Born in Liverpool in 1971 Phil moved on from a Diploma in Foundation of Art to studying Graphics at Newcastle University where he came away with a BA degree and returning to his home City began the slow path to recognition. Today, Phil Disley is acknowledged as one of Britain’s foremost Illustrators. From modest beginnings with a first illustration in the ‘Big Issue’ in 1993, his work has regularly appeared in such esteemed publications as The Times, The Guardian, The Spectator, The Financial Times, The London Evening Standard, Esquire, GQ Magazine, Tatler and Marketing Week. Soon his unique style was recognised in America and commissions arrived from The Wall Street Journal, LA Times, US Magazine and Men’s Health. Seeking a new and exciting talent, Oxford University Press has commissioned illustrations for many educational publications with Harper Collins and Little, Brown Book Group engaging him for several book covers.
In 2002 Phil was approached by Ace Tennis Magazine and subsequently worked for them until 2008. This successful collaboration led to numerous commissions from the LTA and an invitation four years running to showcase work in his home town at The Liverpool International Tennis Tournament. He has been lauded by his peers and won a number of awards within the industry. Phil’s work is often as appreciated by his subjects as by editors and the general public. Collectors of his work include, David Cameron, Marco Pierre White and Judy Murray.
Previous commissions:
- 1994 – '96 The London Evening Standard
Drawings for Chef Albert Roux column - 1995 – '98 Sainsbury's Magazine
Sue Townsend, word first illustrations - 1999 – '00 The Guardian Jim White, Sport illustrations
- 2000 – '01 The Independent on Sunday
Profile Caricature - 2000 – '01 Us Weekly Celebrity Caricatures
- 2001 – '02 Radio Times Celebrity Scramble Caricatures
- 2001 – '02 Men's Health USA Etiquette Drawings
- 2002 – '03 The Times Football Player Caricatures for publication,The Game
- 1999 – '10 Financial Times
Drawings titled Wry Society published in How to Spend It - 1995 – '08 Ace tennis magazine
Richard Eaton illustrations - 1995 – '10 Classic FM Hall of fame
- 2006 – '06 The Spectator Covers
- 2005 – '10 The Guardian Comment & Debate
- 2006 - '10 The Tablet Covers 2008 - '09 Golf Magazine Ask the rules guy
Phil's drawings can at present be seen in The Financial Times - How To Spend It, Classic FM, The Tablet and The Guardian - Comment & Debate.