Heather Hunt has made a name for herself as a go-to illustrator for evocative illustrations for picture books about native manu, especially kiwi! In her latest work – Mr Kiwi Has An Important Job – Heather took on the role of both illustrator and author, creating a tale that's both fun and educational and of course, fabulously illustrated. We asked Heather to share a day in her illustrating life – and here it is! If the weather allows, the first thing I do is go for a five ki

One of the most exciting new artists to pop up on our radar in the last six months has been Laya Mutton-Rogers, the artist behind the beautiful illustrations in Tio Tiamu | The Smelly Giant, released late last year by Huia. Laya talks us through her process of illustrating the book, bringing together traditional techniques and digital processes. Day-to-day Creating I don’t really have a typical schedule, it depends on what I’m working on! Sometimes I’m working on a big projec

A vast number of households in Aotearoa with a child of 10 or under will be intimately familiar with the engaging, vibrant work of Brian Lovelock. How many times can a three-year-old want to read Roadworks or Construction in a row? Brian's latest collaboration with author Sally Sutton, Wheels, has recently hit shelves, so Sarah Forster asked him a few choice questions about his work. Sarah: I have always admired your illustrations for their mix of clean geometrical lines cont

Ross Kinnaird has been a children's book illustrator for 15 years, and his first and most recent collaborations were both with Dawn McMillan. The first was the acclaimed Why do dogs sniff bottoms? (Reed), and last month saw the publication of I've broken my bum (Oratia Media), following on from I need a new bum (Oratia Media), which went viral last year thanks to the Scottish Granny. Here, he tells us about his life and career. Once upon a time. OK, no, actually in the late 6

Earlier this year, Hachette New Zealand ran a unique competition: seeking new illustration concepts for Margaret Mahy's classic The Boy With Two Shadows. The competition was open to artists and illustrated who were not yet published – and the winner was designer and artist Sarah Greig. Sarah takes us through her process of applying, and shares some of her gorgeous illustrations and images that inspired her work. Snippets from Sarah's winning submission. This has been the year

We love comics, and we love the artists behind them! So for this month's Giselle Clarkson comic, we have something a little different for you: an illustrated interview! Sarah Laing – author/artist/designer extraordinaire – has a new book out with Victoria University Press, Let Me Be Frank. This brilliant book collects a vast range of comics that Sarah has created over the years, chronicling life in all its ups and downs. Giselle interviewed Sarah in cartoon form, and it's a t

One of the titles released in the wake of the 250th anniversary commemorations of Cook's arrival in Aotearoa is The Adventures of Tupaia – a riveting read that does a great deal of storytelling through its illustrations. Becky Popham talked to illustrator Mat Tait about his approach to the project, creative freedom, the state of NZ comics writers and more! Mat's headshot by Nina van der Voorn. Becky Popham: My first question to you is about the birth of this project. What was

Kimberly Andrews is the illustrator of the re-illustrated Joy Cowley picture book, Song of the River (Gecko Press). Here she tells us – in words and pictures – about her daily creative routine, and her container home and studio. Kimberly and her partner on the balcony of their converted shipping container home. My average day is a balance between picture book illustration, design work for my business Tumbleweed Tees, looking after my 6 month old baby and having coffee at cafe

Kimberly Andrews is the Wellington-based author and illustrator of the new, critically acclaimed picture book, Puffin the Architect (Penguin Random House). We are honoured to present this exclusive behind-the-scenes comic-strip look at how the book came to be. Kimberly Andrews Kimberly Andrews is a trained biologist and geologist who grew up in the Canadian Rockies, and she has also lived and worked in New Zealand, Borneo and the UK. Kimberly now lives in a small house near W

Kirsten Slade is the illustrator of the new kids' novel by Eirlys Hunter, The Mapmakers' Race (Gecko Press). Here she tells us – in words and pictures – about her daily creative routine, which includes something resembling a scene from A Summery Saturday Morning ... I try to wake up a whole hour before I actually need to. I’m not a morning person, and require a gentle re-entry to the world, with at least one cup of coffee in bed accompanied by a little quiet reading time. Onc

Craig Phillips describes a typical day in the life of an internationally published, multi award-winning, homeschooling illustrator of children’s books and rock music posters … okay, maybe not such a typical day. He explains his process - thumbnails, roughs and finals - and where he finds inspiration. Craig is a Russell Clark Award for Illustration finalist in this year’s NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, for his book Giants, Trolls, Witches, Beasts (Allen & Unwin)

Illustrator and live-drawer Tara Black had a Skype date with Chris Riddell in advance of his appearance in New Zealand for the Auckland Writers' Festival. They discussed his time as the British children's laureate, his political cartooning, his inspiration for characters, working with Neil Gaiman, and much much more. Here is their drawn conversation - with extra drawings from the man himself. Full transcript below article, for sight-impaired readers. Chris Riddell Children's

Artist Xoë Hall is living her best life! As part of the TeacherTalk team, she creates learning resources for Early Childhood Education teachers, including a striking new book, Hineahuone/The Clay Woman. Today she tells us what a normal day of illustration is like for her. Alarm goes off, snooze. Alarm goes off, snooze... this carries on a while. I finally emerge reluctantly from the layer of snoring, grumbling pugs, toss my legs over the side of my bed and take a moment to ap

Fraser Williamson is a freelance artist and illustrator, whose works are frequently seen in books, early readers, magazines and art galleries. We asked him to outline a day in his life, to celebrate the publication next month of the third in his series of nature books with Gillian Candler, Whose Home is This? (Potton & Burton) My day usually starts with a walk around the block. I’m not fond of daylight saving, as I love to see the dawn. A little quiet meditation or some bead

Cat Chapman is an Auckland freelance illustrator, having discovered her skills whilst doing a course in picture-book illustration with Sandra Morris. Her illustrations have a relaxed, friendly feel, with welcoming characters you might recognise, places you might go. This is not Cat Chapman. But she did supply the image. She has illustrated chapter books and picture books. Her most recent publication was The Best Mum in the World, written by Pat Chapman (no relation) for Upsta