Preferred Pronoun?
she/her
Why did you choose to enter this work?
It's a special project for me as I had a wonderful time making the book and learned a lot in the process. It has helped deepen my confidence in storytelling, use of colour and approach to making art.
What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
I love the book's colour palette. How its freshness and vibrancy add fun and energy to the jungle and enhances the unique personality of each character.
What excites you most about being shortlisted?
I'm thrilled to know that the love and thought that went into the art is being enjoyed and recognised by the judges. It is a tremendous reward after working so hard on the book.
Where do you usually work?
I work in my loft studio space at home. I create art using pencil, ink line and watercolour. Then I'll finish it off digitally in Photoshop.
How long did it take to complete your project?
The story writing and art took about 9 months to finish. I did a lot of experimenting to figure out the right way to create the art and how the characters and jungle should look.
What is your dream commission?
I'd love to develop a series of board books for babies and toddlers. They're a child's first experience of printed words and pictures, and can make meaningful and lasting impressions.
What’s your favourite thing to draw?
Children and animals! I really enjoy trying to capture the right movement, expression or gesture that brings a character to life.
What is your best tip for other illustrators?
Sketch from life. People, places and things. They don't need to be perfect drawings for anyone else but all the observing and drawing from life will feed into and improve your commissioned art.
What are your plans for the future?
To keep on having fun with my illustration, write more of my own stories and make lots more lovely books I hope!
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