink drawing, and digital work using the Adobe Creative Suite. His artistic approach bridges traditional and digital techniques to create compelling visual narratives that engage young audiences while addressing meaningful themes.

His publication history reveals a consistent trajectory in children's book illustration, evolving from early non-fiction works on animal breeds to his current Dino Knights fantasy series. The progression shows increasing emphasis on original storytelling while maintaining his signature attention to character development and visual narrative. His work demonstrates versatility across both fiction and non-fiction genres, with a particular strength in creating anthropomorphic characters that resonate with children.

Professional affiliations:

• Association of Illustrators
• Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators
• POSERS life drawing

As an educator, Jeff teaches modules including Illustration & Animation Practice, Sequential Structures & Contexts, Sequential Practice, Animation Practice, and Professional Sequential Practice. His extensive industry experience, gained through work with major American newspapers, magazines, design studios, and book publishers, informs his teaching methodology. He currently directs the BA (Hons) Animation and Illustration course, guiding curriculum development to ensure students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for professional success in illustration fields.

Jeff maintains an active studio practice alongside his academic responsibilities, currently working on a graphic novel. His creative process incorporates both traditional media like acrylics and ink, as well as digital techniques, providing students with exposure to comprehensive illustration methods. His studio practice directly informs his teaching, creating a dynamic connection between professional work and academic instruction.