They have their own book where they live... side by side.
Tottie and Dot are the creation of author/illustrator team, Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling. And today we are part of the Blog Blast celebrations across the web as we join Tania and Tina in launching this adorable picture book into the world. Grab a spot on the picnic rug.
Marshmallow tea, anyone?
Look who we have here! We're so lucky today to have snaffled a few moments with illustrator, Tina Snerling.
Hi Tina! Did you have far to come today to sit Under the Apple Tree with us?
Not at all. I recently moved to a beautiful acreage just outside Brisbane, complete with chickens and a vegetable patch, which has been my dream!
Sounds wonderful! I loved your illustrations in An Aussie Year. When did you first start drawing?
I have been drawing as far back as my memories go. When I was little, I was obsessed with paper. Back when computer paper used to have the perforated edges and holes down the side! My Mum used to get the used paper from her work and I thought it was like Christmas come at once.
Ah, you're younger than me! The earliest drawing I still have is on butcher's paper. What's the earliest drawing you can remember doing?
I won a 'young artist' award in grade 1! It was an illustration of a spring garden with bunnies I believe!!!
How adorable. I guess it was in crayon. What’s your favourite medium now?
Digital Illustration. I also enjoy pastel, but don't get to do it enough!
I have been drawn more towards watercolour lately - I would love to work more in this medium in the future. I am also experimenting with papier mache, photography and digital illustration combined in the one image - it's very time consuming but so exciting to see it all come together!
I'm guessing you've been inspired by other illustrators. Who are your favourites?
M. Sasek, Oliver Jeffers, Sanjay Patel and Charley Harper.
It's always interesting to hear about illustrators' backgrounds. What training did you undertake to become an illustrator?
I originally undertook studies in fashion and textile design, where I got to experiment a great deal with still life drawings. Being challenged to draw models and poses in minutes before the next pose taught me to really understand posture, positioning, and the human form. I found this translated extremely well when trying to capture characters in children's book. After my studies, I became a children's clothing and textile designer; this is where I really have fun and hone my skills on digital illustration. I have also undertaken studies in graphic design and multimedia, where I learnt invaluable skills when it came to creating book layout and design.
That certainly would've given you a good foundation for a future in children's book illustration. What’s next for you?
As well as illustrating my third book with Tania McCartney, let me just say that we will be working together for some time to come! Stay tuned!
We're looking forward to more from you both! Where can we see more of your work?
My website is currently under major construction (typical of a designer to leave their work until last) but you can see my work at the following;
And lastly, where would you go right now if time and money were no object?
France - it is always France! A French château with a beautiful outlook for inspiration, complete with a little French bakery down the road.
Sigh, me too!
To visit other blogs on today's 'Tottie and Dot' Blog Blast see the schedule here.
4 comments:
Absolutely love this interview!! Good one, girls! LOvely book, hey. :)
Thank you so much for the opportunity and your support!, Thanks Tina.
This was better than sitting altogether on a picnic blanket in person and listening to you Tina. Thanks for sharing all the sweets Angela. x
And the marshmallow tea was yummy too. Thanks for popping in, ladies. Take some lemon drop lollies home with you.
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