What made you interested in becoming an illustrator?
Books and drawing have been constants in my life. I love reading and never grew out of children’s books or comics, and drawing has always been an escape and comfort for me; both are meditative life essentials. So, I guess I wasn’t so much interested in illustration as I felt a constant pull toward it. Illustration holds my curiosity because it has limitless possibilities and challenges. I have a background in education and am drawn to how pictures can shape a child’s understanding of the world, and that plays a big part in my focus on children’s illustration specifically.
But I didn’t start my adult career as an illustrator. Instead, I worked in the not-for-profit sector, always keeping drawing as a side hobby, a way to keep my marbles when life got too stressful or when I had time off. For a long time, I thought drawing pictures as a “real job” seemed like something for “real artists,” not something I could realistically pursue beyond the occasional illustration for friends or family.
It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that everything changed. My partner at the time and I were stuck at home, juggling full-time work while caring for two very young children. It was a chaotic and difficult time, and with everything in the world feeling so uncertain and a bit surreal, I thought, it’s now or never. The pressure of the situation gave me the push I needed. That’s when I decided to dedicate real time and energy to becoming an illustrator.
What were your favourite books when you were a kid? As a young reader, did you see yourself in the books you read?
I adore Allan and Janet Ahlberg. I get completely lost in Each Peach Pear Plum. I remember tracing the pages of that book at my desk as a kid. It wasn’t just a story—it was a learning tool and a huge artistic influence on me. To this day, I still turn to Janet Ahlberg’s work for inspiration. Her illustrations are brilliant. Another favourite of mine was The Balloon Tree by Phoebe Gilman. I was enchanted by the hidden details in the gorgeous tapestry borders. This was another book that doubled as a learning tool. I would try to copy the folds of the young Princess Leora’s dress over and over in my sketchbook. Popcorn by Frank Asher was a big one for me. The illustrations are simple yet brimming with life, and I still have my childhood copy. I read it to my kids all the time—it truly stands the test of time!
When I was little, there wasn’t a ton of diversity in kids’ books, and there weren’t many stories with characters who looked like me, but that didn’t stop me from seeing myself in the stories I read. Many of the books I loved featured animals or magical characters, and I could easily imagine myself in those worlds. Mostly, though, I found a way to insert myself into stories regardless of a character’s gender, race, or ethnicity. I inhabited their adventurous spirits and stepped into the roles of the characters the authors created. I was always part of the adventure, and anyone or anything could become my avatar—reading is so magical!
What are some of your favourite subjects to draw?
From the moment I could pick up a pencil, I’ve been sketching people. Humans are by far my favourite subject. I make a point of incorporating life drawing into my regular studio practice, sketching people in cafés, libraries, parks, the beach…really any public space! Even without drawing tools, I’m sketching people in my mind, mentally outlining their bodies and tracing shapes that make them whole.
I love observing how people interact with each other and capturing the range of emotions—affection, annoyance, joy—that unfold in these moments. Body language and small gestures convey so much without a word being spoken. This is why I especially enjoy drawing children; they are incredibly expressive and honest in their emotions, plus they are loose, wonderfully floppy creatures and so fun to capture.
What is a challenge you have faced as an artist?
A challenge I’ve faced as an artist is dealing with doubt and imposter syndrome, especially with social media being such a big part of the creative world. Constructive criticism is always welcome and essential for creative growth, but it’s not always easy to find that kind of support when you’re working alone in a studio. You don’t get that real-time, peer-to-peer feedback like you might in a more traditional work setting. Instead, it’s easy to hop online and start comparing your work to what others are doing, which can make you feel like you’re not measuring up.
Over time, I’ve learned to tune out a lot of that noise, especially when I’m deep into a project. I will remove any social media from my phone and just kind of avoid being online. It also helps to read about how other artists handle these feelings. There are so many extremely talented creatives out there who are really generous and candid about their own experiences, and it’s comforting to know that self-doubt is something even the most experienced creators deal with.
What advice do you have for kids who are interested in art and illustration?
My advice for kids who are interested in art and illustration is to remember that the skills you need are teachable—just like learning to play an instrument. It’s all about practice! The more you draw, the better you get. Success in art often comes down to how much time and effort you put into developing your skills. I have days where I feel like my hand and brain are just not communicating, and nothing I draw looks right. I will have to step away from my desk and go for a run or chat with a friend to shake off the feeling. I frequently show my kids all the crumpled-up paper it takes to get one image ‘just so.’ So don’t be discouraged if things don’t come out perfect right away. Keep practising, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun with it. The more you draw, the more you’ll discover your own style and get better at what you do.
ces to see what fits you, but don’t write to please other people. Much of what you write will never be seen by anyone so you have to enjoy the process and make sure that the stories you’re writing are stories you would want to find in a bookstore or library. Be yourself and write what you love.