Illustrator Interview: Lauren Lowen
With the release of our latest book, “What If My Nana Was a Banana?” by David Keyes, I thought you would all enjoy hearing from our incredible illustrator, Lauren Lowen. I found Lauren’s work on Instagram and when we saw her website, LaurenLowen.com, author David Keyes and I just knew she was the one. I reached out to her agent, Jennifer Nelson Artists. Being a new indie publishing house, we were unsure if they would like our pitch. However, Jennifer and Lauren were very excited and encouraging about the project. The rest is history!
“Illustrators make art in all kinds of ways: paint, cut paper, or with the computer are just a few different methods artists use. There is no “right” way to make art.”
We really enjoyed working with Lauren. We had fun and were in sync creatively. She understood David’s story and she captured the essence of Nana and kid in a way that is just magical. Read on to learn more about Lauren, her illustration process, and what else she likes to create.
Christa Fletcher: What inspired you to join the "What If My Nana Was a Banana?" team?
Lauren Lowen: The story by David Keyes was so silly and original! My style is very off-beat and quirky, and I thought my illustrations were a perfect fit for the book.
Illustration by Lauren Lowen from “What If My Nana Was a Banana?”
CF: Have you ever illustrated books for kids before Nana Banana?
LL: Yes! I have previously illustrated four educational books about grammar.
Kid Illustration by Lauren Lowen from “What If My Nana Was a Banana?”
CF: What was the illustrating process like for you?
LL: I usually like to start with exploring the main character(s). If I figure that out first, it inspires the rest of the book. After that, I do simple sketches of each illustration which gets approved by the client; then I move on to color finals.
Character Sketches of Kid Illustrated by Lauren Lowen
Character Sketches of Nana Banana, Illustrated by Lauren Lowen
CF: What is the hardest part about being an illustrator? What’s the easiest?
LL: The hardest part is working alone! Or when you need to work but you don’t feel very creative. The easiest part is that when you are creating things you like, it’s always fun to go to work.
CF: What are some of your favorite children's books? And what about "grownup" books?
LL: I’ve always been a fan of “The Day The Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. I also really enjoy the simple, bold illustrations of Hsinping Pan and her work for the “Big Words for Little Geniuses” series by Susan and James Patterson.
When it comes to grown up books, I enjoy a lot of autobiographies from comedians! They really are interesting people and I have read several throughout the years.
CF: What advice do you have to kids who want to be illustrators?
LL: Draw and be creative as much as possible! Keep a sketchbook.
CF: Do you have any tips for grownups who want to be illustrators?
LL: Remember that there are many styles out there, and your art doesn't have to look like everyone else’s to be successful. Also, I like researching clients online and seeing what their submission policies are rather than just rely on things like social media to promote my work.
CF: What other types of projects do you do as an illustrator? Do you like teaching?
LL: I do all kinds of projects! I have made art for greeting cards, stickers, wrapping paper, advertisements, kids luggage, books and magazines, fabric…it’s great to see my art on a variety of things.
I LOVE teaching. I teach illustration at Watkins College of Art in Nashville. I have also taught at The Rhode Island School of Design, Maryland Institute College of Art, and Montserrat College of Art. I’ve been teaching for roughly 15 years and it’s such a pleasure to work with other creatives. Their talent and ambition helps to inspire me with my own work.
CF: What was it like working with author David Keyes?
LL: He was a lot of fun since we were on the same wavelength the whole time we were working on the book. Brainstorming fun details and ideas for the book was the best!
CF: Can you share anything else about being an illustrator that kids would like to know?
LL: Illustrators make art in all kinds of ways: paint, cut paper, or with the computer are just a few different methods artists use. There is no “right” way to make art.
CF: What do you love most about “What If My Nana Was a Banana?”
LL: The characters, obviously! It was fun dreaming up Kid and Nana, plus all the supporting characters you see in the story. (Can you find the dog with the eyepatch?)
CF: What is your favorite illustration in “What If My Nana Was a Banana?”
LL: That’s tough! It’s between Nana cooking in the kitchen and when they are in the “Banana Cave”. Both illustrations gave me the opportunity to add so many fun details and really flesh out an environment.
Thank you, Lauren!
Nana Banana Cooking Illustrated by Lauren Lowen