Illustrator chat: Joelle Avelino
Interviewed by Sophie Hostick-Boakye
Today on the blog we caught up with Joelle Avelino, the award-winning illustrator whose work we enjoyed immensely last year in her book with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Mama’s Sleeping Scarf. Joelle shared insights into her process for her latest picture book, A Book of People Like Me, and shared some excellent advice for aspiring illustrators.
Joelle, we’re long-running fans of your work so we’re excited to learn more about your journey as a children's book illustrator. When did you know illustration was what you wanted to do?
I’m a London-based illustrator. I studied illustration with marketing at uni with no intention of actually becoming an illustrator — I didn’t think it was even an option if I’m honest. I went on to work in marketing for three years after I graduated. It wasn’t until I had my daughter that I began to draw again, and that’s when I knew this was something I wanted to pursue.
What appealed to you about illustrating A Book of People Like Me?
It is a story that is very much in line with the message I like to convey in my stories: we are more alike than we are different.
Tell us a little about how you approached illustrating A Book of People Like Me.
I started off by creating my main character, Kenny. I wanted him to be fun and playful, and adventurous. I really wanted children to be able to relate to him.
Once I nailed that, that’s when I began thinking about what type of characters I’d like to include on each spread. Everything starts off as super-loose small thumbnails before taking these sketches to the next stage.
Your illustrations are so full of joy with the children beautifully represented in a non-idealised way. How important are inclusivity and representation in your illustrations?
Very important. As many illustrators like myself would say, growing up we never saw ourselves represented in stories. I can’t emphasise enough how important it is for our kids to be able to see themselves in the stories they read.
Is the character of Kenny inspired by anyone in particular? Or did you maybe sneak in someone special to you as a background character?!
No one in particular. But, the mannerisms of my characters are heavily influenced by my daughter and the children around me. I have 12 nieces and nephews!
Do you have any tips for readers who might like to become illustrators?
Draw, draw and do some more drawing, and don’t worry about finding a style — that will come naturally — your style will find you. And most importantly, believe in yourself.
When you’re not creating children’s books, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
You’ll find me out in nature a lot. I love going on hikes or catching up with close friends.
What’s coming up for you? Do you have any books coming out, or any other exciting plans?
Yes, I have a book coming out in October with Barefoot Books as part of their Our World series: Democratic Republic of Congo written by Mel Nyoko, an amazing writer who is actually my best friend! This is the second book we have collaborated on so I’m excited for this to be out.
A Book of People Like Me, illustrated by Joelle Avelino and published by HarperCollins UK’s new inclusive imprint Kumusha Books, is out now!
Read our IBC review of A Book of People Like Me here.
Huge thanks to Joelle Avelino, HarperCollins UK and Kumusha Books for their kind permission to use the images in this blog.