Katie Saunders
Katie Saunders graduated in 2001 from the university of Central Lancashire in Preston, England, with a degree in Illustration. Over the years, Katie has worked for many publishers creating children’s books. She has also written and designed her own baby books. Katie works with many greetings card companies and has also worked on toy designs. Mostly, Katie works with hand-drawn pen, collage, and computer-aided design, although over the years she has worked in all mediums.
Katie lives in her hometown of Kent with her partner, Graham, her three-year-old son, Archie, and her little girl, Olive Honey. They also have two cats named Dizzy and Pumpkin. Katie works in a little studio at the bottom of her garden, which her father built for her. She has never been happier.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
The Witches and George’s Marvelous Medicine. I also loved the Meg and Mog and Topsy and Tim books.
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“A Gruffalo? What’s a Gruffalo?”
“Why didn’t you know?”
My kids love this so much!Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Axel Sheffler (The Gruffalo), Beatrix Potter, and Quentin Blake.
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I cant stop drawing! It’s just all I know and have ever wanted to do. I have also never grown up, which really helps as an illustrator. I can’t think of anything better than a blank page just wating to be filled. There is also nothing like reading your own books to your children and telling them Mummy did that. Or going into a shop and seeing your book sitting on the shelf!
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Constantly develop. Never stop trying new things! Illustration changes very much like fashion, so styles go in and out. Develop your own style; never try and be someone else. Love what you do and never ever stop drawing! Never miss a deadline and be able to work the night shifts too get the jobs done.