Adam S. Doyle
Joshua Dreyfus
Born in Boston, Adam earned his BFA at The Rhode Island School of Design and a decade later his MFA at The School of Visual Arts. He has enjoyed living for a time in Rome, Los Angeles, New York City, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. His artwork is a lifelong means of exploring which he does everyday into themes of nature, myth, and wonder.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
The picture books that I lived in as a child and have stuck with me as deeply resonant are Mike Mulligan & His Steam Shovel, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, Runaway Bunny, and of course Harold & the Purple Crayon. When I was a little older, C. S. Lewis’ Narnia series was a revelation for me into the joyful immersion of reading on my own.
What’s your favorite line from a book?
From childhood it’d have to be from Shel Siverstein’s The Giving Tree: “‘Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest.’ And the boy did. And the tree was happy.” And Max’s declaration “Let the wild rumpus start!” from Sendak’s timeless Where the Wild Things Are. A line that has always stuck with me as an adult is from Annie Proulx’s Novel The Shipping News that goes, “What he knew was that women were shaped like leaves and men fell.”
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
As well as the beautiful artwork from the above mentioned books, I must give my respects to Bill Waterson, creator of Calvin & Hobbes, the ineffable Dr Seuss, and the definitive illustrator of Alice in Wonderland, Sir John Tenniel.
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
Making pictures is simply something I’ve never stopped doing. It’s always been the most natural means of expression and connecting to other people. Doing it for books because they’re such a perfect form for having a meaningful and intimate experience with narratives and images. Making art for books and thier covers is my favorite thing in the world.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
Draw everything all the time. Be comfortable working with paints and digitally. Read. Be nice to the people you work with- especially when you disagree. Reach out for work when you’re busy, not when your life depends on it. Good time management is essential when you’re not punching a clock every day. Meditate. Travel and live abroad. Stay close with your friends now matter how far you go. In an age of information overload, cultivate your focus and avoid distractions. Watch for patterns in the world. When you’re influenced by others, go to the source—seek out who inspired those who inspire you.
