Illustrator Our little chat with Lorian Tu. What do you love most about drawing? I love that it makes me feel like a kid again. I get to play, experiment and think up fun characters, places, and situations. It’s very therapeutic. What's your favourite thing to draw? I love drawing children the most, especially children at play, and especially illustrations that explore the dynamic between two characters. Where do you draw? Anywhere, really. I have a little studio/office space in my bedroom, which is where I do my most serious work usually, but otherwise, if I’m just sketching, brainstorming, or passing the time, I have my sketchbook with me most places. There have been times when an idea has hit me while I was driving, and I pulled over to sketch it out or write it down, and I usually sketch while winding down at night watching TV. When did you know you were good at drawing? I think every artist, no matter how successful or prolific they are, will always struggle with feeling that they could be doing better. I’ve always loved to draw since I can remember. I was “the art kid” in school. So, in a way, I suppose I’ve always known I had a penchant for it, but I still feel like I’m always growing and improving and besting myself with each new project I complete… and I think that’s an important part of the creative process. How many books have you done? I’ve illustrated three picture books so far, and I've done many illustrations that are part of reading curriculum materials. What is your favourite colour? Kids always ask me this, and I always say that I can’t pick just one color, I truly love them all. My yellow teapot, my blue jacket, my orange lamp, my red mittens, my violet toothbrush, and my green sketchbook are some of my favourite things. What do you do for fun? I love to cook and bake. I think being raised in a multi-ethnic household cemented my love of food and the social aspects that come with preparing and enjoying it. I also enjoy going for a good swim with my boys whenever the weather allows. My idea of a perfect day would include a trail ride on horseback, a good meal with friends, a swim with my boys, and a good book to end the day. Have you ever won a competition? I remember winning a prize for a painting I made when I was a little girl. A blue ribbon was hung on it, and I just remember feeling so accomplished in my 7-year old mind and heart. I’ve also won scholarships for my illustration and picture book work in more recent years, but I like to compete against myself more than others, to be honest, and all that takes is doing the work. What inspires you to write/draw? I think my time as a teacher and mother have inspired me a lot, but my own childhood memories also play a role in most of the things I make. I just love the world of children. I am also an avid science fiction/fantasy fan, though those elements have yet to surface in my professional work. How long have you been teaching for? I taught in schools from 2006-2013 when my youngest was born. After that, I taught small group and individual art classes for a bit, out of my home studio, but I haven’t done that in a while. My teaching these days has been whittled down to summer camps, really. I do miss teaching full-time in schools, but I love being able to work from home now as a professional children’s bookmaker. Any new upcoming titles coming out soon, that we should be looking out for? Yes! In May, my latest project will be on shelves (it’s available for pre-order now)… Joanna Rowland has written a GEM of a picture book, which I illustrated, called Stay Through the Storm. It’s a sweet story of two friends who see each other through scary times. I was so happy and honored to have been the illustrator selected for this book, as it’s a theme that’s close to my heart. I’ll also have an author-illustrated book out in 2021 that I’m not allowed to talk about yet, but which I am very excited for. Thanks Lorian for taking the time to chat to us and answer some questions it has been great getting to know you some more.
You can find more about Lorian Tu and her books at: www.loriantubooks.com Instagram @lorian_tu_books You find Lorian Tu books at www.booktopia.com.au www.bookdepository.com www.amazon.co.uk www.fishpond.com.au www.wordery.com
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