Describe your illustration style in ten words or less.
Clean and neat with strong use of colour.
What items are an essential part of your creative space?
My watercolour paint/paper and Polychromos pencils. Scanner and computer.
Do you have a favourite artistic medium?
Watercolour and pencil
Stephen Michael King, Emily Gravett, Bruce Whatley.
These are my favourite picture book illustrators, because they are everything I am not. When it comes to fine art my all time favourite is Jackson Pollock. Seeing his work in person is truly an experience.
Which artistic period would you most like to visit and why?
Art Nouveau in the late 1800s. I just love that decorative style.
Who or what inspired you to become an illustrator?
I can't survive without creating art and illustration is the perfect art form for me. It's as simple as that.
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 have a studio in my backyard that allows me to work away from the main house and separates my job from everyday life. I have my main work area set up in one corner to allow for easy access and transition from traditional drawing to digital editing.
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What is your favourite part of the illustration process?
That's easy. Adding colour.What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator?
Don't be too precious about your work. If something isn't right, start again. The more you practice the better you get. And don't compare yourselves to others. It's such a hard thing to do but you will always find someone ‘better’ than you. Be inspired by others but believe in yourself and your abilities.
Suzanne Houghton is an award-winning picture book author and illustrator who first hit the shelves in 2018.She is constantly working on new and exciting projects both in fiction and non-fiction. Suzanne will talk about picture books to anyone that will listen and especially loves visiting schools and libraries.
For more information, please visit Suzanne's website or follow her on instagram.
