Simon Deshon
Biography
Siggo spends his days and nights in the Gold Coast, Queensland …fiddling with his sketchbooks or getting ready to teach his talented creative students.
Siggo’s first sketchbook was a gift from Nana …a colossal spiral bound thing with ‘Genuine Drawing Cartridge’ on the cover.
One of Siggo’s fondest childhood memories from growing up in the 80s was discovering a large box of tatty comics that had been passed down from his brothers. He would sit for hours studying each panel. His favourite artist is Sergio Aragonés.
Soon after …Siggo fell head over heels in love with an English backpacker then chased her back to the UK. 20 years, 3 delightful daughters, a Masters, a BAFTA nomination, a portfolio of work and a hat full of lifelong friends later …Siggo immigrated back to Oz …where he (see first paragraph …whew).
Presentation (60 mins)
Two is Better Than One
Illustrator & Writer - Working with others ...why ...how.
This is in the form of a Power Point presentation that maps the process of illustrating a children’s book. From how I was noticed as a protentional collaborator. To getting on the same page as the writer. Next fleshing out the characters and environments from the written word …the importance of seeking approval and allowing amendments at each stage …then onto publishing, distribution …finally the next project.
Requirements (me)
Projector with a HDMI lead. Wifi connection preferred.
Requirements (Student)
A smile
Illustration Workshop (60 mins)
I can’t draw! Can I?
- An interactive illustration workshop
- Students armed with a pencil and piece of A4 paper …will follow the illustrator's instructions
- Warming up the hands (Blind drawing) …muscle memory technique
- Connecting the eye to the hand (Continuous Line) …flex your observational skills
- Student walk about and look at each other's images …having others look, laugh and comment on your work is crucial to being a creative.
• If time Simon to demonstrate with a live drawing on projector
Requirements (me)
Projector with a HDMI lead. Wifi connection preferred.
Requirements (Student)
Paper & pencil
I’ll bring my WACOM tablet to ‘live draw’ on the projector this works through my laptop.
Testimonials
Western Cape College Mapoon Campus was delighted to welcome illustrator Simon Deshon, also known as Siggo, who shared his creativity and passion for art through a series of engaging illustration workshops with our Kindergarten to Year 6 students.
Simon captivated students by showing how small changes to a character’s face, such as adjusting eyebrows, eyes, or a smile that can powerfully express a wide range of emotions. From joy and excitement to surprise and wonder, students discovered how the tiniest details can bring their drawings to life.
Our students embraced the workshops with enthusiasm, creating their own expressive characters and exploring storytelling through art in fun, hands on activities. The sessions sparked imagination, encouraged confidence, and left students inspired to continue developing their artistic talents.
Western Cape College - August 2025Siggo shared what it's like to work as a professional illustrator and gave students a step-by-step look at how characters are created-from loose sketches to fully expressive drawings. He had the kids laughing, thinking, and most importantly, drawing.
Every pupil got involved, and the results were amazing. Students explored how to show emotion through facial features, played with proportions, and even created their own original characters. The excitement and focus in the room was a joy to see.
Hebel State School - August 2023We finished Book Week with Author Milly Reynolds and Illustrator Simon Dechon facilitating writing and drawing workshops for an entire day with all K-6 students. The students had a wonderful and informative time learning about the creative process behind creating and publishing a book. A big thank you to Milly and Simon who were so generous with their time and provided such engaging sessions for our students.
Thank you again for coming to our school! It was really great to meet you and Milly and share the magic of books.
Lightning Ridge Central School - August 2023Concluding Book Week, today our students enjoyed a visit from Author; Milly Reynolds and Illustrator; Simon Deshon aka Siggo, who together created the book "St Sebastian, Jack & the Silver Lining".
Their book is about friendship, loyalty, accepting differences and finding silver linings.
Students from K to 6 were engaged with writing and drawing workshops with Milly & Siggo, who read the story to them, explained the steps of creating a story and then showed them how to create expressions on characters. Thank you Milly & Simon.
St Joseph’s School Walgett - August 2023Our Year 3–6 students were captivated by St Sebastian, Jack and The Silver Lining, and it was a rare treat to experience the story through the eyes of its illustrator. Your drawing workshop was a highlight of the day as it was fun and engaging.
Thank you for sharing your time, talent and insights with us. You sparked imagination in our classrooms and helped make Book Week 2022 one to remember.
Tamborine Mountain College - August 2022
St. Sebastian Jack & The Silver Lining
Queensland
Speaker type
- Illustrator / Designer
- Cartoonist
- Educational consultant