We've teamed up with Brighton-based illustrator Ryan Gillett, to commission a series of playful illustrations. We chatted to Ryan to find out more about life as an illustrator, as well as his favourite foods, chefs and restaurants, including where to eat in Brighton

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS AN ILLUSTRATOR?

“I’ve been drawing since I was about seven years old. My dad was in the RAF so he used to draw a lot of planes – I saw him doing that and it got me into drawing too. Next thing I knew, I decided I wanted to be an illustrator (well actually, I wanted to be a pilot, but an illustrator was the next best thing!) So I went to Southampton Solent University to study illustration for three years and then moved to Brighton, where I’ve been living for about twelve years now.”

WHERE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO EAT IN BRIGHTON?

“At lunch time, my go-to is We Love Falafel (a take-away specialising in falafel wraps and salad boxes on Sydney Street in Brighton’s North Laine). There’s also a little place called Helmston, where I order their ‘Wonder Box’ – a box full of delicious mixed salads and various veggie dishes. There’s also a new taco spot called Taquitos Casa Azul in The Open Market. For dinner, I like to go to The Pond for bao buns”

WHAT'S YOUR GO-TO DINNER TO COOK AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK?

“I'm a taco guy – I would eat just tacos for the rest of my life if I could. I don’t eat meat, so I have them with avocado, salsa and then either a Mexican-spiced meat substitute or refried beans.”

WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO GO FOR A FOODIE HOLIDAY?

“I love going to Italy for a proper pizza experience. I also recently went to Barcelona to visit some of my friends and love the food there too.”

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST USED COOKBOOKS?

“I love Ottolenghi, especially his book Simple – his flavour combinations are really unique and really tasty. I also really like the Dishoom cookbook – I could live off their black dhal!”