Erin Bennett Banks
© 2009 Timothy Banks
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
- Strega Nona by Tomie dePaolo
What’s your favorite line from a book?
- "Let the wild rumpus start!"—Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon, Kadir Nelson, and Maxfield Parrish
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
Illustration is visual storytelling, and I’ve always been fascinated with stories. I love the combination of pictures with words at its most basic and conceptual level. As an illustrator, I also love the “longevity” of books (compared with other types of media). I started my journey simply wanting to be an artist, so this was a natural direction to follow, given my appreciation for the art of the storybook. Some of the most profound statements are delivered (and communicated) through children’s books. I love being part of this.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Immerse yourself in the work of other authors and illustrators. Take note of what captures your attention and stays in your memory, and apply those principles to your own work. Beyond this, just create. Be creative for the sake of creativity. Let your mind wander and tap into your original ideas, and trust that your greatest work will come when you let yourself just be an artist.
