EP61 - CHILDREN'S BOOK ILLUSTRATOR - Tom Knight

Children’s book illustrator from Mersea Island, Essex. He recently got a selfie stick and will throw it in a ditch if he sees anyone else on his walk. Mark Strong and his sexy microphone voice. Tom had just been doing an online schools event for the book he created with author Michelle Robinson ‘The Pumpkin that Stole Halloween’ - talking to 400 schools. Tom has drawn SO MANY pumpkins in his career. He’s illustrated over 50 books, and written some too. Good Knight, Bad Knight by Tom Knight illustrated by Tom Knight is a classic! It takes about three months to illustrate a book. He used to illustrate with ink, but now does a lot of work digitally on iPad. Crowd scenes take a long time to draw, and Tom likes to sneak friends into them. Tom started his career as a graphic designer in the marketing department for Essex Police. Poo Watch at Chelmsford Police Station. Sneaking small subversive illustrations into the police artwork. What is the difference between vector and raster artwork? The police allowed Tom to work part time, so he balanced earning money with starting out as an illustrator and establishing himself. Tom quit his full time job in 2016 and made the leap into full time illustration. Establishing your own unique style as an illustrator. He always drew from very young and felt like he was an illustrator, but needed to hone his illustration skills. His first commission came from sending a postcard to David Bennett from Boxer Books at the perfect time when he needed an illustrator. How do you get an agent? Bright were Tom’s dream agency, and they signed him up. Big up Vicky from Bright! The publisher Magic Cat has signed up Tom for three of his own books, written and illustrated by Tom, ‘The Hole Beneath the Hedgerow’. Everyone has an idea for a children’s book, is it the default side hustle? Nick’s Adrien Brody story. Drawing real humans like Greta Thunberg and Caleb the farmer. Pairing authors with illustrators. Going for inspiration walks around Mersea Island. We all love David Hockney! Is digital art real art? The importance of meeting your audience, understanding them and getting feedback. How to set your price for creative work. How to start out as an illustrator in such a competitive market? Find the thing that makes you happy, be yourself, and fly your own flag. Pirates in Pyjamas is an amazing book! Tom Knight InstagramBright AgencyAre You Creative? recorded by Adam at Lawker Media, Chelmsford, ESSEXEdited by Nick HearneArtwork by Alpaca AntennaDon't forget to like, subscribe, share and all the good stuff.Follow our Instagram for latest news and behind the scenes photos  Send comments, questions, or suggestions for fascinating creative people in Essex give us a shout on our Instagram Thanks to NGDA for their support