In Our Notes…Illustrator Louise Hargreaves
We have been sharing quite a bit about our holiday picture book C is for Christmas and Michelle Medlock Adams, the book’s fabulous author, but we wanted to take some time today to introduce you to the amazingly talented illustrator of C is for Christmas, Louise Hargreaves.
Whenever we begin a new project, we immediately begin to have visions for the art, and especially for our first Christmas book, we wanted to have vibrant colors and really strong designs to bring Michelle’s rhyming stanzas to life. During the process, we work with an illustration agency to find the just right fit, but even then, it can sometimes take a few samples before our eyes fall on the art that raises the hair on the backs of our necks.
That is what occurred when we saw the samples from Louise.
It’s my pleasure to take a moment and share a behind-the-scenes interview with Louise, who was a joy to work with, so you can learn more about her and her passion for illustrating children’s books. C is for Christmas is her debut picture book, and we are delighted to have her in our Little Lamb Books family.
Tell us a little bit about your family. I live with my husband Neil, who is also my best friend, and our adorable 5-year-old daughter Lucy.
Where do you live? A little town called Skipton in the County of North Yorkshire, Northern England. The countryside here is so beautiful.
When did you realize that you wanted to spend your life drawing? I always loved art and would always carry pencils and paper with me wherever I went.
How did you turn your passion into a career? I did my A levels in Art, Art History and Design Technology before doing an Art Degree. I continued creating art in various forms and using different mediums, until I found what I really wanted to do, which was card and book illustration.
What are five objects you need in your favorite workspace? A cup of tea, the radio, my husband as he also works from home, pens, pencils and paintbrushes, and lots of piles of sketches waiting to be put in some kind of order!
What does a typical day look like for you? I drop my daughter off at school and then come home, make a lovely cup of tea and get to work on my projects. I try to take regular breaks and have a stretch or go for a walk. I always take a lunch break and have a chat with my husband, then back to work until it’s time to go to pick Lucy up from school!
What did you enjoy most about illustrating C is for Christmas? I just love drawing children and get lots of inspiration from my daughter, Lucy. It also reminded me of many happy childhood memories of Christmas time.
If you could illustrate any one thing, what would you enjoy illustrating the most? Cute children having fun! That’s why I loved illustrating C is for Christmas so much!
What advice would you give to an aspiring illustrator? There ARE careers in illustration. Don’t get disheartened if they seem hard to find. Keep on doing what you love – you will get there!!
Crayons or Markers? Why? Markers, as you have to be confident and quick and that creates exciting art!
What makes you happiest or brings you the most joy about what you do? I love creating art, it brings me so much happiness and satisfaction. If I didn’t do this as my job it would still be my hobby.
You can view more about Louise and her illustrations via The Bright Agency. C is for Christmas written by author Michelle Medlock Adams is available now in our brand new online store here as well as online with Walmart, Target, Amazon, and more outstanding bookstores. Order a copy today for this holiday season and the ones to come!
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