ILLUSTRATOR

Craig Smith’s warm, exuberant illustrations have delighted children for over twenty-five years. With several award-winners to his credit, his titles appear regularly on Children's Choice Award shortlists. Finding humour in domestic, family and school situations, and a fondness for unusual perspectives and energetic characterisation are features of his work.

Craig grew up in South Australia and studied graphic design at the SA School of Art. While his early aim to be a political cartoonist never came to be, he worked at a variety of jobs while building a career as an illustrator. He has now produced over 350 picture books, junior novels and educational readers.

His best known titles include the classics Whistle Up the Chimney (winner of the NSW Premier’s literary award), Dreadful David, Sister Madge’s Book of Nuns and Billy the Punk. Other notable titles include Duncan Ball’s Emily Eyefinger series, Paul Jennings’ The Cabbage Patchseries and Rachel Flynn’s I Hate Fridays series.

Craig talks about his working methods, and the role of computers in illustration:

"Given that my technique always relies a lot on a drawn outline, my favourite medium is black & white (pen with nib, or old brush, or charcoal pencil). The technique involves doing a basic outline, then photocopy this onto cartridge paper, then dress the drawing up with more expressive lines, and perhaps add ink wash. My computer sits in a corner. I used to use it for colouring. But never for drawing. Nowadays I don't use it for colouring either. Sitting at a computer all day is no longer my idea of fun. But it is great for all sorts of other things; like emailing rough drawings to an editor, and music, and the internet, of course."

Craig is available to talk to students about his work and encourage budding young illustrators!

Craig has some very valuable insights and tips for young illustrators at his website, www.craigsmithillustration.com which is an ideal resource for classroom follow ups to his visits.