Author Rebecca Donnelly asked me a few questions about my life as an illustrator and about Cats are a Liquid, the book we made together. Here are my answers!
How did you get your start in illustration? Did you plan to be a children’s book illustrator?
You can find my friends I mentioned above here: Delphine Perret / Tian Veasna / Gwen Keraval / Sébastian Mourrain / Isabelle Maroger / Benoît Girier
Also, not mentioned because they were away and letting me stay in their apartment: Lucie Albon & Matt Perret
What does a typical day look like in your studio? How many projects are you working on at one time?
Can you share a photo of your studio?
The text for CATS ARE A LIQUID is pretty bare bones. You received less than a hundred words and no notes from me, and you created a setting and a throughline - these tiny, baffled scientists who are trying to do their jobs while the cats go haywire. I love it so much, and I love the wordless collaboration between author and illustrator that results in a picture book. What made you decide to do this project, and how did you go about designing the spreads and creating the artwork?
When I think about a dream writing project, it’s something that let me get a little nerdy with the research, even if it’s fiction; something that grabs my interest immediately, so I hope it’ll do the same for kids; and something that lets me explore and connect ideas. What’s a dream project for you?
Who are some of your favorite illustrators, classic or contemporary? Favorite picture books?
George Rouault / René Gruau / Chihiro Iwasaki / Shinta Cho / Mizumaru Anzai / Zach OHora / Jon Agee
(And whoever says my work reminds one of traditional Japanese woodblock prints is plain silly.)
