AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR INTERVIEW: Gwyn Perkins
Gwyn Perkins is known to many kidlit authors and illustrators around Australia after he won the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Award for Picture Book of the Year 2018 for his debut title, A Walk in the Bush. Gwyn’s positive, subtly humorous, and undoubtedly Aussie text and illustrations captured many hearts, young and old.
Late last year, Affirm Press published the final book in Gwyn’s sweet ‘Grandad and Iggy’ trilogy. The third story, A Trip to the Beach, is perfect for reading at this time of year in the middle of summer when so many young children are spending weekends or afternoons at the beach.
Recently I chatted with Gwyn about his latest picture book, his creative process, challenges, and more.
Welcome, Gwyn! First up, I’m curious - what made you decide to start creating picture books?
The Council for the Arts created an initiative where a book might come from an illustrator's point of view, as opposed to the usual where an author writes and the illustrator gets tacked on at the end. Being awarded this grant encouraged me to do what I liked, so I took readers to the places I like to be – the bush, the show, the beach.
Is there anything you did differently in creating this book in the series, compared to the previous two?
My publisher, Affirm Press, offered a three-book deal and the three books were designed to be similar. There have been some developments in characterisation since A Walk in the Bush.
What was the publishing process like for you?
My background is in animation (often for advertisements) so I'd illustrated elsewhere previously, but this was the first time I’d created something entirely on my own.
Biggest challenge for you in this book and/or series?
Planning ahead. I know the importance of a storyboard, but changes happen as I work out details. I start off hesitantly and finish in a month of late nights. I have room for improvement here…
What's your process like as an author/illustrator?
I start with a concept, and many of the must-have images in my head. I understand the story pace and have an instinct for visual balance, but it takes experimenting and collaboration with my editor to get the details to fit and flow. I constantly discover what I already knew.
What has been the best piece of advice you've received during your kidlit career so far?
Long ago when I worried about my lack of formal training, someone whose talent I admired advised me to just keep going. He said an art school might spoil my natural style.
What's something you wish you had known earlier?
Nothing. I learn things at the right time.
Do you have any tips for other picture book creators?
Find out what you love doing best, and keep trying to do it better.
What do you do if you get stuck with your work?
Sometimes, drawing a simple sketch can turn into a frustrating, unproductive day with nothing to show but my overflowing rubbish bin. Then, after a break or a walk, I might quickly scribble something completely different that shows that the problem wasn't with the sketch, it was with the reason for doing it. Now I try to recognise that sooner.
What's coming next for you?
I’m still considering my next steps in the world of picture books. In the meantime, I’ve promised friends impressions of my recent trip to Italy.
