Illustrating Oswald Messweather with Siobhan McVey


My ability to draw is only slightly less inspiring than my ability to handstand. I can however, picture my stories as I write them with razor sharp clarity, in my head at least. Translating these internal storyboards to a real life illustrator is not always easy so I'm lucky that illustrators like, Siobhan McVey who provided the striking visual narrative for, Oswald Messweather, are adroit enough to create strong 'visual partners' for my words without my input.

I was fascinated to learn that when a storyline and language resonate powerfully enough with a potential illustrator, their creativity leaps into unsolicited action. In other words, sketches and images, characteristics and colours flow authentically and without hesitation. The organic way a visual narrative uncurls in an illustrator's head, eventually spilling onto the page to hug and caress my words is, for me, the most magical part of the picture book making process.

To experience more of the magic, read this captivating blog post by Siobhan and on the creative illustrative process behind Oswald Messweather - just click on the image below to access the article.

Oswald Messweather is available now through Wombat Books, in all good bookshops or directly from ME! 

Images copyright Siobhan McVey


Comments

Norah Colvin said…
It is a wonderful book, Dimity, and I really enjoyed learning about Siobhan and her illustrative process. The illustrations add so much more meaning to your words.
4 June 2021 at 20:58
DimbutNice said…
Thanks, Norah. I never ever fail to learn something new about the illustrating process or genesis behind it from illustrators, no matter how many books I write. It is such a critical part of creating a truly complete and astounding picture book artifact.
4 June 2021 at 21:26
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