Beyond the beret

This is where our journey begins. Get to know us and what we do, and how we're committed to bringing relatable storytelling through poetry and artwork. There is no AI in what we do and we take pride in using a critical and humorous eye on the world around us.

Join us as we grow and succeed together. We're glad you're here to be a part of our story.

Author Eric La' Pup

Eric La' Pup always thought of himself as an Anagram ever since his father Ernie, you couldn't write it could you, was told by a workmate Ricky Tomlinson to name his about to be born son Eric. "If you call him Eric Ernie, he will get call Ric". My arse Ernie must have thought as he declined to name his son Eric.

As a result an Anagram was norb!

Eric as a child had a penchant for natty headwear this included his black beret in which he kept all his thoughts.

 

"I want to bring my ponderings and reflections to all walks of life".

 

 

Stories told in pixels

Each poem is carefully crafted and covers a wide range of topics from modern life, love, happiness, trauma, politics and a look back on activities growing up. The poems are written in a way that allows for many different meanings and thoughts but above all our ethos is to include the readers into our world through words and illustration. We pride ourselves on being inclusive to all backgrounds and believe poetry can be relatable to everyone.

The illustrations are based upon old movie posters which not only give a feel and gist of the poem in one image but allow for the viewers own interpretation of the hidden meanings created by the words. 

 

"We want the reader to try and connect the words and images together and to take away their own thoughts of what the poems mean to them".

 

Illustrator Steve Willshire

Steve Willshire at school was always drawings. Doodling in the margins of the lined A4 paper set before him for schoolwork he found this much better than the schoolwork itself.

He was often reminded by an English teacher that no marks were awarded for beautifully drawn headings and titles and that time would be better spent on the content.

Steve completed his A-levels and moved from Windsor to Liverpool to study and having graduated stayed in Liverpool to work for 17 years in an architectural practice.

He chose to leave the profession and follow his heart to become an illustrator. Steve enjoys the challenge of bringing written words to life and he has achieved his childhood dream of being paid to doodle.