Make it your goal to CREATE, write, and grow. What advice would you give to beginning authors and illustrators? I decided to keep that “style” and it worked for Penguin. Since I wasn’t familiar how to draw with this tool and tablet, my drawings were somewhat child-like. So I purchased a Wacom tablet to allow myself to draw with a pen tool. This made it difficult to draw organically. But at the time, I was illustrating all of my books with a mouse. I wanted to draw Penguin in a way a child would. (Note: Pinwheel is unavailable currently, but is scheduled to be reprinted, and will be available again later this year/2014 due to early sell-out in 2013)įor Penguin’s art, though, it came internally from my childhood self. I also LOVE the art of Jon Klassen, Laura Vaccaro Seeger, and Antoinette Portis. But specifically, Hervé Tullet inspired my own Tap to Play, the art of Charley Harper influenced the artwork in Kaleidoscope and Pinwheel. I could name dozens more books that are completely unique-and collectively, they are my influence, and remind me that each book can have its own character, style, and delivery. I love to play around with art style from one book to the next (unless it’s a series). Seuss is wild and imaginative! It made me realize that a story can be delivered in many ways. Seuss were my earliest creative influences even though I don’t illustrate like any of them! Each are completely unique: Carle’s is graphic and minimalistic, Fujikawa’s is soft and rendered, and Dr. Who are your creative influences – in books, art, or any other media?Įric Carle, Gyo Fujikawa, and Dr. Children see the preciousness of things we grown-ups sometimes overlook… and I bring this character to life through Penguin. A child has an innate love for things and a need to connect, even if they are inanimate. I like to capture the innocence of childhood, when anything and everything can be your friend. What aspects of childhood do you like to capture in your art and writing? She got her start in novelty/board books and has recently branched out into character-drive picture books with great success. She is a “prolific” author/illustrator and has published over 200 books!! She has 6 new books coming out in the next two years. She has a generous, caring spirit which comes shining through in her Penguin books. I met Salina through the Verla Kay Blueboards (now SCBWI boards) where she is an active member. Today I am so excited to share my interview with Salina Yoon. Yesterday I reviewed the heart-warming Penguin series.

Pinwheel by salina yoon