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Q&A: Tomekah George, début illustrator
Début illustrator Tomekah George speaks to Natasha Onwuemezi about creating a book for the first time, and her illustration for this week’s copy of The Bookseller.
Début illustrator Tomekah George’s first project is illustrating picture book Becoming Brave for Little Tiger. Written by Jennie Cashman Wilson for children aged four to seven, Becoming Brave explores the relationship between Cashman Wilson and her late husband, critically acclaimed jazz musician Abram Wilson. George spoke to Natasha Onwuemezi about the process of creating a book for the first time, and her illustration for this week’s copy of The Bookseller.
What was your experience of illustrating a book for the first time?
Becoming Brave is based on a true story, so I was concerned with getting the right tone and artwork to bring both characters to life in a way that felt authentic. As someone who tends to work on projects with short deadlines, I enjoyed building a world within the book, working on a more extended project and seeing ideas change and improve over time.
What was your process, and how did your ideas come to life?
I started by reading an outline of Jenny’s beautiful story and created a test spread based on a small section. Those early pages led to a lot of the visual language present throughout the pages of the picture book. As the book progressed, I listened to a lot of jazz music and created textures and motifs that reflected the sounds of the instruments.
How would you describe your art style, and how has it developed?
I enjoy an eclectic mixture of processes, such as printmaking, collage and bold colour. Over the years, I’ve kept my process quite experimental and fun, and that’s enabled me to carve an art style that I enjoy working in and can adapt to a range of materials and commercial projects.
What has your illustration career been like thus far?
I took a risk trying to pursue a career as an illustrator. I’m so grateful for the experiences and work from clients who have trusted and supported my work from around the world. I’ve been able to work on various projects, from animation to ceramics and now a picture book. Working as an illustrator is still a dream come true, and I have so many ideas and future projects I would love to see come to fruition.
How did you come to work with Little Tiger?
I’ve been very fortunate with timing, sharing my work online, and advice and support from other illustrators. A mixture of the three led to my fantastic designer and editor finding my illustrations on Twitter and commissioning me. I think publishing is a very rewarding but sometimes lengthy process. Working with Jenny and the Little Tiger team was a brilliant experience. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive team, which is essential when working with a new format while illustrating your first kids’ book.
Thank you for your illustration for this issue of The Bookseller (above). Could you explain the concept behind it?
The illustration shows a cityscape with different pens and books. It’s a nod to the new and diverse stories waiting to be found in the magazine and, I guess, publishing as a whole.
Becoming Brave, illustrated by Tomekah George, is written by Jennie Cashman Wilson and will be published by Little Tiger on 3rd August (£12.99, 9781838914646).
