John Skewes

John Skewes, a Seattle native who grew up on Vashon Island, began his career as a character artist for Disney Consumer Products. His time away from Seattle inspired him to create Larry Gets Lost in Seattle, combining his dog’s adventurous spirit with the city’s landmarks. The series has since expanded to over 30 titles, selling more than 650,000 copies.

Skewes brings a distinctive visual style to his work, with bold, retro-inspired illustrations that appeal to children and adults alike. His artistic process involves immersive research—traveling to each featured city, sketching on location, and capturing the personality of local landmarks with vibrant color and detail. From Portland to New York City, the Larry Gets Lost books have become travel companions for families across the country.

Beyond the page, Skewes is an accomplished muralist and illustrator whose public artworks can be found in hospitals, children's museums, and transit stations. Notably, he created a 63-foot mural for Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in New York, reflecting his dedication to engaging young audiences through playful and thoughtful design.

A passionate advocate for literacy and regional storytelling, Skewes continues to create work that celebrates place, curiosity, and the joy of discovery—often with Larry, the ever-curious pup, leading the way.