Stormy Seas, Shape-shifting Creatures & Picture Books
summary
Self taught web and UX designer pivots to tangible picture books by rebuilding a portfolio around childhood‑specific motifs and hunting publishers at Frankfurt and Bologna then landing an agent and commissions, producing 24 picture books (4 authored) that get translated and win awards including the Judges’ Special Award at the 2023 KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards. Work uses Wacom and textured digital brushes to emulate physical media, spawns apps, school events and a library exhibition, and proves the portfolio‑first approach actually works.
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chapters (14)
- 0:00Picture book creation journey
- 1:30Growing up in Irish storyland
- 7:30The Vanishing Lake inspiration
- 10:21Reading The golden hair
- 20:55UX design to storytelling
- 25:57Inspiration in physical storytelling
- 29:05Picture book publishing
- 33:39Portfolio from passion
- 38:15Books from childhood dreams
- 42:27UX in picture books
- 51:20Letters from young readers
- 53:48Children’s book recommendations
- 54:08Reading Fox and Sun Tailors
- 1:01:55Final thoughts and Irish word
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