Describe your illustration style in ten words or less:
Semi realistic, quirky, colourful and totally original
What items are an essential part of your creative space?
A beautiful view, Lyra pencils, watercolours, scalpel, Lyra .25 lead pencil, a make-up brush to remove dust, paintbrushes and a Staedtler rubber.
Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Pencil and watercolour.
Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Van Gogh, Maurice Sendak and Julie Vivas
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Would have to be when The Heidelberg School artists were in full swing creating amazing Australian landscapes at their artist camps in the Heidelberg area - late 1880’s to early 1890’s.
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
I don’t think anyone inspired me to become an illustrator – it has always been something I could do pretty well and it’s so fulfilling when creating art especially for children.
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
This is a bird’s eye view of my studio showing my painting area and computer desk. As you can see I love old world furniture like antique plan drawers, 1920’s filing cabinets etc. The kookaburra is drinking out of a cast iron pond in front of my studio window. Such a magical moment when wildlife suddenly appears like that! I also have a view of the Dandenong Ranges to look out at.
This is a bird’s eye view of my studio showing my painting area and computer desk. As you can see I love old world furniture like antique plan drawers, 1920’s filing cabinets etc. The kookaburra is drinking out of a cast iron pond in front of my studio window. Such a magical moment when wildlife suddenly appears like that! I also have a view of the Dandenong Ranges to look out at.
What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
Getting ready to begin the colouring process – particularly the opening up of my box of Lyra pencils.
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Never give up on what makes you tick. Follow your dreams and find any way to get your work out there and noticed.
Michèle was chosen above all the top agencies in Australia at the time to illustrate Disney’s The Lion King promotional poster for Australian audiences
She has illustrated over 15 picture books and as Author Illustrator for Cats, Bats and Witches Hats.
Michèle also has worked in ceramics, model making, sculpture, fabric design, photography and exhibited at several galleries.
