What inspired you to pursue writing/illustrating?

I’ve always loved drawing since I was a child. I drew lots, I liked creating little animal characters and coming up with ideas for stories. Throughout school, I loved art and enjoyed capturing the world around me on paper.

 

What do you love most about the work you do?

I’m currently working as a farmer for a charity supporting vulnerable adults. I love that I can also illustrate alongside my job, and also use it within my job, whether it’s doing displays, promoting our farm produce or making cards for the farm shop.

 

What was your first job? Was it related to the work that you do now? 

My first job was in a haberdashery shop with some lovely ladies that were brilliant craftspeople. I enjoy working with textiles and fabrics. I also enjoy using texture in my illustration work, and even though I now mainly work digitally, I still love creating physical collages and enjoy the tactile nature of working with physical materials.

 

What’s your favourite thing to do in your free time, outside of work? Any hobbies or other interests?

I love the Yorkshire countryside, the fields and hills and sheep. I enjoy walking and exploring new places with friends.

 

Did you like reading a child? If so, do you have a favourite childhood book?

I still absolutely love reading children’s books! My favourites when I was younger were The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake. I also loved Richard Scarry’s books for their characters, details and humour.

 

Anna’s latest illustrated book with Hungry Tomato is the fantastic Seasons. A beautiful, engagingly fresh look through each of the four seasons and their effect on the natural world. With such beautiful illustrations, it’s sure to become a bookshelf favourite! To view more of Anna’s fantastic illustrations, visit her website at https://www.annanorman.com