Traditional indigenous – adapted to suit my target audiences.
What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Ochre / Ochre colours and sticks – lots of sticks.
Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Acrylic and ochre.
Name three artists whose work inspires you.
Uncle Reg Knox, Albert Namatjira and Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri.
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Australian Paleolithic Period
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
My Uncle Reg Knox – he has an award from the Queen, a painting in the Vatican, and most importantly the tuckshop walls of half of the schools I have been in.
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often?
My table – with current work on Tiddalik the Frog (Pearson Publishing – Bug Club Series); traditional art with contemporary colours; and my just in the mail advance copy of my latest book Mad Magpie (Magabala Books).
What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
Getting the advance copy of a new book in the mail.
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Consider what makes your artwork recognised as ‘yours’.
Gregg Dreise is an Indigenous Australian author and illustrator. His books for children include Silly Birds and Kookoo Kookaburra. His latest picture book is Mad Magpie, published by Magabala Books.
