Stephen Shaskan
Stephen Shaskan has written and illustrated many books, and he’s the illustrator of Punk Skunks and the Q & Ray series. He’s also a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, an early childhood educator, and a music maker.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
The Monster at the End of This Book
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“Good call, Bob.”—Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Jan Thomas, Bob Shea, Donald Crews
This list could go on and on.Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I’ve always enjoyed creating art and love it so much I went to college for it. After I graduated from Rhode Island School of Design, I moved to Minnesota and started working with children in after school programs. I met my wife, Trisha, who was teaching creative writing and we shared our favorite picture books with each other. I went on to work as a preschool teacher and every day I read picture books. I fell in love with them. With the encouragement of Trisha, I pushed myself to really learning the craft of making picture books.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
If you like to write or draw keep doing it. The more you write or draw or do anything, the better you are going to get at it.