At just 13 years old, Theo Jarvis is already making waves in the world of illustration. Hailing from Bristol, where he lives with his mum, dad, two younger sisters, and two cheeky terriers, Peggy and Blue, Theo has been passionate about drawing for as long as he can remember. Diagnosed with ADHD and autism in primary school, he’s found that art isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifeline, helping him focus, express himself, and shine.
His love of cartoons and comics has taken him from doodling at the kitchen table to illustrating the cover of WARNING: May Contain Dragons, the latest book by B. Ware – an opportunity that Theo took on with excitement, imagination, and buckets of talent.
We caught up with Theo to chat about his creative process, his favourite things to draw, and how it felt to bring the dragon-filled world of B. Ware’s story to life.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
“I’m Theo and I’m 13 years old – I live at home with my Mum and dad, two sisters and two dogs in Bristol – but I was actually born in London, opposite Big Ben!”
2. Have you always loved drawing?
“I’ve always loved art. It’s helped me come through some tricky times at school but also helped me learn. I especially like drawing and illustrating and I was once in the Beano comic!! My parents used to take paper with us everywhere so that if I was ever bored, I could draw the day away!”
3. Creativity is important in art. How do you stay creative?
“I like to look at other books and comics which inspire me – I enjoy looking at different styles of drawing, even pictures in text books and pictures online of animals, superheroes and I also love painting Warhammer characters.”
4. Do you have any favourite illustrators or artists?
“Living in Bristol, I would have to say Banksy!!”
5. What’s your favourite thing to draw at the moment?
“When I am drawing at the moment I am always trying to create the illusion of movement – and I really enjoy drawing hands!! And if I am allowed one more, Warhammer characters!”
6. How did you feel when B. Ware asked you to illustrate the cover for WARNING: May Contain Dragons?
“It was such and honour and I felt so excited!! I felt so happy and couldn’t believe that she had chosen me to illustrate the cover!!”
7. What was the most fun part of working on the illustrations? Was anything really tricky?
“I enjoyed that B would ask me to draw something, then I would sketch out what was in my mind – and then we could change it, or not – so the process was very collaborative. To be honest, I didn’t find anything too tricky!!”
8. Do you have a favourite illustration on the cover of WARNING: May Contain Dragons?
“I really love the boy dressed as a dragon!”
9. Are you working on any other art projects at the moment?
“I do my own comic strip every couple of weeks which is based on my dog, Blue. It’s called ‘Bluey, you Ratbag!’ And it is about all the mischief and trouble he gets into. I post them on my instagram account sometimes!”
10. Do you want to be an artist or Illustrator when you are older? Or do you have anything else in mind?
“I would love to be an illustrator or do anything creative – I really like the idea of learning how to do more digital illustrations too but I haven’t had a chance to do that…yet!”
11. Would you be interested in illustrating the cover of B.Ware’s next book in the Words of WARNING collection?
“I would definitely love to do this! It has been such a fantastic experience to work with B. Ware so I would like to again.”
Theo Jarvis might be young, but his passion, creativity, and talent are already paving the way for an exciting future in illustration. Whether he’s sketching mischievous comic strips about his dog Blue or crafting dynamic, dragon-filled book covers, his work is full of energy, humour and heart. It’s clear that this is just the beginning for Theo—and with his eyes set on a creative career and dreams of exploring digital illustration, we can’t wait to see where his art takes him next. One thing’s for sure: if B. Ware’s next book needs a cover, we know exactly who to call.
Follow Theo on Instagram at @t.h.e.o.d.r.a.w to keep up to date with his amazing illustrating adventures!
