Tom McLean

Tom McLean is a children's illustrator and author based in Oxford. After seven years working in the architecture industry Tom swapped his scale rulers for stamps, markers and crayons. He now spends most of his time cutting out bits of lino to create traditional, handmade children's illustrations. 

When not coming up with new picture book ideas, Tom works on community art projects, collaborating with local schools, councils and community groups to create public murals and sculptures. 

Tom was a finalist for the 2026 Bologna Children’s Book Fair Illustrators Exhibition and was shortlisted for the 2024 World Illustration Awards. He has worked with a diverse range of clients, including the NHS, Oxford City Council, and Doctors Without Borders.