CONTACT

How long have you been illustrating? How old were you when you started?

I have been illustrating professionally since 2001.
However I was very young when I developed an interest in drawing.

Did you study art beyond high school? Where did you study?

I moved from Albany, WA to further my studies and did 3 years at Central TAFE in Perth to get an Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design (with a major in Illustration).

What made you decide that you’d like to illustrate for children?

In Primary school (Year 5) my teacher did a fantastic project of ripping apart a couple of copies of Animalia by Graeme Base. We studied the images for days! Finding every single object in them and cataloging them. He was very impressed and kindly sent us Autographs along with a gracious Thank you letter. I think this stuck with me and I’ve been interested in Children’s book illustration ever since. Finding every little detail in the picture books I read and hiding all sorts of small details in my own work.

How do you source illustration work?

I sketch, gather doodle or scan then create my work digitally with brushes I’ve made and some I have bought for Photoshop or Illustrator (depending on the mood – or the project)

Do you attend conferences? Which ones stand out? Where they helpful in advancing your career?

I’m extremely lucky to be part of SCBWI West Australia (Society of Children’s book Illustrators Intl) We have a retreat on Rottnest which is the highlight of my creative year.

Have you worked with educational publishers? If so, which ones?

R.I.C Publications. I’ve been there 14 years as a Graphic designer and Illustrator. I’ve worked on so many fantastic projects – including Boxed sets, Blacklines, Multimedia, Flyers and all sorts of Print-related things.

How much time do you spend illustrating?

Too much! (according to my husband) but NEVER enough. I work as a graphic designer so I find Procreate very relaxing and will work a great deal of my free time because I enjoy it.

Do you use much technology with your illustrations? 

Yes! I love my iPad Pro and Procreate. I also use Photoshop CC and InDesign for all my other work. 

Do you have any tips you can share with us?

One thing I would say is to make sure you develop both traditional and digital skills. Digital is so powerful and essential to the printing process now.

Never leave home without a sketchbook! (iPad or physical book!)
If you don’t capture that amazing idea or image will be gone forever!
Also, never stop learning! Whether that be online courses, books or just YouTube.
Join groups to learn more about the industry including groups like SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and there are many Facebook groups dedicated to helping Children Illustrators and Authors.