This August we’re excited to introduce Alfred, one of our in-house book illustrators who brings stories to life through his creative illustrations.
Get to know more about Alfred and the important role he plays in making each book unique.
What led you to become an illustrator, and how did your journey begin in the world of book illustration?
My journey as an illustrator began with a deep love for drawing and storytelling. Fascinated by how images bring stories to life, I was also inspired by watching anime, movies, and cartoons, and reading comics and manga, which led me to create my own art.
Can you walk us through your creative process when working on a new project, whether it’s a children’s book or another genre?
I start by reading the manuscript to understand the story and characters. Then I gather inspiration and sketch initial concepts. Once approved, I create the final illustrations, adding details, colours, and textures to bring them to life.
Out of all the illustrations you’ve created, what are your top 5 favourites, and what makes them stand out to you?
Milli and Max: I have always been fascinated by the ocean’s wonders and beauty.
The Time Explorers: I like the black and white scenes that create depth and contrast, which stand out in the story. This is one of my strengths in terms of style.
The Great Big Window: This was my first project, and I enjoyed mixing colours in a watercolour-like style.
Runtie and Tudie’s Grand Sailing Adventure: This was my second project, and it challenged me to push further with what I’ve learned so far as an artist. Overall I’m satisfied with my output, but there is still room to grow.
Seasons: This book pushed me to my limits in adapting different art styles that I’m not as familiar with, but I always find something enjoyable in working with the overall colours.
How do you approach illustrating different genres, and how does your style adapt depending on the type of book you’re working on?
When it comes to illustrating different genres, my approach varies to suit the unique demands and tones of each project.
Children’s books: Vibrant colours, playful characters, and engaging scenes.
Fantasy and adventure: Detailed backgrounds and dynamic compositions.
Historical fiction: Accuracy and authenticity through thorough research.
Science fiction: Futuristic designs with metallic tones and sleek lines.
Mystery, horror, and thriller: Darker tones and dramatic lighting for suspense.
Adapting styles to fit different genres is challenging but enjoyable.
What challenges do you face when switching between illustrating for children’s books and other genres, and how do you overcome them?
Adapting to different genres is challenging, especially children’s books, which require a whimsical, colourful style. Other genres might need a more realistic or darker approach. To overcome this, I immerse myself in the genre by studying similar works, experimenting with techniques, and creating mood boards to capture the desired tone.
Which artists or illustrators, from any genre, have influenced your work the most?
Allan Lee, known for illustrating Tolkien’s book; Kentaro Miura, the author and illustrator from Berserk; Akihito Tsukushi, the author and illustrator from Made in Abyss; and Hayao Miyazaki, founder of Studio Ghibli, a animator, filmmaker, and manga artist.
How do you keep your ideas fresh and maintain creativity across different types of illustration projects?
I continuously learn new techniques and styles to keep my work innovative. I draw inspiration from nature, art, literature, and everyday life, and I follow other artists for new ideas. Taking breaks, like walks or vacations, helps refresh my creativity and allows new ideas to flow.
What’s the most fulfilling part of illustrating books?
Bringing stories to life that transform words into vivid images, making stories more engaging and accessible for readers. Each project presents new challenges and learning opportunities, helping me to grow and refine my skills.
Can you share a memorable experience or feedback from an author or reader about your work that has stayed with you?
One memorable experience was when an author I collaborated with on a children’s book reached out after the book was published. The author was proud and satisfied with the illustrations I had made and called it a masterpiece.
If you could illustrate any book, from any genre, which one would you choose, and what unique approach would you bring to it?
If I could illustrate any book, I would choose the Middle-earth franchise, like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Middle-earth’s diverse landscapes and rich histories, featuring races like Men, Elves, Dwarves, and Hobbits, offer endless creative opportunities. The epic battles and the struggle between good and evil, with characters like Sauron and Gandalf, are deeply rooted in mythology.
I would use colours depending on the scenes, with vibrant, dark, and eerie atmospheres, and details to bring the fantastical and mythical elements to life.
