Hi everyone! This is such a special week here at Mindy Baker Books as we celebrate the launch into the world for Grandma Snuggles, written by best-selling author Glenys Nellist and illustrated by the very talented Gail Yerrill. It is a new release by Zonderkidz. I hope you enjoyed yesterday’s interview with Glenys. You are in for such a treat today to hear the inside scoop from artist and illustrator Gail Yerrill about her lovely work.
Let’s get straight to it. Welcome, Gail. I’m so excited to chat with you. Thanks for being here. I was wondering if you could describe the process you go through in illustrating a book from concept to final art? What were some of the illustrating challenges you faced along the way with this project and how did you overcome them?
I am given a brief with a description of characters and outline ideas and a paged layout of the story. Initially I would normally do character sketches which need approval. I will then do roughs for each page layout and the text is either in place or you have to leave room, and all aspects of the design of the pages are factored in at this stage. Once the rough sketches are approved I will then progress to the full colour art. Normally you would get approval on the first one or two to make sure you are getting the correct look. This project was one of my easier ones as the words gifted themselves immediately to me as images ☺
That is fascinating. I am also curious, Do you always work in the same medium for your illustrations? If not, what is your favorite medium and why? How do you know which medium is “right” for each project?
I mostly use watercolour and more recently I have been combining this with photoshop to create fluffy textures or to give an enhanced look to my illustrations which you can’t get just using traditional methods. Sometimes a publisher will be looking for something that will require a different medium but usually all watercolour based.
You definitely have a a special flair to your work. It is lovely! What was it about this particular project that resonated with you and made you want to work on it?
The words were so beautifully written and made me want to go and give my Grandma a cuddle. I miss my Grandma as I spent a lot of time with her as a child. I hope there’s a lot of Grandma cuddles for children everywhere!
Grandmas and cuddles are a great combination! I share your hope that this book will draw children to spend time with their grandmothers.
I know this will be difficult to choose, but do you have a favorite illustration from this book? If so, what is it and why?
Ooh that’s a tough one! I think the cover is my favourite as it really has that cute snuggly feeling in it that reminds me of my Grandma and how I feel about my own children!
I think that is my favorite, too. We will be highlighting that in a post later in the week! On your website, I noticed that you have a vast array of artistic accomplishments:
- Accomplished children’s book illustrator
- Author-illustrator of your own titles
- You have your own adorable licensed characters (Twinkle the Penguin was my favorite)
- Etsy shop
- You do artwork for greeting cards and stationery
The list seems endless! Is there an artistic accomplishment that you are the most proud of? What artistic role/task do you enjoy the most? Is there anything left to accomplish on your “artist” bucket list? What sparks your creativity as you contemplate new projects?
That’s very kind thank you! I just love creating and experimenting with all materials and it’s my passion. I love illustrating words and bringing them to life. It would fabulous to be as successful as Glenys! I am also creating ceramics and intend to make illustrated pieces to hopefully compliment my book work. I love challenges!
Well you have certainly accomplished many challenges already. Do you have a “life” bucket list of adventures you would still like to accomplish? What are a few items on that list?
My life wishes are really quite simple ones, to be happy and healthy and to appreciate everyone around me and give my children the best I can. I would also love to travel the world and absorb all the fantastic variety of culture.
I think many of us can relate to those wishes. I see you have just completed a workshop in your home called the Wood End Studio. What are your hopes and dreams for this space?
We have just finished renovating the old double garage to use as my new studio space, I am aiming to do more ceramics and to teach.
Ooh, I wish I lived closer so that I could take a ceramics class. Sounds really special! I guess my last question is if you have any “news” that you would like to share with us about upcoming projects?
I am working on another fantastic book project at the moment but unfortunately its under wraps at the moment, but I was able to give a sneak peek at one of the sketches- it really is a cutie! Hope you like it!
I love sneak peeks! I feel so honored to be able to showcase this! It is adorable. Thank you very much for taking the time to visit me today and answer my questions. I wish you all the best on your future endeavors.
Remember that I am hosting a Giveaway this week. Here are the guidelines:
Here are the guidelines for the give-away!
- Follow @GlenysNellist, @Gail99art, and @mindybakerbooks) on Instagram. (Must follow all three) Links available at the end of this post..scroll down.
- Leave a comment on this blog post (or any post this week). Or leave a comment on any Instagram post this week.
- **NOTE: This giveaway is sponsored by Zonderkidz (Thank you, Zonderkidz!) and only open to residents of the USA who have a physical street address (no PO boxes.)
For an extra entry, become a follower of this blog.
For even more entries, tag a friend on any Mindy Baker Books INSTAGRAM post this week through Thursday! (Tag as many friends as you like for multiple entries)
I hope that all of you enter to win! Good luck!
Reminder of all that is happening next on Mindy Baker Books this week!
Wednesday: Videoclip of Glenys and Gail’s workspaces…a peek at where the magic happens!
Thursday: A special post showing Glenys and Gail’s favorite illustrations from the book.
Friday: I will post the WINNER OF THE GIVE-AWAY.
Loved reading Gail’s interview!