Describe your illustration style in ten words or less. Detailed, gentle, engaging and realistic.What items are an essential part of your creative space? A good supply of paper, Faber Castell Polychromos pencils, pencil sharpener, Winsor and Newton watercolour paints, my light box, iPad, plenty of books (picture books, reference books, art books) and a hot cup of tea!
Do you have a favourite artistic medium? Coloured pencil is one of my favourites for its diversity, sharpness and vibrant colour. I have been working a lot with watercolour and combining the two together. I feel they complement each other beautifully. I also enjoy working with graphite.
Name three artists whose work inspires you. For me personally, I am inspired by the work of Sue deGennaro, Kerry Argent and Helen Oxenbury.
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why? If I could travel back in time, I would like to visit the Dutch Baroque period of the 17th century. To witness Rembrandt painting his biblical masterpieces and stunning portraits. I have often marvelled at his technique of contrasting dark shadows with areas of strong light. Truly amazing.
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator? Drawing has been a passion of mine since childhood and I have always adored picture books. When I was about 9 or 10 I was given a collection of Beatrix Potter’s books in a little pink book case. I carried it everywhere and even took it to bed!
My parents were very supportive and encouraged me to study visual art after high school. It was during my time at art school that I was first inspired to become an illustrator.
Can you share a photo of your creative work space or part of the area where you work most often? Talk us through it. This is my drawing board where I spend much of my time. It can get a little messy at times! Thankfully I have a separate area in my studio for painting and for scanning my finished artwork.
What is your favourite part of the illustration process? I enjoy brainstorming ideas, but I think most of all I enjoy creating the finished art. It is such an exciting part of the process and so rewarding!
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator? I would definitely recommend connecting with other illustrators. People who are on the same journey. A great way to do that is by joining the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and attend regular meet ups.
Personally, I have also found the ASA mentor program to be extremely beneficial and I would highly recommend this program to anyone starting out.
Katrina is based on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, southwest of Melbourne. She enjoys painting and drawing from her home studio and exhibiting her work throughout the region. Katrina enjoys creating pictures of beauty and is inspired by nature, family and her own life experiences.
You can follow Katrina on instagram or find out more by checking out her website.
