Craig Shuttlewood Book Signing

18th February 2014: Book Signing Today! Yellow House illustrator Craig Shuttlewood is going to be signing copies of his first children's book 'Who's in the Tree that Shouldn't be?', published by Templar, at 'Under the Greenwood Tree' in Clapham, 11.30 am.

Craig jokingly says he's "not sure what to expect but is going armed with a stand-up penguin, masks and sheets for children to colour in" and that if he gets heckled he may 'never recover'!

Other book signing events are in the pipeline. We asked Craig for an insider's view to illustrating children's books and how he feels about his first book being published:

1. ‘How does it feel to have your work published as a children’s book for the first time?’

Great! I have worked on many illustration projects but this is a first - a complete book, nicely printed with my name on the front! 

2. ‘What was the most unexpected thing about the whole process?’

In terms of the artwork itself the flaps were certainly a leaning curve and setting up the artwork correctly was challenging. Also, I did not expect to be asked to do events!

3. ‘What was the most enjoyable aspect?’ (and the least?!)

Most enjoyable is having the actual book in my hand - something tangible that will be on shop shelves and enjoyed by children (and hopefully parents).

Least enjoyable aspect is waiting to find out if everything will go ahead!

4. ‘What would your dream project be?’

I definitely want to continue creating books but I would also like to create a range of images that have multi use - for example, cards, stationery, wrap and packaging.

Also, to work on a big campaign that has real presence i.e. on buses, outdoor display as well as online and in print.

5. ‘Who is the client you would like to work with the most, if you have one?’

There is not one client in particular and big names are not necessarily the best to work with. It would be nice to see a range in big name stores like M&S or John Lewis in the future.

6. ‘What is your hot tip on the survival guide to being an illustrator?’

You need to be versatile and follow up on opportunities. Also have an online presence and use those social channels to build your audience. Selling prints and original art also helps.

7. ‘If you were given complete free rein, what would your next book be?’

Essentially something amazing that would be respected and translated into many languages. A classic like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Tiger Who Came for Tea, Where The Wild Things Are or The Gruffalo! I have several ideas I hope to develop so will see where they take me.

8. ‘What have you learnt from the experience?’

It is important to have patience and manage time effectively when working on different projects at once. Im not the most organised mind so it can tricky to get the balance right!

....and the final spread of this fun and colourful debut book by Craig Shuttlewood!