AN INTERNATIONALLY renowned artist from award-winning TV show Game of Thrones talked about his career as a comic and illustrator and storyboard artist.

William Simpson, whose career has spanned over 35 years working for 2000AD, Marvel and DC comics and more recently the film industry, took time out of his busy schedule to come to Cleveland College of Art & Design (CCAD) in Hartlepool, to meet students.

Over the past few years, William has provided storyboards for a variety of feature films such as Reign of Fire with Christian Bale and his comic portfolio includes Batman, Judge Dredd and Indiana Jones.

But the Northern Irish artist is most famously known for his outstanding work as the lead storyboard artist on fantasy drama, Game of Thrones, where he is credited with over 40 episodes. Much of his work on Game of Thrones involves sketching out the director’s vision for the episode into an initial comic strip version for visual reference. William has also contributed to the concept design of various creatures in the series, including dragons, direwolves and the three-eyed raven.

He met with students from the BA (Hons) Illustration for Commercial Application course and was able to see their work and give them an opportunity to learn about his experiences in the industry.

Mr Simpson said: “I have been incredibly impressed with the students’ talents and creative energy at CCAD and with the facilities here in Hartlepool. Technology plays such a big part in the creative arts now, and it is amazing to see the results from the students. Art is blending very well with science."

One student who met him was Macauley Etherington, 18, a first year student from Newton Aycliffe. He said: "It was really nerve-wracking meeting him, but amazing. He gave tips and advice and it was really mind-blowing."