Thomas beside the Pictish cross at A’Chill on the Isle of Canna.

Profile

Thomas Small MCIfA
BA Archaeology, MA Interactive Multimedia

I work as a freelance illustrator, enjoying the collaborative process that develops with a client. I have a particular interest in the use of emerging technologies to present historical objects and themes, combining my degrees in Archaeology and Interactive Multimedia Production.

Earlier in my career I worked extensively as a field archaeologist, which involved excavation, surveying and recording. From here I progressed to the busy graphics office of a large commercial archaeology company where I worked for several years. As such I have been involved in the production of graphics for a wide variety of different projects, including the assembly of monographs, small find illustration, compilation of survey data and report production, alongside elements of graphic design.

Since childhood I have been fascinated by history, mainly I think, because it encompasses so many disciplines: We learn so much from studying our environment, sciences and society, and to understand the history of a people is to understand their thinking. Alongside history, I have always enjoyed illustration and the versatile way in which images can be used to communicate both information and emotion. Now, in my day-to-day work, I am fortunate enough to combine both of my interests to help interpret the surviving fragments of our ancestors’ societies and, hopefully, present an engaging picture of our collective past.

Over the years I have built up a varied network of professional contacts, including specialists within archaeology, graphic designers, art directors, exhibition sculptors and other illustrators, all of whom help me to stay relevant and informed of current developments within a range of complementary professions.

When not illustrating I enjoy beachcombing along the East Lothian coast, discovering new musical sounds courtesy of Radio 3’s ‘Late Junction’, and trying my hand at established crafts such as stone letter cutting, calligraphy, and wheel-thrown pottery alongside emerging digital software.

I look forward to hearing from you to discuss your project requirements!