interview with an illustrator
Natalie Kilany
Children's illustrator
Natalie Kilany tells how
Roald Dahl's 'Matilda' and
the illustration s of Quentin
Blake influenced her.
u SB What drew you to illustration? Natalie: As a child I loved
reading the Roald Dahl books, in particular Matilda and was
completely mesmerized by Quentin Blake’s illustrations. This
led to a childhood of constant drawing especially on my sister’s
favourite books. Hey I just love to draw! u SB Do you have
any formal design training? Natalie: I studied at Middlesex
University and accomplished a BA in Visual Communication
Design - Illustration. u SB Where are you originally from?
Natalie: I was born in England, however my father is Egyptian
and my mother is Indian. u SB How do you get your ideas?
Natalie: Usually when I embrace the land of nod, thoughts
and events of the day merge together to form a fresh new
idea, ready to be uncorked in the morning. u SB Do you
collect anything? Natalie: I collect children’s books, Disney/
Pixar animations and especially Tim Burton’s movies. u SB
Do you keep a scrapbook? Natalie: I don’t keep a scrapbook,
but I do keep a sketchbook, I can’t function without one. u SB
What would be your dream job/commission? Natalie: To be
commissioned for a children’s book series. u SB Who is/are
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