CELEBRATING 10-years in the creative industry, Wrexham artist Liam Stokes-Massey has shared his career highlights so far.

It would seem football has opened several doors for successful freelancer Liam, or 'Pencil Craftsman' on social media, who is known locally and oversees for his rare talent.

Wrexham AFC 'Backroom Staff Portraits', commissioned by Humphrey KerWrexham AFC 'Backroom Staff Portraits', commissioned by Humphrey Ker (Image: Liam Stokes-Massey)

Whether its sketching, painting canvases, designing digital prints or going big with murals on pubs - Liam has tackled outstanding projects over the last decade, and more recently since Wrexham AFC has been put on the map by owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.

Reminiscing on his career, Liam said: "It wasn't in my future at all. I developed a real enjoyment of drawing over the course of a couple of years in my mid-late twenties.

Mickey Thomas pieceMickey Thomas piece (Image: Liam Stokes-Massey)

"I was in a job that I didn't like, so decided to take the plunge and try it full time! Happy to say it's worked out so far!

"My niche has always been 'realistic' work - portraits, landscapes, inanimate things etc. Since 2016 football has become a bigger and bigger influence and part of my work.

"The ultimate goal is to continue to create but most importantly still get enjoyment from it. Saying that, I'd love to do a Wrexham Mural over in the states!

Liam's 'Top 5' pieces to date are:

1. The Paul Mullin Mural, The Fat Boar - The iconic mural dedicated to Wrexham AFC striker Paul Mullin was unveiled in August 2023. Situated on Yorke Street, the spectacular piece is the perfect tribute.

2. Phil Parkinson Mural, The Turf - A recent project dedicated to Wrexham AFC manager 'Parky', titled 'The Boss.' A prime location for local and international fans visiting the Stok Cae Ras.

3. Backroom Staff Portraits commissioned by Wrexham AFC executive Humphrey Ker - 14 portraits of the backroom staff in recognition of their hard work behind the scenes throughout the season. A 'huge privilege', describes Liam.

4. Mickey Thomas painting commissioned by the man himself - 'Mickey', a limited edition print which the Welsh footballer owns himself. Formerly playing for Wrexham, this was another huge career moment for the local artist.

5. Wales painting featuring Gareth Bale, Neco Williams and others commissioned by Wrexham Museum - Sketching the 2022 World Cup including legendary players was a defining moment. Liam's work of Welsh Footballers will feature in the soon-to-be redeveloped museum.

Football has truly been at the core of much of Liam's work and the inspiration behind his most popular designs. 

Liam thoroughly enjoys meeting fans while working out and about in the city centre. His work can also be found in Ty Pawb, as well as online. 

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He added: "Over the past few years I've met and become friends with so many people thanks to the takeover. I regularly send orders to the USA, Canada and beyond. It's been wonderful!"

Teasing a new upcoming project with details to be revealed soon, Liam added: "I was also recently really privileged and honoured to have been asked to create something to commemorate a very important event in the town's history.

"I hope on its release it does justice to what it represents."

Here's to the next decade of art. What would you like to see him create next?