Who or what made you want to become an illustrator?

My children were my first inspiration to become an illustrator.

How and why did you decide to pursue illustration as your career?

For me it kind of happen by accident. After drawing artwork for children and seeing I had a skill to draw I began to pursue illustration as a career.

Did you attend art school or undertake any other formal artistic training?

I'm a self-taught artist but I have studied seasoned illustrators and artist and have taken several formal art online courses.

Where do you currently live and where did you grow up?

I' currently reside in Pennsylvania and I was born and raised in New York.

Was creativity part of your childhood?

Being creative is something I've always been. Having my roots in hip hop and rap, artistic expression is always something that has been apart of me.

Have you always loved to draw?

No, I did not. I've always like to draw but now I love it and feel a closeness to passion for it.

Who or what have been some of your major artistic influences?

The artist whose work really inspired me was Olivia Duchess, Vashti Harrison, Malik Shabazz. I also really like Will Terry's approach to illustrating. 

Which books from your own childhood really stand out?

Winnie the Pooh, Amelia Bedilia, and the Berenstain Bears

Do you have a favourite picture book or recall one of the first picture books you saw?

Not really. 

Who or what has been your greatest mentor?

In my short time in this business no two people have shown me more about illustrating and the business of illustrating than Will Terry and Vanessa Matte respectively.

What was your first commission as a professional illustrator?

My first paid job I ever did was to do a tattoo commission piece. I took the clients name and used super hero logos and created their name.

Describe your working technique and how you came to perfect it.

My technique in my opinion is still finding itself. But something I consistently do is look for references and use it to inspire me and generate ideas until I feel emotionally connected to the idea.

What piece of software or hardware could you not live without and why?

I need my iPad and the Procreate app because these allow me to work anywhere. 

What is your favourite medium to work with and why?

Right now I prefer working digitally. I also like traditional pencil and paper drawing as well.

Do you keep a sketch book?

Yes.

Tell us about the creation of your favourite character from one of your books.

I don't have a favorite character right now.

How many times do you tend to draw a character until you are happy with it?

I will redraw characters multiple times until it feels right. The character can look artistically drawn well but if I don't feel it I do it over.

Which project has been most instrumental in developing your personal style?

A project I'm currently working on called Grandpa's Day Out.

Talk us through the process of creating one of your latest illustrations or books.

Well, I was given a prompt: it stated that grandparents surprise their grandchild by taking them to an unexpected place. I decided to draw and create a place called the stuff animal museum. I made sure the composition showed excitement and had a museum feel that children would like.

Michael David H.

Do you offer more than one style, if so – talk us through the different approaches and the audience you are targeting for each.

At the moment I do not.

Have you ever thought about trying out a different technique or a different style?

Yes, I've definitely thought about it. But I want to develop and perfect my current style first.

How long does it take on average for you to finish a spread, from initial sketch to final colour?

The initial sketches may take me a day or two. Final colour and rendering may takes a few weeks depending of the detail and complexity of the composition. So, from beginning to end I'd say three to four weeks.

What do you hope children take away from your drawings?

Entertainment, self-resonance and self-reflection.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like spending time with my wife and children out and about, or watching movies and playing games.

What is your favourite children’s book and why?

I don't have a favorite children's book but my favorite children's movie is The Lion King

What does a typical day in the studio look like for you?

It depends what day of the week it is. I say that because some days are for art illustration learning to develop my skills and other days are for personal project or client work. 
 

For example: If it's Tuesday: 

This is a learning day

So for the first few hours I'm watching Art training or drawing art studies. Once that's all done I do research to find out who or what companies are looking for my kind of Art. 
 

Take us behind the scenes and describe your studio / workspace.

At the moment I don't have a personal studio. 

What would you say is a distinguishing feature of your artwork?

I like to tell stories from a unique visual perspective.

Where do you get the ideas for your characters?

My character ideas come from the shapes I choose use plus the story of the character.

Share your favourite piece of artwork from your portfolio and walk us through its creation.

I don't have one favorite piece but one that stands out to me is my fairy tale flippped piece. It's a piece inspired by the story of Pinocchio. In my illustration the homeless orphan boy who is very talented boy who is the process of creating himself a dad who will come to life once he completed it through magic.

Who is your favourite children’s book character and why?

Amelia Bedilia and the reason why is because she was hilarious and completely naive.

Which 4 words would you use to describe your illustration portfolio?

Light-hearted

Comical

Fun

Cartoony

Outline your dream project.

Illustrating a story for Star Wars in my art style.

Have you taken part in any speaker events?

No, not yet. But I would like to speak to new beginning illustrators.

Have you visited any schools to speak or hold workshops?

No.

What advice would you offer someone just starting out as a children’s illustrator?

I'd say listen to my podcast: Brown Words and Pictures episodes #58, #59, #60, #61, #62, #63. These episodes are a part of a series I've titled " What I've Learned: My first year as a illustrator." If they listen to those as they begin in this business they will be off to a great start.

Br

http://Anchor.fm/caiandrobibooks

Do you have a favourite soundtrack you listen to when you’re working?

I do not. But love 90s hip hop and R&B and will have that playing in the background sometimes while I draw.

Are you an author/illustrator?

No, just an illustrator.

What things affect your creativity?

Limited details of a project.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

God always deals with you privately first (Your conscience), if he can't get your attention then he'll make the issue public.

In regards to business: Let people vote with their wallets not their mouths.

What was your last ‘lightbulb moment’?

The moment I realized that likes, comments, follows and reviews don't pay bills. 

What makes a good children’s book?

When the story and pictures are one. And I don't mean when the illustrations are just a regurgitation of the words, No! I mean when the story and pictures are so in-tune that once you here the character's name that character has locked that name to themselves across multiple genres. For example, if I say Dora....what or who do you think of first?

Which project are you most proud of?

I can't say just yet. I'm just starting out.

When you are not drawing, how do you like to relax?

Favorite tv shows, Movies and games. I guess this is a guilty pleasure but my wife and I and even my older kids like to watch Laura lake's paternity court.

What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?

Can't think of anything right now but I'm sure there is something.

How important is it for you to be part of a creative community of people?

Huge, because iron sharpens iron. Being around other creatives generate synergy.

If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be doing?

Law enforcement officer: Corrections depart

How do you overcome a creative block?

I never had creative block thus far.

What are some of your favourite subjects to draw?

People and human characters are my favorite, then animals.

How do you get your creative juices flowing?

Living life and paying attention to the world around me.

Are there any children’s classics you’d love to illustrate and/or re-tell?

No. 

Animals feature heavily in children’s books – do you have a pet?

Yes, I have a dog. His name is tokyo