Describe your illustration style
in ten words or less.
Whimsical semi-realism, often with
an emphasis on humour.
What items are an essential part
of your creative space?
A mechanical
pencil, kneadable and electric erasers, Daniel Smith watercolours, Holbein
coloured pencils… and salt. But I’d
still like to keep all the other stuff I’ve accumulated!
Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
I’ve
been hooked on watercolour for a while, but I prefer seeing what other people
can do with it. I tend to use a
combination of watercolour and coloured pencil.
Name three artists whose work
inspires you.
Lisbeth Zwerger
David Roberts
Freya Blackwood
(and so many more!)
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
To be
honest, 50+ years from now—to try out some new media and gadgets, see what styles
of artwork have endured and what new things people have come up with.
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
The 52-week
illustration challenge, although it was also a forgotten childhood dream.
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
Do I
have to? I am MESSY! Messier than you
can possibly imagine! I’ll have to crop
it so you can’t tell! Glass desk (so I can use
it as a light table if need be) under windows for natural light. Two tall cupboards flanking the desk – one
filled with art supplies, one with kids’ books and craft supplies.
What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
I love arranging the layout,
deciding where each element will go. This usually comes after I’ve sketched everything
at least once—it’s never done right in the first draft. I also love that exciting bit right at the
end when it all comes together.
What advice would you give to an
aspiring illustrator?
Draw every day and don’t feel
guilty about doing it. I’m also talking to myself here.
Experiment, and be prepared for
it to look terrible. Remember criticism is usually just personal opinion—someone
who doesn’t like your work may also be critical of the artists you love.
Six months after
joining the 52-week illustration challenge, Heidi was offered her first contract
with Koala Books to illustrate ‘Two Birds on a Wire’ (Coral Vass). In 2015 and
2016 she won the CYA illustrated manuscript competition. ‘Kate and the Thing’ (Wombat Books, March
2018) is her first book as both author and illustrator.
