Behind the Wattle Series

How long have you been illustrating for MultiLit?

I started illustrating for MultiLit in April this year. An incredible illustrator I had been introduced to via a Facebook illustration group contacted me asking how I’d feel about being referred to MultiLit as an illustrator for readers. Having seen examples of my work over a few years, she thought it would suit the style of books MultiLit produces. I was thrilled with the idea.

What’s your favourite InitiaLit Reader you’ve illustrated?

I think Jess Loves To Read is probably at the top of my list. I have a daughter of a similar age to Jess who also (spoiler alert) loves to read. The story had several pages where there was room for some fun images and humour, which makes it really enjoyable to illustrate, and hopefully to read.

Was there a picture book (or other book) that made an impression on you as a child?

In my mid-primary school years I loved the Encyclopedia Brown series by Donald J. Sobol. The boy detective inspired me with his crime-solving, one-chapter mysteries. In later years, sticking to the detective theme, I loved the Hardy Boysseries – a little older and more serious take on boy detective stories. I am also a fan of Asterix and Obelix. The clever wit and endearing characters are something that can be appreciated by a broad range of readers of almost any age.

Are there any particular artists you admire today?

Access to the internet provides the opportunity to see the work of so many artists. It’s wonderful when you see the work of people that aren’t far from home, mixed up with people from all over the world.

In the area of children’s book illustrators, I’m very fond of the work of Mick Inkpen and Stephen Cartwright. More locally, and also working with MultiLit, the work of Heidi Cooper Smith is always impressive. Penelope Pratley does some really fresh-looking open work in soft colours that carry a wonderful air of innocence. Further afield, and from another era, is the wonderful work of Norman Rockwell, whose characters, humour, expressions and wonderful storytelling fascinate and warm the viewer. Rien Poortvliet, famous for his Gnomes books, was a wonderful illustrator of wildlife. I can look through his book The Ark over and over again and never cease to be amazed at his skill.

How would you describe your illustration style?

Put simply, I suppose my illustrations could be described as cartoon-like. If there is enough time, and if it suits the purpose of the piece, I love to include lots of detail, where the image contains little things to see and find.

Putting a sense of fun into a drawing is also really important to me, although some of them contain the more difficult sentiments of grief and sadness, which all make up part of our journey.

How do you create your illustrations?

Before starting work, I read through the manuscript of the book, which has descriptions of the desired image for each page or spread alongside it. After sketching out a few roughs, I send them through for review. This is important to ensure the character drawn fits the age the author has in mind to relate to the reader. For example, characters may need to look a little younger, or have shorter noses than in the initial draft. At this stage, the publisher engages with the author who may suggest alterations.

I usually draw with real pencils, pens and other media, then scan the work and do basic tidying up in a digital art program.