Picture a British storyteller who turned a construction worker into a global icon and spun werewolf tales for teens—meet Curtis Jobling! Born in Blackpool, England, in 1972, Jobling is a creative whirlwind, blending animation, illustration, and young adult literature with a knack for crafting worlds that captivate kids and teens alike.
From designing the BAFTA-winning Bob the Builder to penning the thrilling Wereworld series, Jobling’s career is a testament to his versatility. His playful yet poignant storytelling spans preschool TV to dark fantasy, making him a beloved figure in children’s media and beyond. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this imaginative maestro!
The Making of Curtis Jobling
Born on February 14, 1972, in Blackpool, Curtis Jobling grew up with a pencil in hand, sketching and dreaming in Warrington, England. His early love for animation sparked while watching cartoons, and a pivotal influence came from Ian Mackinnon, a fellow Warrington native who worked in animation. Jobling’s career kicked off at 21 with work experience on Aardman Animation’s Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave, followed by painting models for Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks!. These gigs set the stage for his big break: designing the stop-motion world of Bob the Builder in 1997.
Curtis Jobling’s Unforgettable Stories
Jobling’s creative portfolio is a delightful mix of whimsy and grit. As the production designer for Bob the Builder, he visualized every character, prop, and set, turning a simple construction worker into a BAFTA-winning, globally adored figure. His children’s book Frankenstein’s Cat, about a patchwork feline named Nine, blends quirky humor with heart. Adapted into a 2007 animated series voiced by Joe Pasquale, it aired on CBBC and won the Pulcinella Award for Best Children’s Show.
For younger audiences, Jobling created Raa Raa the Noisy Lion, a CBeebies series narrated by Lorraine Kelly, designed to boost preschool language skills through rhyme and repetition. But it’s his Wereworld series that showcases his darker side. Launched in 2011 with Rise of the Wolf, this six-book fantasy-horror saga follows teen werewolf Drew Ferran in a richly imagined world. Shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, Wereworld blends gore, bravery, and complex storytelling, earning a loyal following. Netflix’s animated adaptation, Wolf King, released in March 2025, brings Jobling’s vision to new audiences.
Jobling’s style is versatile yet distinct: his children’s works burst with playful energy, while his YA novels weave intricate plots with a horror-fantasy edge. Whether illustrating a cheeky monkey or crafting epic battles, he infuses every project with warmth and imagination.
Why Curtis Jobling Matters
Curtis Jobling’s impact lies in his ability to speak to multiple generations. His preschool shows like Raa Raa foster early learning, while Bob the Builder inspires teamwork and problem-solving. Wereworld, with its gritty heroism, resonates with teens navigating their own transformations. By bridging animation and literature, Jobling has shaped modern children’s media, proving that stories—whether told through puppets or pages—can leave lasting impressions.
His school visits across the UK further amplify his influence, inspiring young creatives with workshops on writing and animation. As Netflix’s Wolf King expands his reach, Jobling’s legacy as a storyteller who blends humor, heart, and horror continues to grow.
- Born: February 14, 1972, in Blackpool, England
- Key Works: Bob the Builder, Frankenstein’s Cat, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion, Wereworld series
- Awards: BAFTA for Bob the Builder, Pulcinella Award for Frankenstein’s Cat
- Fun Fact: He’s a fan of the Warrington Wolves rugby team!
Snag Rise of the Wolf or tune into Wolf King on Netflix to dive into Curtis Jobling’s thrilling worlds!