1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I was once in the gift shop segment of Sale of the Century. No I wasn't the gift! The prize was a beautiful set of pastels and I was pretending to draw a picture with them.
2. What is your nickname?
My nickname is Mitch...but it has actually become my name. My real name is Michelle, which hardly anyone uses anymore except family and anyone who knew me before 1985.
3. What is your greatest fear?
I am very scared of cockroaches. They are hard and black and sneaky. They make me scream when they scuttle out from under things....ugggh.
4. Describe your illustration style in ten words.
Spontaneous, loose, squiggly, splotchy, cheeky, whimsical, funny, simple, affectionate, and definitely not sensible.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as an illustrator.
I think the previous ten words were pretty positive....but perhaps add passionate to that. I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I'd definitely like to be Maurice Sendak's character Max. I like the idea of sailing in a boat to where the Wild Things are and hanging out for a while in that cute little outfit! I would also like to be Leigh Hobb's Mr Chicken. He went to Paris, now he's off to London. (I definitely go for characters that have a hankering for travel)
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Actually THAT kind of travel scares me. I'm a bit of a here and now kind of person.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
"Don't be silly, of course you can do it, it's only a painting!" (and where did all those wrinkles come from?)
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Mother Earth, and all she has to offer....oh yes, and you too Danny!
10. What/who made you start illustrating?
My mum was an artist, so I think I was born with it in my blood, but I think my art teacher at school switched on the light for me. She taught me that art was FUN, and that the possibilities were endless.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
TEA. For obvious reasons.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably The Family of Man by The Museum of Modern Art, New York. It is a beautiful compilation of images that sums up what it is to be human and the everydayness of life - from birth through to death and all the complexities in between. I never get tired of looking at it.
Follow Danny and Mitch on their tour through the following blogs where they will be sharing their deepest secrets, their darkest fears (you'll never guess!) and advice for aspiring authors and illustrators to promote the launch of their fantastic new picture book, A Book about Scary. You can also find out more about Mitch Vane's work by visiting her website.
A Book about Scary Blog Tour
Monday 29th July My Book Corner
Wednesday 31st July My Little Bookcase
Thursday 1st Aug Booktopia Book Blog
Friday 2nd Aug About a Bugg
Saturday 3rd Aug Kids' Book Review (that's us)