I wouldn’t say I have a signature style but when Sam pitched the idea of Philosophers’ Dogs to me, I was immediately drawn (pun intended) to the challenge of illustrating his book. I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, favouring the use of pencil, pen and watercolour. I certainly wasn’t going to turn down the opportunity to collaborate with my brother on his wonderful book. It seems more appropriate to say that I’ve been artist in my heart, and sometimes in my head, for my entire life. It feels like a funny thing to call myself an artist as for many years it hasn’t been my main source of income, as I guess is true for many artists. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Illustration at University in Bristol. I grew up in a lovely village called Timsbury & went to school in Bath. I am an artist currently living in the North of England, following stints in London and the South West. When not seeking to spread THE TRUTH about our canine companions, I spend a lot of my time working with unbelievably brilliant artists, writers and creatives through Nothing in the Rulebook - a creative collective inspired by the idea that there should be nothing to stop you from chasing the tennis balls of your own imagination. Having grown up with dogs, it quickly became apparent to me and my sister (whose incredible illustrations in this book blow my mind) that the real masters of philosophy in the world were of the four-legged variety and so Philosophers' Dogs was born. My early philosophical teachers were my Lab-Collie cross, Layla, who taught me that not all tennis balls need to be chased, and my border terrier, Marnie, who showed me that obeying orders isn't always strictly necessary (especially if food is involved). How does your dog teach you about life, love, and any passions in your life?.My name is Samuel Dodson and I'm a twenty-something writer based in London. 'No philosophers so thoroughly comprehend us as dogs and horses.' - Herman Melville 'The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.' - Anonymous 'There is honor in being a dog.' - Aristotle 'A dog has the soul of a philosopher.' - Plato And must not an animal be a lover of learning who determines what he likes and dislikes by the test of knowledge and ignorance? And is not the love of learning the love of wisdom, which is philosophy? - Socrates ' distinguishes the face of a friend and of an enemy only by the criterion of knowing and not knowing. 'Dogs and philosophers do the greatest good and get the fewest rewards' - Diogenes Philosophy and dogs are like peanut butter and jelly Some of the greatest minds to ever live have pondered on and celebrated in the joy our dogs bring us.' Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

No dogs or philosophers allowed