Second Portfolio Feedback

My second portfolio viewing was with a photographer and photo manipulator Simon Deeks who i met at one of his exhibitions. The first thing Simon said was that he likes my use of biro and my typography. He said what every artist tells me, to keep my sketchbook as i tend to throw away sketches once they've been transformed into a painting. Apparently a lot f my work has a victorian wallpaper feel to it, particularly the one of Poppy chasing a squirrel, with the natural colours and theme.
I have " great characterisation in [my] faces", which i feel like i've drifted away from lately, i'm not putting as much personality in my animals as i used to. This shows in my Craig Oldham poster where Betty's eyes "are an appology", as though they're only there because they have to be; however the "slippers give personality and the collar area is charming". His favourite is my most recent edition, the personal project book i made and likes the spot colours for capturing the eyes interest but liked all the images that had some context or story.
When i explained that i struggle to make eyes characterful without being cartoony he suggested practicing in my sketchbook then keeping it close by as reference. He also said he "struggled" with the Stolen Peace album cover. After spending a while staring at it and frowning he decided it was because there isn't enough white to contrast with the dark biro and colours. He suggested lightening the shoulder and giving the hair highlights.
It made me realise i had printed off my 'Circle of Life' book in a bit of a hurry and need to go through it to check for typing mistakes and putting a little more thought into the typography.
He must have trusted me or taken a liking to me as he has lent me his copy of some Brambley Hedge stories by Jill Barklem. I presume he saw a link and thought it might help me with my work. They're very sweet and have such fine detail. Hopefully they will influence me in the current Competition Project where i've chosen the children's book cover.