Sunderland illustrator's double take after spotting his work in Bridges' shop window

Scott is celebrating the publication of his 50th book.

Scott Barker, 32 from Sunderland has published his 50th children’s book after fulfilling his dream of becoming an illustrator three years ago.

The dad says his dream was ‘put on the back burner’ after having children but recently pursued his childhood dream.

Mr Barker’s most recent book ‘Bunnicorn’ is about ‘being yourself’ and includes illustrations of a bunny-unicorn along with rainbows and butterflies.

Scott Barker outside The Works in the Bridges in Sunderland.

The 32-year-old, who has three children said he is ‘extremely proud’ of himself after years of hard work.

He said: “I used to work in the Bridges, I have been employed by at least six units in the shopping centre over the years – many of which no longer exist!

“I was walking through the centre recently and actually saw my book on sale in the front window of The Works, it was then that it hit me that I’ve come so far since working in the shopping centre.”

Mr Barker, who has an Animation and Design degree from The University of Sunderland also won an illustration competition when he was 10-years-old and met the creators of the Simpsons in the US.

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Scott added: “I’m really proud of myself because I’m just a run of mill guy who had a far fetched dream and now I’m living it.

"It was surreal seeing my book in the Bridges because it’s where I started, it was like an out of body experience seeing my own work in the front window when I used to work just across the way in Superdry!”

The illustrator, who also worked in the former Build-A-Bear workshop in the Bridges has also produced children’s toys which includes a car mat inspired by a Newcastle street.

He said: “My illustrating job now is a completely different experience to what I used to do and I absolutely love it.

"I worked hard and it’s finally paying off and I just hope everyone enjoys the new book.”

Scott’s new book The Bunnicorn is now on sale and can be found here.

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