The well-known Belgian illustrator talks to Angeliki Lalou about what he loves and what inspires him.
- When and how did you start illustrating children's books?
I always remember drawing, but my first children's picture book was published in 1999 (I was 22 years old).
- Which colors do you like the most?
It usually depends on the theme and genre of the book, but right now I'm in love with cobalt blue.
- What stories pique your interest the most?
The adventures! There must be movement, change, transformation, emotion in everything!
- Where do you draw inspiration from in the stories you write?
Always from something different but each time the starting point is an aesthetic stimulus: a suit, a sunset, a natural landscape, the posture of a body.
- Which image do you love most from your book Mom?
It is extremely difficult for me to choose just one! Let's say the train with soldier mom.
- Would you write or illustrate a book about 'Dads' and how would you draw dad, what shape/shape would you give him?
Yes, why not! I would paint each one in a different way, I would give them a different form. Big, young, fat or serious... just like moms. From every country but also from all historical periods.
- Who is the hero you have illustrated that you love the most and why?
Maybe 'Billy', because it allowed me to make some very cinematic, western-like images.
- What made you write What I'm Gonna Be When I Grow Up?
The opportunity to make many different portraits of different dogs each time in a variety of human scenes and behaviors. I get bored very easily when I illustrate the same character throughout the book. Here I didn't have that problem at all!
- Your favorite motto is "If you want to make others dream, you must first dream yourself...", what is your biggest dream?
My (artistic) dream is always different but also always the same: to become better at my art, doing things I didn't have the ability to do before. That's why I always change the type of stories I illustrate (in the jungle, then in the city, then in the sea). By exploring different places, I do different things and face new challenges.
- What does the word mom smell or taste like to you?
Sincerely; An ugly one! The smell of the liver we were forced to eat when we were young. But now I forgive her (laughs)
- Did you finally become what you dreamed of growing up?
Yes. I wanted to follow my artistic dream. And that's what I do. I will die happy! (smiles)
- If you were to draw a memory from your childhood what would you draw?
All the teddy bears I had piled up on my bed! Hardly any space for me to sleep…
The books "What will I become when I grow up" and "Mama" are published in Greek by Fourfouri publications.
More about him on his site quentingreban.be