Tidbits from the Alan Lee sketchbook (part 1)

I've started reading Alan Lee's new book, The Lord of the Rings Sketchbook, and I am learning some interesting things about Alan Lee, his art, and his work on the films.

Does anyone know what Alan Lee's job was when he was 17? (answer at end)

I am not visually artistic myself, so the book gives me the opportunity to get inside the mind of a graphic artist. I learned that Mr. Lee does not make lists, even for mundane things. He sketches pictures, so if, for instance, he needs to remember what to pack in his suitcase, he will draw a picture of a suitcase and all the little things he needs to pack. This habit came in handy while working on the films designing all the little props and artifacts. To quote, "Because of my lack of sympathy for lists – they just don't seem to generate a serious response in me – my own notes took the form of a page or two of small, quick drawings. These would be eased from my grasp at the end of a meeting, ..." I would have liked to have seen them doing this!

More comments later as I have time.

Answer: gravetender (and he decided he liked drawing a lot better)