Illustrator Interview

Illustrator Interview -- Guy Francis

May 2004

Guy Francis lives in Provo, Utah, with his wife Lorien and four children. He studied illustration at Brigham Young University. For the past ten years he has done a variety of work, including editorial illustration, children's books, and animation. His most recent book is MARY HAD A LITTLE HAM, by Margie Palatini. He spends most of his time drawing, painting, and drawing some more. Every now and then he gets out of the house and heads to the mountains with family.


1--Why did you decide to become an illustrator?

I knew I wanted to draw pictures, but not the kind that hang on walls. You know, the kind for books. Then someone told me that was an illustrator, so I thought, Great! I want to be one of those!


2--Who is your favorite character that you have drawn or written about?

Stanley Snoutowski, the Broadway pig, who made his debut in Mary Had a Little Ham, by Margie Palatini.


3--If you could change one thing about being an illustrator, what would it be?

Some jobs pay the bills, but the subject matter isn't what I would choose. It would be nice if every job was that dream job, but that's just not the way it goes.


4--Do you remember the very first piece of art that you worked up?

I did a lot of drawing clear back to the fourth grade, but my first paying job as an illustrator was an editorial illustration for WordPerfect Magazine. This was while I was in college.


5--Who are your favorite illustrators?

Scott Gustafson, Peter DeSeve, Brett Helquist, Baroness Maryn Roos, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Dr. Seuss. The list goes on.


6--Do you have any specific goals as an illustrator?

Well, there's always the Caldecott, but if that doesn't work out, it would be nice to at least have my picture in the encyclopedia when I am dead.


7--What was your favorite book as a child?

ANDREW HENRY'S MEADOW by Doris Burn


8--What are you working on now?
I just finished a picture book called SANTA'S KWANZAA by Garen Thomas, published by Hyperion Books for Children. It's scheduled for a Fall 2004 release. Now I'm working on the Ghostville Elementary series by Marcia Thornton Jones and Debbie Dadey (Scholastic), MRS. MCBLOOM, CLEAN UP YOUR ROOM! by Kelly S. DiPucchio (Hyperion) and Nick and Jack (Canum Entertainment). I have a few other things simmering in the pot, these are just the things burning.


9--Do you ever do projects about UT?

No. Um wait, uh, no.


10--What is the hardest thing about being an illustrator?

Staying an illustrator. Wondering when the next check is coming, keeping up with the deadlines, and getting away from the studio to spend time with the family. It would be nice to get out once in a while.

11--What is the easiest thing about being an illustrator?

The commute. I have two connecting flights (of stairs) to my basement studio. The dress code at the office is pretty casual. And I get to draw pictures for a living. What ould be better than that?


12--What good advice do you have for people who want to be illustrators?

Draw all the time. Build up a strong portfolio and find a market suited to your style. And draw all the time.