Interview: Hayley Wells

Why did you choose to enter this work?
This book is my first as both author and illustrator so I am especially proud of creating it.

What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
I love the little yellow creatures because they're so much fun to draw! They're simple but expressive and they add a lot of humour to the narrative.

What excites you most about being shortlisted?
It's great to have my work recognised alongside so many creative, talented, dedicated illustrators.

Where do you usually work?
I work from a small studio space in my home and sometimes my local coffee shop if I'm using my iPad.

How long did it take to complete your project?
From conception to publication, the whole project took about four years, but the artwork itself took about two months.

What is your dream commission?
I would love to illustrate an edition of my favourite book, Watership Down, or, failing that, book jackets for classic sci-fi novels.

What’s your favourite thing to draw?
I love drawing people and nature – sadly neither of these really appear in The More Monster!

What is your best tip for other illustrators?
Trust in yourself and keep going. Receiving criticism can be emotionally challenging but ultimately it will help your work improve and you'll develop a thicker skin.

What are your plans for the future?
I'm working on a few exciting projects due to be published next year, as well as developing ideas for a new picture book about extraterrestrial life.


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