Claire Keay

Claire Keay lives in the south of England where she works from her small studio at home illustrating children’s books and greeting cards.

Interview

What was your favorite book when you were a child?: Winnie-the-pooh by A.A. Milne
What’s your favorite line from a book?: “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.” Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A.Milne
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?: Roald Dahl
Quentin Blake
Oliver Jeffers
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?: I think illustrating chose me, I have just always been happiest with a pencil in my hand to doodle with. I tried lots of different jobs, insurance clerk, nursery nurse, shop assistant to name just a few but always kept art as a hobby. I had always had a little dream of illustrating kid’s books (try as I might I was never very good at ‘grown up” art!) and one day when my boys were little I thought well what have I got to lose? I sent off an email to a London illustrating agent with a few samples of my art, they replied within a couple of hours that they could get me work and within two months I got my first book commission!
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?: For illustrators, draw and draw and draw. The more you draw the better you get so just keep drawing! Spend hours in the children’s section of the local library or book shop and study all the different styles and ideas to get inspiration.