AN AMBITIOUS artist whose designs include Disney characters and restaurant logos, could soon have his work admired by pop idols and movie stars.

Michael Hunter of Turpin Green Lane, Leyland, decided just a month ago to woo foreign firms by sending samples of his ideas for cards, menus and containers.

Bosses abroad were so impressed that demands flooded in and Michael has been commissioned to redesign the logo of top New York restaurant Tavern On The Green in Central Park, the haunt of stars like Michael Jackson and Liz Taylor.

Michael has also sent off his abstract 3D images of Mickey Mouse to Disney stores throughout Europe and America, and his innovative idea of designing unique tobacco tins is being snapped up across the Atlantic.

The fine art graduate came up with the lucrative marketing idea while out shopping: "I saw some artistic cards and thought I could do better," he explained: "So I sent samples to Southport-based distributors Board Stiff which were snapped up to be marketed abroad."

Motivated Michael, 24, has now set up his own company, Pure Creations, and business is booming so much so that he may have to hire staff to help cope with demand.

But Michael's first love is abstract art and his work has featured in small exhibitions in Preston and Lancaster, and at a sofa company in Lostock Hall where he used to work.

Michael said: "It's difficult to make a living from art but if you really believe you can do it, you should stick at it."

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