Alan Murphy PIO issue 464 Nov 2013

Please describe your chosen illustration

It’s for a poem called 'As A Matter Of Fantasy', and is a collage assembled from scraps and cuttings from magazines, newspapers etc. It’s supposed to describe a topsy-turvy world in which grass is blue, clouds are yellow, and the sun is square. It was created (if I can remember) over a period of a few days.

When did you know you had a talent for illustration?

I used to draw and make art a lot when I was young, although I wasn't always satisfied with what I produced. I was designated 'the artist' of the family. This eventually led to an interest in painting, and, when I decided to write children's poems, a decision to illustrate them myself. 

Have you ever studied your craft at an institution of any sort?

I studied fine art at college in Dublin (Ireland), majoring in painting. After three years I got the equivalent of a degree and did the artist-in-a-garret thing for some years after that. The time in college was very important; I would've be a different sort of artist without that experience.

Regarding workshops, I've given one so far! I have been known to give the occasional reading (usually for youngsters) at festivals etc over the last few years though, involving plenty of audience participation, art appreciation, and some odd questions.

What computer programmes do you use?

Most of my visual work would be without computer assistance, except for the odd bit of touching up. When it comes to the layout of the books I've used InDesign, and lots of help from a more technical-minded friend. 

Have you illustrated any books?

I've written, illustrated and published two books of poetry for youngsters, with a third on the way. My favourite in visual terms is probably Psychosilly, which came out in 2011. It has a little more polish in it' production than the first one. I can take six months, a year, or more to complete the illustrations for a given book. As I'm self-published I don't usually have a strict deadline.

Who is your favourite Australian children’s book illustrator and why?

I'm not too familiar with the Australian children's book world to be honest, but somebody recently likened a painting of mine (posted online) to Sidney Nolan. As sources of influence you could do worse.

What’s your website or blog address (if you have one)?

www.avantcardpublications.com   Psychosilly is available there.

Would you like to tell us anything else about yourself and/or your work?

My books are an attempt to do something fresh and innovative with the children's book format, and appeal to adults as well as children. I'm hoping to publish my next one in 2014;  rock-themed poetry written with teenagers in mind. Watch this space.

Lorette Broekstra PIO issue 465 Nov 2013

Please describe your chosen illustration

I used acrylic paints for this illustration. I love acrylics for so many reasons. They dry fast, the colours are vibrant and what you see is what you get, generally. Once an illustration is printed, you don’t want any surprises ie. Too light, too dark, streaks that you hadn’t noticed in your artwork. With acrylics, I find that the finished print is very close to the actual artwork. Most of the time.

This illustration is for a book that I’m working on about a little girl, Rose and her toy rabbit, Poppy. In many ways the relationship between them is akin to a mother and her child. Poppy is like a typical toddler.

When did you know you had a talent for illustration?

I’ve loved drawing for as long as I can remember. When I was little, there were Disney cards in the bread packets. I would collect them and copy the characters. I used to make books out of stiff paper and glue in the cards and my drawings. I would spend hours working on these books. I also made posters of the characters and they were hanging all over our house. I still have some of my old drawings but sadly the books, to my mother’s chagrin, (and mine), got thrown out with the newspapers one week, many, many years ago.

I don’t actually know if I have a talent for drawing although my grade 3 teacher told my parents that I was artistic at a parent/teacher interview after I did a collage of a rubbish tip. Honestly, it was just rubbish. Little bits of paper and polystyrene shapes. I remember I had great fun doing it and didn’t think that much of it. If only it could always be that easy.

Have you ever studied your craft at an institution of any sort?

I was determined to have a career in art. When it came to studying, I wanted to do something that I could hopefully earn a living from. “Commercial Art” sounded so exciting to me. By the time I got to study it, it had become, “Graphic Design” and later, “Communication Design.” It was great in that I developed some skills and met some fantastic people, who to this day, 28 years later, are still my dearest friends, but it really didn’t satisfy my illustration needs. After I finished the diploma, I went overseas and worked as a freelance illustrator in Holland for 8 years. That was a great time of my life. I was doing what I really loved and getting paid for it.

Have you illustrated any books?

By the time I returned to Australia in 1996, I had 2 young children and it was then that my love of children’s books really took off. In 1999 my first book, Baby Bear goes to the Zoo was published. After 14 books, this one is still my favourite. It turned out exactly the way I wanted it to. I wrote it for my then 2 year old daughter.

I have written and illustrated 8 books and illustrated a further 6. Of course I prefer to do both, but illustrating someone else’s work also has its pros. It has a certain detachment, perhaps making it easier to be freer creatively. Generally there is no contact with the author but recently I had the pleasure of illustrating Tania Cox’s stories, What makes my Mum Happy and My Dad and Me. I had met Tania many years ago at a writer’s retreat when we had both just finished our first book. For a while we kept in contact. As happens when you have children and just life in general, we lost touch so it was great to reconnect through her books and we did correspond during the process.

Deadlines are a necessary evil. I don’t know if, for me that they are the major factor in interfering with my creativity. I think as an illustrator, you are constantly wondering if what you are doing is going to please the people it's intended for.

I have been teaching short courses in Children’s Book Illustration at CAE (Council of Adult Education) since 2001 and short courses in Writing and Illustrating a Children’s Picture Book and Illustration Styles and Techniques at RMIT since 2003. I also teach Drawing at RMIT in Foundation Studies, Art Design and Architecture.

Who is your favourite Australian children’s book illustrator and why?

Bob Graham would have to be my favourite illustrator. His illustrations tell you so much about his characters and there is such an understatement to his words.

What’s your website or blog address (if you have one)?

My website address is www.lorettebroekstra.com

Jess Racklyeft PIO issue 466 Nov 2013

Please describe your chosen illustration

~What medium did you use? This was created with watercolours and ink, simple!

~How long did it take? A few hours, with a bit of design thinking and brainstorming before.

~What is it for? It is for a card company, Nuovo.

When did you know you had a talent for illustration?

~How old were you? I have always tinkered with illustration, encouraged by a mum who would sprawl arts and crafts materials on a big table most days for us.

~How did you know? I remember that age old question, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” when I was 12. I was sure I wanted to be a children’s book illustrator – this got swayed over the years (always illustrating, but not always pursuing the dream!), but I am back on track 20 years later. I’m now working as a freelancer with lots and lots of projects on… creating portraits for families, working on some book projects, creating illustrations for a card company, creating work for markets and retail - mainly when my one year old is sleeping during the day and at night!

Have you ever studied your craft at an institution of any sort?

I’ve mainly studied elements of communications and ideas through tertiary studies (Mass Communications degree, and Award School). I have since been upping my drawing skills through short courses in design and painting. I think I have gained a lot of practical skills and understanding of the children’s book industry through working in publishing houses for the last 10 years or so.

What computer programmes do you use?

I love working with Photoshop, Illustrator and inDesign although I mainly create work with pen, watercolours and paper first, doing the final tinkering stages on the computer.

Have you illustrated any books?

I have completed several book projects directly with authors self-publishing.

~How are you usually commissioned? What is the process?

Some books have been commissioned after they have stumbled upon my work online, others through contacts and friends.

~Do you have contact with the authors?

As they are self-published, constantly, which has been a pleasure as they have been so lovely to work with.

~On average, how long does a picture book take to illustrate?

A few months.

~Is it difficult working to deadlines? Does it interfere with your creativity?

I think deadlines (and most limitations) are great as they force you to work creatively to solve the problems (whether it be deadlines, materials, subject or otherwise).

Who is your favourite Australian children’s book illustrator and why?

Anna Walker. Not only is her work absolutely beautiful, she is a kind and generous illustrator who shares her experience and knowledge with others.

What’s your website or blog address (if you have one)?

www.jessesmess.com and https://www.facebook.com/JessesMessIllustrations

Would you like to tell us anything else about yourself and/or your work?

The industry is full of amazing people and work, constantly inspiring me to continue learning and creating. I’d like to plug the work of Illustrators Australia (http://www.illustratorsaustralia.com/) for any illustrators out there (or authors/publishers) – they do great work for our industry and represent a whole lot of Australian talent.

Cecilia Clark PIO issue 467 Nov 2013

Please describe your chosen illustration

Moondancer

This piece is light hearted and abstract, giving the sense of vibrant movement in the pose of the central character. The time and environment is hinted at through light and shadow. I enjoy this piece for its sense of innocence and fun.

~ What medium did you use?

Graphite and lead pencil with charcoal highlights.

~ How long did it take?

The initial planning and sketch of the concept took about twenty minutes to capture the essence of what I was after then the first draft was another half hour, with several hours of tightening, darkening and adjustment. I also spent an hour playing with the image on paintshop.pro© and photoshop© with the intention of tightening the image further. This was such a simple image it did not take very long to reach a stage I was happy with.

~ What is it for?

An anthology of children’s stories. Teapot tales; a collection of unique fairy tales. http://chapterbookchallenge.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/teapot-tales-collection-of-unique-fairy.html It is also being used in promotional material.

When did you know you had a talent for illustration?

~How old were you?

As a child. Every piece of paper I have ever had under my hands has been decorated with doodles of varying levels of complexity and every course I studied generated caricatures of participants as a memory aid. In recent years I discovered a moderate talent in portraiture which I am polishing.

~ How did you know?

Because drawing gives me a sense of peace and the illustrations I do are enjoyed by others beyond my own enjoyment. My portraits are recognizable as the people I am reproducing.

~ Did someone encourage you?

Me, my children and the feedback from others who have received my art work.

Have you ever studied your craft at an institution of any sort?

~Which institution?

I have studied short courses including illustration with Lorette Boekstra, through Deakin Uni Warrnambool, and Mixed Media with Glen Morgan, and Ballarat University.

I was discouraged by teachers in my youth, told there was no work for artists and I would never make any money and I should stick to cooking, although they did steal my work and senior year portfolio and I was discouraged by family with a push to find ‘real work’. I went on to earn my living for two years from painting wall murals and small commissioned works on guitar cases and furniture as well as canvas. I am often commissioned by school students for specified art work and I use my skills in working with troubled and disadvantage kids especially disabled students. I have also worked on a number of community projects involving art. I also access many valuable youtube videos and online learning opportunities.

~Would you recommend it to upcoming artists/illustrators?

Definitely yes!  I would recommend study to budding artists, with people who will encourage their talents and hone their skills. I also tell them to practice, practice, practice, and keep on practicing and I tell young people not to listen to anyone who tells them there is no niche (job/career/money) in art.

~Do you run courses or workshops yourself?

Yes. I am predominantly self-taught and have gone on to teach others (adults and teenagers) in basic art classes in the use of acrylic paint, gouache and drawing medium. I am very good at encouraging others to find their own talents.

What computer programmes do you use?

My art is still hand drawn or hand painted and I have not yet embraced electronic drawing medium although I am interested in gaining more skills in this area. I recently purchased a smart pen so I can doodle directly onto my computer. I know I am a dinosaur but I am an eager dinosaur. J I am learning to use my smart pen, paint©, photoshop© and illustrator©  which shouldn’t take me too long. I occasionally use a drawing tablet.

Have you illustrated any books?

~How many books?

I have art work in five upcoming anthologies and two already published.

~Do you have a favourite?

I have enjoyed providing art for all the anthologies.  They range through fairytales- new and twists on the classics, superhero girls, holiday stories, dark circus stories, horror with a collection based on the work of Clive Barker, fishing tales and a three volume collection based on bracelet charms. The variety is what excites me and I simply love to create.

~How are you usually commissioned? What is the process?

Word of mouth through social networking pages and face to face.

~Do you have contact with the authors?

For anthologies I usually have contact with the editor/publisher and I do have the opportunity to read other authors stories to get an idea of the art work to offer.

~On average, how long does a picture book take to illustrate?

My art works can take from five minutes to several hours on average or even days.  From concept to finished work may take me up to six or seven hours depending on the complexity. If I am working on something with detailed backgrounds rather than a wash, this time may stretch. I expect to spend much more time on a story without text because the drawings need to tell the story and will take much more time than that in which the art work enhances and supports the text. I expect to take six months to illustrate my own picture books.

~Is it difficult working to deadlines? Does it interfere with your creativity?

Not particularly.

Who is your favourite Australian children’s book illustrator and why?

Jeannie Baker. I love her story through art and the use of environmental detritus for her collages.  I love Roland Harvey because his work is humorous and light and I find Mem Fox quite delightful with whimsical and beautiful people and animals. I aspire to the skill of Graeme Base I adore the detail and richness of his illustrations however my own humble artistry is of a different bent. I can dream.

What’s your website or blog address (if you have one)?

I am in the process of having a website built. Watch this space, well not this space exactly but a space TBA. I currently house (inadequately) scanned copies of my anthology art on Facebook. cecilia.clark.336@facebook.com

I have just processed requests for an author/illustrator page with goodreads and amazon.

Would you like to tell us anything else about yourself and/or your work?

When I paint or draw the rest of the world disappears for a while. I love looking for images that can be transformed into something else. I doodle a lot because I need to. I like to create things. My writing is a way to allow my imagination to create stories in such a fashion that I can pass on a part of the incredible worlds going on in my brain and my art lets me make physical representations of emotions and thoughts. I work fast and I work from my own imagination and experience. I do like to research photography for posture and line, sometimes for facial features. In portraits I like to sketch the subject but also work from photographs. Line drawings are quick and light and a simple pleasure both creatively and visually. Apart from being a writer and illustrator I am also a mother, foster mother, trade teacher, chef, disability worker and theatre props maker and occasional seamstress plus I have 55 children. Well sort of, I actually have five young people in my core family unit with a further two or three or five who come and go and I have cared for more than 55 young people in out of home care. I currently work in a secondary college supporting troubled kids and students with disabilities with curriculum delivery and life skills. I am finally pursuing my passion with writing and drawing after being sidetracked by life. My absolute favourite books are picture books, followed by fairy tales myths and legends.

A good picture book should last a lifetime and be passed on as a treasure.

Cecilia Clark

ceciliaAclark@gmail.com

Sophie Norsa PIO issue 468 Dec 2013

Please describe your chosen illustration

This is my absolute favourite illustration from my new book, “Matilda Saves Santa”. Funnily, it was actually the first picture I completed when working on the book. It shows Matilda meeting Rudolph for the first time and I love the contrast in their size. This one took about three hours to finish, and was mainly done with watercolours. I also used some coloured pencil and chalk pastel on the top, and finished it off with some black liner pen. At the moment I’m having a bit of fun playing with mixed media – the book I am working on at the moment is a mish mash of pencils, pastels, watercolours, liners, gouache and even textas!

When did you know you had a talent for illustration?

I have always known that I love to draw – and I have proof! My family has footage of me as an 18 month old baby playing with textas, oblivious to whatever else that was going on. I guess applying my love of it to illustration was just a natural progression, which was helped along by a very encouraging high school art teacher who had connections to the publishing industry.

Have you ever studied your craft at an institution of any sort?

The only institution I have formally studied art at was at high school, to the HSC level. Otherwise I have been happy to teach myself through playing and experimentation. It’s almost more fun that way – no-one to tell you what you can and can’t do!

What computer programmes do you use?

I’d call myself a “traditional media” illustrator but I’ve played with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop before. Learning how to use them properly is definitely on my to-do list.

Have you illustrated any books?

I’ve illustrated 3 books as of now and am working on a fourth (the first I’ve written too!). I know it’s a bit of a cliché, but I really couldn’t pick a favourite. It’s like picking a favourite friend, I become way too fond of my characters! However, I do love my first book, Yellow Dress Day.

All of my projects thus far have been commissioned by a publishing company. I receive an email proposing the book, and after a bit of back-and-forth negotiating ideas, I will get a contract in the mail. From there it’s pretty easy – I simply draw! The most important tool in communicating throughout this process is email. I email my publishers, the authors and media personnel. When I did Yellow Dress Day, I didn’t even meet the author until a while after it was finished. I have to make sure to check my inbox regularly or else suffer a good hour of reading through my messages. In the meantime, I of course have to coordinate getting the pictures actually done. It’s so variable as to how long each illustration takes that this can be a real challenge. This is made even harder by having to juggle university study and a part-time job. I have to admit I have been caught out on deadlines more than once but I think I’m learning in the process. I guess it’s all a part of growing up (I’m still a kid at heart).

Who is your favourite Australian children’s book illustrator and why?

Since I was little I have absolutely adored Alison Lester. I remember spending hours pouring over the detail in her illustrations and being engrossed by the personality she developed in each of her characters. Her work shows that a simple story can become so much more by detailed pictures. I have always admired her work and have seen her as a role-model and source of inspiration. But then again, Shaun Tan, Stephen Michael King and Bob Graeme are all also incredible.

What’s your website or blog address (if you have one)?

I have no website or blog as of yet… but hopefully I will make one soon in the future! Watch this space…

Would you like to tell us anything else about yourself and/or your work?

I like to work in mixed media – the book I am working on at the moment has ended up containing watercolour, pencils, pastels, liner pens and markers. Needless to say my work station is MESSY.

I have to admit that illustration is the most fun work I have ever done. I have my things set up in an attic, which is nice and peaceful from the rest of my house. My cat also climbs up the ladder to sit with me, and I can do it in my pyjamas if I’m feeling lazy.

Most importantly, I’d love the readers to take a look at Yellow Dress Day by myself and Michelle Worthington. Part of the proceeds go to the International Rhett Syndrome foundation, a very worthy cause.

Teresa Lawrence PIO issue 469 Dec 2013

Please describe your chosen illustration

~What medium did you use?

I started with black paper and used grey and white conte, kind of drawing ‘backwards’.

~How long did it take?

A couple of hours.

~What is it for?

Tread Carefully is an etching and collage I created this year. It's for an exhibition I was part of with a Geelong group called The Friday Printmakers.

When did you know you had a talent for illustration?

~How old were you?

I remember being in primary school and being praised for my drawing skills, even being asked to do a chalk drawing on the blackboard! In those days, I used to say I wanted to be a ‘commercial artist’.

~How did you know? Did someone encourage you?

Teachers, family and friends all encouraged me. In High School, I used to make comics for my girlfriend who loved the Bay City Rollers (anyone remember them?). I would make up stories and insert her into their lives with my drawing and writing skills. My friend loved these and I loved getting the laughs.

Have you ever studied your craft at an institution of any sort?

~Which institution?

Yes, at many times and stages. RMIT for Textile Design, Short course in Illustration at Swinburne, Diploma of Visual Art at Brougham School of Art, Geelong and for writing, a BA at Monash University.

~How long was the course?

All were about 3 years, but I stretched some out and didn’t finish Textile Design.

~How affordable was the course?

Well, in the 80s they were virtually free. At Brougham, I paid a lot for each subject, around $700 each.

~Would you recommend it to upcoming artists/illustrators?

Yes, it is so important to have a group of artists to bounce off and meet with. It can be an isolating and lonely vocation without peers.

~Do you run courses or workshops yourself?

Yes I have, mostly in printmaking.

What computer programmes do you use?

~Can you recommend any?

I use Photoshop in a very rudimentary way when I create paintings. I like how it manipulates photos I’ve taken and I paint from there.

Have you illustrated any books?

~How many books?

I’ve done around 100 books over the last 25 years; lots of educational titles and a few trade ones. The latest were a series of baby board books I wrote and illustrated called Eyes, Ears, Nose and Mouth, published by Brimax.

~Do you have a favourite?

That series is my favourite.

~How are you usually commissioned? What is the process?

I am usually contacted by the publisher via my website or the ASA Style File. Sometimes I have made calls to a publisher which has led to work.

~Do you have contact with the authors?

Not often. Sometimes through the publisher I might get a message from an author.

~On average, how long does a picture book take to illustrate?

A few weeks to do the roughs and the same for the final art, particularly educational titles, which always seem to be required in a hurry.

~Is it difficult working to deadlines? Does it interfere with your creativity?

No I find it concentrates my creativity. If I didn’t have deadlines, I may not get anything done.

Who is your favourite Australian children’s book illustrator and why?

Hmmm, a tricky question. I love Tom Jellett’s work. I think I read that he studied with Craig Smith whose work I love too. Just love the freshness and look of spontaneity the work captures.

What’s your website or blog address (if you have one)?

www.teresalawrence.com.au 

Would you like to tell us anything else about yourself and/or your work?

While I love book illustration, I have moved more into the area of fine art these days. I have done quite a lot of painting and printmaking these past few years as it allows me to expand in subject matter and medium. Perhaps one day, I’ll be able to incorporate these mediums into a children’s book…

Regan Kubecek PIO issue 470 Dec 2013

Please describe your chosen illustration:

The drawing I chose to talk about is very recent one, I suppose I chose it because at the moment it is a favourite. I often go through stages of loving a piece and then hating it, so let’s talk about one I like thats probably the safest bet :)

This piece is called "Spring Beauty", sometimes I have great ideas for names and sometimes it’s just the obvious choice that comes to mind, which is very much the case with this one. It’s a lovely bright artwork and as I drew it during that beautiful time that is spring she ended up with her name. This one is also a commission, but unlike most commissions I pretty much had free reign to create what I liked. I did have a few guidelines but aside from that I had the pleasure of letting my creative side take over. I really enjoyed working on this piece, the colours and subject are very uplifting and one can’t help but feel a little whimsical when looking at it :)

My medium has changed and varied over the years, and at the moment I enjoy using a mixture of copic markers, prismacolor markers and artliner pens. I even sometimes add a little white charcoal if needed and every so often my prismacolor pencils are used. Although it has only been really the past 2 maybe 3 years that I have preferred my markers, before that it was only my pencils and some black marker. But it’s funny how we evolve as artists, always learning and trying new things :)

When did you know you had a talent for illustration:

This is a question I get asked A LOT and the funny thing is I think just about every artist asked this question may answer it in a very similar way. When I was a little girl it was all I wanted to do, no matter what new fad came in or whatever new toy I was given it didn’t take too long before I was looking for my pencil and paper again. I still have memories of sitting next to my Nan drawing her requests as she knitted - she was my biggest fan :)

It’s just something I have always enjoyed, although I had a period of time when I put my pencil away. Mainly during the years I had my babies, lack of energy mostly played a part in that....lol

Have you every studied your craft:

Yes and no, I did do a tafe fine arts course when I first left school. But abstracts and photography where never my thing. And I really felt my style was hampered. I know some people who thoroughly enjoy courses and the like but I think it was mainly my style and medium which didn’t fit in. I think perhaps it wasn’t the right course for me. I think I would best describe myself as self taught :)

What computer programmes do you use:

I use Adobe Photoshop once I have finished an artwork, but I only use it to clean and resize my images.....lol. I would love to get more in depth with photoshop as I know it is a fabulous tool. Maybe one day !!

Have you illustrated any books:

Not yet, but I absolutely would love too. All of my work is commissions and licensing at this stage. However I did some work for a very fun live show which was based on the tale of "Sleeping Beauty" I did numerous illustrations depicting various scenes within the story which were then very cleverly turned into an animated film for the show. I enjoyed working on that immensely. I am hoping to one day start illustrating books, I just need to find out what is the best way to go about landing that first illustration job :)

I think the beauty of already being a commissioned and licensed artist is that deadlines are already a part of the territory, I think the key is to ensure you prepare yourself and give yourself the time required to finish your work on time. Im not much for leaving things to the last minute, in fact I tend to finish ahead of schedule a lot of the time....lol

Most single artworks for me can take anywhere from 1 day to a week to complete depending on detail and size. I do have a bad habit of working into the wee hours thought :)

Who is your favourite Australian children’s book illustrator and why:

This is a question which is just so easy for me to answer, without any hesitation it is May Gibbs. What’s not to love really :)

Again I am taken back to my childhood where my obsession for drawing began and right there with it is May Gibbs. I still remember getting my very own copy of "Snugglepot and Cuddlepie” from the school book club, in fact I still have it. I absolutely adored that book and could be found gazing at those magical and adorable illustrations for hours on end. So much so that my dad came home one day with that giant 2 book compendium which has all of her books in one and then another book about her. I was in heaven.....lol. Again I still have it and I won’t ever part with it, her illustrations inspired me so much as a child. And even now I love looking at her work, those wonderful scenes full of detail and character :)

What is your website:

I am currently working on a website, but until then I am easily found on my artpage at facebook. I am forever updating and sharing there so I guess if you want to see all my latest artworks that is the place to go :)
https://www.facebook.com/ArtByReganKubecek?ref=hl