Author Interview

Illustrator Interview -- Sherry Meidell

June 2, 2004

herry Meidell and her husband have raised snakes, dogs, iguanas and five sons in West Bountiful, Utah. She is a member of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Utah Watercolor Society. She loves to illustrate Picture Books. Her first one was "The ABC's of Uniforms and Outfits" by Barbara Williams published in 1992. She recently finished, packaged and mailed off to Boyds Mills Press, "The Great Grape Problem" by Mary Lou Carney. This should be hot off the presses Spring 2005.


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

The decision to become an illustrator has been a life long journey. Reading books and looking at illustrations are some of my first memories. I can still picture in my head the illustrations from my first books. I loved visiting my Grandparents' house and staring at the great illustrations on "The Saturday Evening Post" covers. I loved taking paper and pencil in hand and creating something.

While working as a commercial artist in Salt Lake for Ralph Butler and Associates (it was just me and Ralph, I must have been "the Associates"), I wrote a story and made a book dummy for my little sister. That led me in a search to learn more about illustrating picture books and writing for children.

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

There is an old couple who live on this farm and have too much work. They are seeking a home in a picture book but so far it has been too much work for an illustrator to handle.


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

It can be very lonely work.


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

In the fifth grade we were going to have a visitor from the publisher of Dr. Seuss. We had the assignment to draw our favorite Dr. Seuss character. I drew the South Going Zak. The artwork was held up in the front of the class and admired by the representative of the publishing house. I still have it in my file.

5--Who are your favorite illustrators?

I love the illustrations by N. C. Wyeth and Norman Rockwell. My favorite children's book illustrators are Jerry Pinkney and Charles Santore.


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

The exciting part about illustrating is that there is always something else to learn, always another goal to reach. I would love to have the illustrations from a book accepted into the New York Society of Illustrators Original Art Show.


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

Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss


8--What are you working on now?

"The Great Grape Problem" by Mary Lou Carney to be published by Boyds Mills Press. Two more double page spreads to go and then I'm mailing it off.


9--Do you ever do projects about UT?

"When Pioneer Wagons Rumbled West" by Christine Graham was about getting to Utah


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

Learning from and learning to live with criticism


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

You schedule your own time so it is very flexible. If I want to go running or take a bike ride in the sun I can, unless I've got a horrible deadline breathing down my neck.


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

Get into the sketchbook habit. Carry it around with you and sketch the people and places and critters you see. It is a great resource for ideas and a great way to hone your talent.

For more about Sherry, check out her website at  www.sherrymeidell.com.