Artist/Illustrator Carolyn Le

One of my favorite things to do with my daughter is to go into the local bookstore and look at all of the beautifully illustrated children’s books. There is something quite magical about sitting down and opening up a fresh-off-the-press book with your child and reading through it together. I am drawn to many types of illustrations – I wouldn’t say I have one style I favor over another as I think it really depends on if the illustrations can make you smile, laugh, and even cry. I came across Carolyn Le’s work at a local Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) function about three years ago. I was intrigued with the whimsy in her work and thought that she would be perfect for a new story I was working on called Clarence and the Traveling Circus.

Fast forward to the present and we will be releasing Clarence this coming Winter as a storybook app through PicPocket Books and as a book through Polka Dots Publishing. Following ones dream of illustrating and writing a children’s book is usually a long journey. It takes a lot of dedication and follow-through to go after your dreams but then again I think that goes for just about anything! I am so thankful that I am working with this talented artist and I think you will find her work as wonderful as I do. We had a chance to talk and this is what Carolyn had to say about her craft.

Tell us how you came to art and illustrating.

As a child I used to watch and sometimes help my Mom make clothes for my sister and me, so I was introduced to the art of creating by my Mom. In fact I wanted to be a Fashion Designer. It wasn’t until I enrolled in a figure drawing class in college that I wanted to be an artist. I became lost in the lines and colors I created and was hooked.

Where do you find inspiration for your illustrations?

My inspiration for the stories I write and the images I create comes from the world around me. A golden sky at sunrise, a casual comment from a child, or something I might see on T.V. or the Internet that sparks my imagination and makes me want to ask ‘what if’, that’s when I become inspired.

What has been your biggest challenge as a children’s picture book illustrator?

My biggest challenge is trying to illustrate the mood of a character. I am constantly asking myself what my character is feeling, how would he or she look or react in certain situations because I want readers to be able to “read” my images and relate to the characters.

Do you have some news you want to share with dandelion moms?

Yes! I am excited to announce that my first picture book “Clarence and the Traveling Circus” written by Melissa Northway will be out soon. Also, I am currently working on writing and illustrating my own picture book about Princess Lucy who has sibling issues, it seems her little sister gets Everything! And also in the works is a painting for The Sacred Art Show based on a young adult novel “Sacred” by Elana K. Arnold.

More of Carolyn’s work:

To see my art please visit me at carolynle.com. And for more information about “Clarence and the Traveling Circus” visit melissanorthway.com. To see paintings for the show visit Elana K. Arnold Facebook page.