What made you interested in becoming an illustrator?

Honestly, I have always had a love for storytelling, painting, and drawing, and I wondered if I could turn these passions into something more. While I started my career in the Animation Industry, the curiosity for illustration still lingered, but I never thought I’d get there. It was always this “oh yeah, that would be cool” kind of thought. Don’t get me wrong—I’d always been fascinated by the artwork in children’s books; I just never knew how to get into it or if I’d be suitable. So, one day, I mustered up the courage and, on a whim, submitted my portfolio hoping that maybe my artistic style would suit the genre. Who knew that my tiny bit of courage would become a pivotal point in my creative journey.

What were your favourite books when you were a kid? As a young reader, did you see yourself in the books you read?

Oh, I always pictured myself in the stories I read. I related to stories like Miss Nelson is Missing and wondered which of my teachers might pull such a stunt. I found the idea hilarious and firmly believed I’d be the only one who would instantly recognize them—I was sort of a teacher’s pet growing up. The Sneetches drew me in from the beginning. I was fascinated by the inventive illustrations and how a basic moral was told in such a fun way. Reading The Snowy Day, I could almost feel the beauty of winter. I noticed how the simple drawings were similar to how I drew at that age. Even now, certain patterns remind me of the crepe paper artwork I used to do in class. In truth, I could go on about how much I enjoyed them and how they influenced my artistic development.

A list of my favorite books:

  • Miss Nelson is Missing
  • Funnybones
  • Gerald McBoing-Boing
  • In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories
  • Where the Wild Things Are
  • Tikki Tikki Tembo
  • The Great Pumkin Charlie Brown
  • The Sneetches
  • The Snowy Day
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas

What are some of your favourite subjects to draw?

As a child, I was obsessed with horses—it was horses everywhere and on everything. Ponies and unicorns were included as well. I briefly drew Looney Tunes and Marvel characters, but quickly moved on to creating my own ideas. My sketchbooks were filled with original people and animals I invented.

Now at this age, I still gravitate to people—capturing them as they are or being inspired by them to create a character. I do have to admit that I now draw a bit of everything. I’ll draw a rock or a bug. A mermaid or a building. A floof of lint or a roll of scotch-tape. Everything can become something with a bit of imagination.

What is a challenge you have faced as an artist?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced is comparing myself to others. It’s something I still struggle with daily. Seeing others who seem to “draw better” can lead to self-doubt or attempts to copy their style, risking the loss of what makes your own work unique. I’m not advising against improving skills; rather, I’m addressing a deeper, more personal lesson.

A pivotal moment came when, during a drawing class, one of my teachers advised me to slow down. Though I tried to hide it, I was in fact frustrated because I was noticing, well I should say thinking, that my classmates were progressing faster than me. Their sketch work seemed so effortless. Initially, I resisted the advice, resulting in a missed opportunity for a portfolio-quality piece. This pattern repeated with a second instructor with even worse results. It wasn’t until a third instructor’s similar advice that I finally listened. At first it was difficult to pace myself, but I must admit that I very soon found pleasure in it. The reward was almost immediate: I watched as my artwork sold before my eyes. This experience taught me an invaluable lesson: BREATHE. I realized that my journey is uniquely mine, distinct from others’. We each bring something irreplaceable to our craft.

To this day, as I create these two thoughts keep me going: 1) “Breathe” and 2) “If I’m not smiling, then why should you?” My hope is that with every piece I create, I rest in the fact that I am who I am. That I aim to take it slow and enjoy the process. If you, the viewer, leave with a smile on your face and a little more insight into who I am, then my creativity has done its job. And that to me is success.

What advice do you have for kids who are interested in art and illustration?

When drawing, always consider your purpose. Ask yourself, “Why am I creating this?” My guiding principle is, “If I’m not smiling, then why should you?” Think about what you want to convey to your audience.

Artwork should reflect a part of you. What’s the point if viewers can’t get a glimpse into your personality or learn something about you? While it’s crucial to develop skills and learn techniques, don’t forget to infuse your unique touch into everything you create.

As artists, we naturally want to enjoy our work—and we will. But there should always be a meaningful reason behind what we do. This purpose will sustain you through the hard times and make your smile even wider in the good times.

Remember, your art is a form of communication. Make sure you’re saying something worthwhile, something that represents you.