My favourite books as a child were Dr Seuss by Theodor Seuss Geisel, The Perfect Hamburger and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, both by Roald Dahl and Queen Bea the Champion by Margaret Ryan.
Did I draw as a child? Yes, all the time. I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember.
How did I start illustrating children’s books? People always told me that my artworks look like children’s illustrations, so I decided to give it a try.
What children’s art most influences or inspires me? I get mostly inspired by animated movies like Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, Spongebob Squarepants by Stephen Hillenburg, Wallace and Gromit by Nick Park and Walt Disney’s version of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
Who are my favourite illustrators and cartoonists? There are so many, but I would say, number one would be Gary Larson (Far Side Gallery), followed by Jim Davis (Garfield), and the animation artists of Studio Ghibli (Howl’s Moving Castle).
Why do I like doing children’s illustrations? As a child I remember how I was totally immersed into a dream world. Art always had a big part in it, and my favourite books were normally picture books (they still are).
I love how free and open-minded children are, and I feel privileged to be a part of their educational and spiritual development. Art can be very therapeutic, and I always hope that my work can mean something to someone.
What type of illustrations do I enjoy doing most? Anything that requires some imagination and creativity. Something with subtle humour is usually most fun.
What mediums do I work in? For painting I use acrylics, oils and mixed media. For drawing I use pencil and ink on paper. On computer I use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. For printmaking I do etchings, silkscreen and digital. I do digital collage and for murals I use painting and airbrush.
My favourite medium to work with? I particularly enjoy painting with mixed media, ink, and drawing with a quill pen.
Melany Pietersen - 2008
