Tanya Hempson
Name: Tanya Hempson
Writes: Visual storyteller (aka illustrator)
Social Media: www.tanyahempson.com and
www.behance.net/tanyahempson
Bio: Tanya Hempson works as an illustrator and designer in Brisbane. She enjoys collaboration and works with clients across the globe. She is currently undertaking a Diploma of Children's Illustration and a BA (FAVA), whilst recently having completed a Diploma of Commercial Illustration (Graphic Design). In the past year, her work has been shown in New York and Brisbane as well being published in a variety of commissioned formats - such as children's stories, creative writing workshops and various children's literature sites.
10 Questions with Tanya
Do you illustrate?
Yes I do illustrate, in fact that’s where my main passion lies. I use illustrating as a way of channeling my storytelling.
Which writer(s) inspire you?
Writer/illustrators - Lynne Chapman, Shaun Tan, Peter Carnavas, Donald Wu, Sarah Davis and then going back a few years, Quentin Blake, Charles Harper... this is potentially a really long list...
Which illustrator(s) inspire you?
Mixed bag really - Gus Gordon, Cheryl Horne, Cheryl Orsini, Yuko Shimizu, to name a few.
What draws you to illustrating for children specifically? As a mother, and artist, I find inspiration in a child’s view of the world. And it’s the most exciting thing to have a child spend time commenting on and enjoying my illustrations.
How long have you been illustrating?
Most of my life, but how long have I been wanting to make a career out of it? About 2 years.
Which professional bodies are you a member of?
SCBWI and Booklinks - I'm also involved in a fair few informal illustration groups.
Who is your dream publisher?
I'm a big fan of 'local' publishers - we've got New Frontier, Aussie Bites, Scholastic, and many many more... My dream publisher would be one who enjoys my work, and sees the same amount of potential in it as I do.
What writing resources do you recommend?
Book wise - Illustrating Children's Books - Creating Pictures of Publication by Martin Salisbury and Children's Picturebooks - The Art of Visual Storytelling by Martin Salisbury and Morag Styles. Online, you'll find amazing videos and blogs by illustrator/authors such as Lynne Chapman, Shoo Rayner, Will Terry etc.
Best time of day to illustrate?
I'm very much a night person, so I like to do all my line work at night and then colour work during the day...
If you could meet/invite any 3 children’s writer/illustrator who would they be?
Sarah Davis, Shaun Tan and Peter Carnavas... I'd probably enjoy just watching them work.
Writes: Visual storyteller (aka illustrator)
Social Media: www.tanyahempson.com and
www.behance.net/tanyahempson
Bio: Tanya Hempson works as an illustrator and designer in Brisbane. She enjoys collaboration and works with clients across the globe. She is currently undertaking a Diploma of Children's Illustration and a BA (FAVA), whilst recently having completed a Diploma of Commercial Illustration (Graphic Design). In the past year, her work has been shown in New York and Brisbane as well being published in a variety of commissioned formats - such as children's stories, creative writing workshops and various children's literature sites.
10 Questions with Tanya
Do you illustrate?
Yes I do illustrate, in fact that’s where my main passion lies. I use illustrating as a way of channeling my storytelling.
Which writer(s) inspire you?
Writer/illustrators - Lynne Chapman, Shaun Tan, Peter Carnavas, Donald Wu, Sarah Davis and then going back a few years, Quentin Blake, Charles Harper... this is potentially a really long list...
Which illustrator(s) inspire you?
Mixed bag really - Gus Gordon, Cheryl Horne, Cheryl Orsini, Yuko Shimizu, to name a few.
What draws you to illustrating for children specifically? As a mother, and artist, I find inspiration in a child’s view of the world. And it’s the most exciting thing to have a child spend time commenting on and enjoying my illustrations.
How long have you been illustrating?
Most of my life, but how long have I been wanting to make a career out of it? About 2 years.
Which professional bodies are you a member of?
SCBWI and Booklinks - I'm also involved in a fair few informal illustration groups.
Who is your dream publisher?
I'm a big fan of 'local' publishers - we've got New Frontier, Aussie Bites, Scholastic, and many many more... My dream publisher would be one who enjoys my work, and sees the same amount of potential in it as I do.
What writing resources do you recommend?
Book wise - Illustrating Children's Books - Creating Pictures of Publication by Martin Salisbury and Children's Picturebooks - The Art of Visual Storytelling by Martin Salisbury and Morag Styles. Online, you'll find amazing videos and blogs by illustrator/authors such as Lynne Chapman, Shoo Rayner, Will Terry etc.
Best time of day to illustrate?
I'm very much a night person, so I like to do all my line work at night and then colour work during the day...
If you could meet/invite any 3 children’s writer/illustrator who would they be?
Sarah Davis, Shaun Tan and Peter Carnavas... I'd probably enjoy just watching them work.
