Artist A.J. Callan was born in Glasgow in 1958, and his early influence was from his mother, an avid cryptic crossword puzzle solver. Whilst she was doodling he picked up on her style, and was immediately hooked. He was an avid artist throughout his school years and was often late home from school having been so engrossed in his artwork. A.J. Callan then decided to study graphic design and fine art for five years after leaving school, and on finishing his courses, embarked on a career in advertising. There came a time when A.J. had to decide whether or not to stay in advertising, or take the path of a full-time artist. Luckily for us he decided on the latter, and he has never regretted his decision.