THE ART OF
STUART DOUCH
A Style of Bold Exaggeration
Bright, saturated colours inspired by Marvel and comic book artists are a signature of Stuart’s artistic style, which leans toward the exaggerated and the bold.
He brings his love of caricature into the heroes and villains in his work, blending cartoonish distortion with vibrant and atmospheric hues.
Using a Basic Technical Pen tool within the Sketchbook app on his iPad, Stuart captures this dynamic style with an Apple Pencil, a digital approach that allows him to maintain the energetic lines he loves.
He sketches on paper to develop ideas, but digital tools provide the freedom he enjoys.
What I’m working on now ...
It’s a graphic novel about the year 1066. I started drawing pictures of what the main characters could look like. I had an idea for Harold quite quickly and then worked on William. The faces came from my imagination – I just seemed to see them in my mind's eye.
I think it's the telling of a story which I have always loved; I feel excited by certain panels or pictures and even though I know what's coming next, I feel the drama, and later I look back on the pages in the project folder.
I can remember back to when there were about five. Now there's a book, and I think, wow, with the help of my editor and publishers, this is going to be great!
Comic Book Heroes
Stuart’s fascination with storytelling began in childhood, inspired by regular trips with his grandad to a local newsagent in Lancing, where he discovered Marvel comics. Artists like Frank Miller, Todd McFarlane, Steve Dillon and Carlos Ezquerra taught him to wield lines with confidence and character — a skill that would shape his future art. In recent years, his teaching experience has added fresh insight to his work, as children’s questions and ideas reveal the power of visual storytelling and the role art plays in explaining the world.
Creative Challenges
The process can be challenging, though; Stuart admits that projects sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when repetitive details like chainmail or helmets test his patience. Sometimes frustration boils over. "I can't do this — it's too difficult, it looks rubbish! Why does chainmail have to be so fiddly? I'm sick of drawing conical helmets and shields! This is because you're living with the project 24/7 and you do need to do other things.” When frustration builds, he takes a break to clear his mind — making tea, reading, or tutoring students — before returning with fresh eyes.
The Reward of Storytelling
The journey from rough sketches to finished pages is deeply satisfying for Stuart. He loves storytelling, and as each panel takes shape, he feels the excitement of the unfolding narrative. Looking back on completed pages fills him with pride, especially knowing it’s the result of a collaborative effort with his editor, publishers, and the support of his family. For Stuart, it’s this blend of creativity, persistence, and teamwork that makes the final product truly rewarding.