As a child, Jonathan made plasticene models or filled sketch books with cartoon characters and art has been his preoccupation ever since. He enjoyed painting in oils throughout his school years and during 6th form, he spent one day a week at a college sculpture group sculpting from life. This was at Stafford College of Further Education where he would later complete his Foundation in Art & Design.

His work at this stage leaned towards creating his own characters in plasticene and illustration, which led to a degree course in Graphic Design.

He gained a BA Honours degree at Wolverhampton University (Polytechnic) in his hometown with a final show of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional illustration work (The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner).

He moved to London a few months later and began work at an architectural model making company called Thorpes. While his role didn't always provide the sort of work he desired, he was eventually given the job of sculpting the scale model for the "Phantom of the Opera" musical. The Stephen Pyle Workshop then employed him to do more work on the "Phantom of the Opera" model as well as preparing scenery for the New York Broadway show. He also sculpted two life-sized Blackamoor figures for the Scottish Opera production of "Aida". These have subsequently appeared in the James Bond movie "Goldeneye". In 1988 he joined the English National Opera Company where he worked for 4 years as a prop maker, mainly sculpting but also mould making and casting, woodwork, painting and even upholstery. The shows he worked on included "La Traviata", "The Magic Flute", "Die Fledermaus", "Pearl Fishers", "Christmas Eve", "Masked Ball", "Billy Budd", "Mikado" and "Madam Butterfly". He left ENO to become a freelance sculptor in 1992. He immediately began work at The Animated Picture Company, where, for three years, he sculpted many models for numerous animated TV commercials as well as making scenery and props, and learning much about the animation process.

Jonathan went on to do freelance work at the BBC Visual Effects Department; Bob Saunders Studio of Applied Arts, Theatre Studios, Complete Fabrication, Derek Hendon & Co., Image Animation (Pinewood Studios), Dorling Kindersley, Animated Extras (Shepperton Studios), "Alexander" Props Department, Hensons and Asylum Models & Effects, and continues to work in this industry. During this time, Jonathan also illustrated mainly children's educational books through his agents Archer Art and later John Hodgson Illustration Agency. Jonathan is now enjoying the freedom of sculpting just what he wants to as an outlet from the constraints of the commercial world. He has developed technical skills from working in TV and film which allow for close observation and a high degree of detail. These are now benefiting him as he puts his own ideas into sculpture. While presently concerned with the human figure, portraits and wildlife, he is eager to attract commissions in various forms such as caricatures (e.g., for weddings), portraits and pets.