I love what I do – working as an artist, children’s book author and illustrator. But I have challenges. How can I find more time to work while raising a young family? How can I earn more income from what I do? How can I get more inspiration?
I decided to interview experienced authors and artists to learn from their experiences, and share them with people who might benefit.
I got in touch with Gillian McClure, an author and illustrator whose career spans four decades. Since she started her career in a rather unusual way in 1974, she has had many books published as well as running her own publishing company, Plaister Press, for six years.
In this interview, we cover:
0:11- Introduction
2:31- How Gillian became a published author and illustrator
5:21- Gillian’s artwork and mediums
7:00- Process of creating a picture book
7:40- How Gillian managed to work while raising a young family
9:47- How Gillian gets ideas for her book
10:57- Events and people that had a great impact on Gillian’s life
12:30- Pros and cons of working with big/small publishers
13:50- Gillian’s involvement in typographic design
16:04- What kind of workshops Gillian gives in schools/libraries
18:32- What Gillian enjoys the most amongst all the things she does
20:19- How schools/libraries can get in touch with Gillian
20:48- How authors/illustrators can earn more income using their books
22:06- Gillian’s tips for aspiring authors and illustrators
23:22- Gillian’s current/future projects
Noriko’s picture books are available here or on Amazon.
