Interview with illustrator Andy Geppert
In March this year, Andy exhibited his illustrations for the first time at the Sweets Workshop in Sydney. He also has a range of gift cards and prints available – check his website for stockists.
How have you got to where you are today?
I began illustrating a visual dairy for Lani, my daughter, about 3 years ago. Mostly so I could remember the perfectly innocent way she viewed the world.
A work friend spotted some of my illustrations and shared a story that he’d been developing. Twelve months later and after following the standard publishing route, we decided to self-publish and self promote our books. To us it didn’t matter if we only sold 1 copy – we just wanted to finish something we’d started.
After it was announced as a joint Crichton Award winner, we received distribution and have now sold around 3,000 copies Australia wide. From there I have been happily dealing with a handful of boutique outlets/galleries around Australia who stock and sell some of my prints for children’s rooms.
In a few words, describe yourself…
I am a little bit of a perfectionist – which is good and bad, sometimes my work carries too much detail, which is completely lost when printed. Hours that probably could have been saved.
Some of my friends think that I look like a chimp. I am also a very positive person, and besides, who doesn’t like monkeys!
What are you spending your time on at the moment?
I generally have a few things on the go at once. Tonight I am halfway through a baby peacock. And I have also have embarked on my next book project which will eventually be an animated e-book.
Do you have a ritual for getting into the creative mindset? Or a creative process?
Yes when I can, I spend some free time at my favourite coffee shop with a blank pad. There I often read Dumbo Feather or Frankie. The interviews in these magazines are always about everyday people pursuing their dreams.
Also a skype chat every once in a while with a photographer friend in NY always helps me think big.
What or who inspires you?
With out a doubt, my 5 year old daughter Lani. She has the most amazing imagination.
I am constantly in awe at how her young mind collides things together and turns ordinary objects into fantastical creatures. Adult lives would be so much more fun if we viewed the world like children do.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of our first children’s book The Little Big Tree.
After 12 months worth of late nights, to be nominated for, then jointly win for the Crichton Award, was an achievement beyond our wildest dreams. It made all the red eyes worth while and still today that recognition keeps us going.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A wildlife ranger, a dolphin trainer or a fighter pilot (every boy wanted to be the last one right?)
