Lewis studied at Twickenham College of Art and Design, and worked as a freelance model maker and art lecturer throughout the 1970s. In the early 1980s, he joined Asylum Models & Effects in London, initially as a model maker and eventually as a director. During this time, he worked on numerous pop promos and commercials, collaborating with such filmmakers as Terry Gilliam (Orangina) and Ridley Scott (Coca Cola). His credits also include videos for artists, including David Bowie and Tina Turner.
Moving to Bristol in 1988, Lewis began working with Aardman, serving as art director on the Wallace & Gromit films, as well as many commercials for the studio.
