Meet the Artist
Harry Cotterill

Not only does Harry produce each one of the detailed drawings showcased on our website, but he is also responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business.

Harry first started drawing ships whilst he was still at school, where one of the many GCSE subjects he studied was Art. His artistic skills have only improved more so over time as he has continued to draw.

Whilst at school Harry had the ambition to become a Naval Architect and design his own ships. In May 2009 Harry presented his first drawing aboard Holland America Line's Eurodam, whilst visiting Harwich International Port. This was to be the first of many presentations to come.

Upon finishing school in 2010 Harry went on to study at the Sixth Form College, Colchester where he studied AS Level Business Studies amongst a number of other subjects. It was whilst he was studying here that he set up the Dream Designs Colchester website to showcase his future designs. However it was also here where Harry decided he no longer wanted a career in ship design but rather a career in business.

After successfully completing his first year at the Sixth Form College, Colchester, Harry went on to study a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business at Colchester Institute. Completing the course in June 2013, he achieved a Triple Grade Distinction* equivalent to A*A*A* at A Level.

Having done so well at college, in September 2013 began studying BA (Hons) Cruise Industry Management at Southampton Solent University. Unfortunately this was not to be and Harry only completed the first semester.

In March 2014, Harry got in touch with the Prince's Trust a youth charity that helps change young lives. Harry attended a four day course on the Explore Enterprise Programme which included topics such as marketing and selling, business plan topics and structure and skills to run a business. In June 2014, the Prince's Trust allocated Harry his own personal Business Mentor, who since then has provided him with a wealth of knowledge, support and advice. 

Whilst operating Dream Designs Colchester and continuing to work with the Prince's Trust, in July 2014 Harry was offered a place on the Apprenticeship scheme, as an Administrative Apprentice at MS-UK, a charity which provides support to anyone affected by Multiple Sclerosis and is based in Colchester.

In January 2015, Harry was successful awarded grant funding from the Prince's Trust to continue his business and continues to work closely with the charity. Harry also rebranded his business, changing the name of his website and business to Cruise Cotterill, as it is known today!

In 2019, Harry started an undergraduate BSc Physics degree at Durham University. He has a number of other roles both within the university and physics, including being part of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at the Institute of Physics in London. He continues to operate his business part-time alongside his studies and other commitments. 

​Watch Harry's interview on the Bloggers Guide to Cruising