Tea parties and stuffed animals are very common themes in my illustrations. Even more common is the idea of small children in the company of by giant monsters. Children are small but they have big ideas. They constantly surround themselves with make-believe stories and imaginary characters, and that is how I like to draw them. Children also help to change the context of these pictures. If I just drew a giant grinning teddy bear or giant monster it might be considered negative and creepy, but by adding a happy child, the feeling changes. The monster becomes a protector, a friend. It takes on the air of a big brother or a guardian. This combination of big and small makes for a powerful emotional response. Like a gorilla playing with a kitten, it these gentle giants give off a feeling of fun, and peacefulness. I am planning to work on a few other illustrations like this, but with monsters actively protecting children form danger, bullies, or perhaps just other, less friendly monsters.
One of my hopes for after college is to find work illustrating children's books.
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