Behind the Scenes - Olivia Villet

1st March 2012: Celebrating Olivia Villet as Artist of the Month. Take a look behind-the-scenes with this successful South African artist. Olivia graduated from Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, with a Honors Degree in Children’s Book Illustration in 1999 and won ‘Best Newcomer Award’ from Publishing News (7 April 2000) at The Bologna Book Fair in 2000. Olivia currently lives in the rather hot and humid region of Kwazulu Natal...thanks for the great feedback Olivia!

What's your favourite design/piece of work & why? A crocodile design I did for a businesscard. He gets drawn on everything now from envelopes to notebooks.

What's been your best-selling design or piece of work to date? I would have to say my children’s books. Chester’s Big Surprise (Bloomsbury 2000) (2001) Sissy Buttons Takes Charge (The Chicken House, 2002), There’s a Mouse in My House (Reader’s Digest Children’s Books, 2006) and three ‘Morris‘ books (HarperCollins, 2002,2003,2004). Monster Mess (Collins Big Cat, 2007), My Day My Way (Tango Books 2005)

Which part of the process do you like most? I love process! I work using a technique called gouache resist which involves drawing an image, painting in with gouache, covering the entire image with black India ink and then washing it off.

What would your dream project be? Working on a textile project. I would love to see my illustrations on fabric.

Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration? At the moment it’s a South African textile designer and illustrator, Heather Moore who works under the label of Skinny laMinx.

Which is your favourite Art House Licensing artist & why? Alex T Smith – his illustrations are quirky and fun. Also he draws a great crocodile and likes small dogs.

Which is your favourite Yellow House Art artist & why? (www.yellowhouseart.com – our sister site selling original artworks) Este Macleod – I love her colours and her slightly off perspective.

What's been your biggest mistake/cock-up?! Doing a home show that I expected to launch my range and finding out that the punters were there to buy mops not quirky gift wrap and cards!

What's on your drawing-board/ in your kiln / on your easel / etc. right now? I’m working on Christmas images for a retailer in South Africa at the moment. It’ll be the first time I get to see my images on such a large scale. Very exciting!

What is the last book you read? Marks out of 10? The Legacy by Kisten Tranter 7/10 & Red Riding Hood a Pop-up Book by Louise Rowe (published by Tango Books, 2009). It’s very pretty indeed! What is the last exhibition you went to? Oh goodness, it’s been too long! The last one that stands out is Gauguin at the Tate Modern and that was a 10/10.

If you could own a masterpiece, what would it be? A Matisse or a Gauguin

What’s your proudest achievement? Having my first book published! That feeling of euphoria when a well respected publishing house not only expresses interest but also wants to publish your work is unforgettable!

What’s been your biggest challenge? Juggling deadlines and two small children. A challenge isn’t a bad thing and it gives me the space to solve creative problems. Also, my children are a great source of creative fodder!

What’s your favourite thing about working with Art House Licensing? I’ve found everyone to be so supportive and positive. It’s wonderful to feel that you can do your own thing but should you need advice it’s just an email away.

See more of Olivia's current portfolio here, contact our agents Jehane & Sue to see more or to discuss your images needs...