Animated and fun - this is what my friends say. I don't think I'm capable of describing my own style.
What items are an essential part of your creative space?
Winter has just arrived, so I’d definitely say sun to warm the space up. Or gloves! But, in general, I don’t like many items around me. Other than my working tools, only a device (like an iPad) to entertain me is enough.
Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Photoshop and Wacom Cintiq drawing tablet are my favourites to work with. To look at, I can’t say I have a favourite medium. There are amazing illustrators who do amazing things with whatever they use.
Name three artists whose work inspires you.
A hard question. It changes all the time. I can make a list of 50 but I can’t choose three.
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Another hard one! I think any period before contemporary art would be great, so I may understand art better.
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
While I was working as an all-rounder in an animation company, an art director of a publishing house asked me to illustrate a book. I never stopped.
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
I share my workspace with my husband, at least for now, until one kicks out the other! The gym ball is not there all the time. I alternate it with the chair to change my posture during long working hours.
What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
If receiving the printed book in the mail doesn’t count, I like the storyboarding part most. It’s where I have the opportunity to create a visual story. Although it’s sometimes too challenging. Then I feel super relaxed when it’s time to colour, and colouring becomes my favourite part. It’s a cycle. Looks like I have a problem with my 'favourite'!
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
I have a piece of advice that I often try to remind myself also: while training to improve your illustrating skills, don’t forget to train your eyes too.
Photoshop and Wacom Cintiq drawing tablet are my favourites to work with. To look at, I can’t say I have a favourite medium. There are amazing illustrators who do amazing things with whatever they use.
A hard question. It changes all the time. I can make a list of 50 but I can’t choose three.
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Another hard one! I think any period before contemporary art would be great, so I may understand art better.
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
While I was working as an all-rounder in an animation company, an art director of a publishing house asked me to illustrate a book. I never stopped.
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it.
I share my workspace with my husband, at least for now, until one kicks out the other! The gym ball is not there all the time. I alternate it with the chair to change my posture during long working hours.
If receiving the printed book in the mail doesn’t count, I like the storyboarding part most. It’s where I have the opportunity to create a visual story. Although it’s sometimes too challenging. Then I feel super relaxed when it’s time to colour, and colouring becomes my favourite part. It’s a cycle. Looks like I have a problem with my 'favourite'!
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
I have a piece of advice that I often try to remind myself also: while training to improve your illustrating skills, don’t forget to train your eyes too.
Anil Tortop was born and
raised in Turkey, and moved to Australia in early 2011. She also works as an
animator and character/concept designer, but recently her relationship with
children’s books has become more serious. Nowadays, she lives in Brisbane with her
husband. In their small home studio they’re playing
"booksmithing".
To see more of Anil's illustrations visit her website. To learn more about her publishing services check out Tadaa. You can also see out one of Anil's time-lapse illustrations here.
To see more of Anil's illustrations visit her website. To learn more about her publishing services check out Tadaa. You can also see out one of Anil's time-lapse illustrations here.
