Meet Erin Richardson | Children’s Book Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Richardson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Happiness, for me, is an inspired mission to create, to bring my art to life! Every day is a new adventure, and I’m on a quest, taking steps towards my goals, no matter how tricky or how long the journey might be. That’s when the magic of life starts to sparkle! I keep my eyes on why I must draw, focusing on the pure joy of doing what I love and knowing why I’m doing it. Happiness isn’t something you find; it’s something you are! It’s an inside job, a little spark within that lights up everything else.

As a kid, I was like a little sponge, soaking up the world around me. I quickly fell in love with the feel of paper and crayons, realizing I could create my own world, just the way I saw it! I love to make things, to evoke emotion and live authentically, learning all the time how I can share my vision. Whether it’s the gleam of light dancing on autumn leaves or the adorable roundness of a child’s chubby cheeks, I’m all about capturing those emotions and moving in the direction of being that which I came to be.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel my work is unique in the way I draw kids and people. Illustration is a highly competitive market, and it’s easy to get lost in the sea of illustrators trying to stand out. My approach is to do what I love, and I’ve stuck with that. I love character development with expression and emotion! I am at my best when I feel a heart connection to my characters, considering the environment they are in, what they must be experiencing. Adding special touches through texture, warmth in color palettes and adjusting camera angles makes my compositions that much more interesting.

I have taken the last three years to hone my portfolio and refine my skills from a fundamental basis, because my earlier work was ok but not stellar. I needed to self evaluate and determine where am I missing the mark? I had to figure out my process, I needed to find my own voice, and tune out what I thought others wanted from me. I learned so much in this way. One thing I have learned is set my work up against pro level art, and ask myself honestly, am I matching up to this level? And what can I do better? Then I make adjustments and continue working.

I was just given the honor of Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Featured Illustrator of the Month for September. This marks the level of skill and achievement I have worked very hard for. Last year, I won SCBWI Annual Calendar Contest, and this was so encouraging for me to continue, this was such helpful feedback! I realized this is my stamp on the world, and just continue on this thread.

To overcome challenges, I have learned less is more. I am in the Season of No this year. No to the things that don’t serve me, editing out extraneous tasks, less doom scrolling on social media. In doing this I have traveled light years in a much healthier direction, I have so much more confidence in putting myself out there. If I drift off in the weeds of anxious thought, or getting caught in the comparison trap, I practice kindness, I’d rather focus in a way that is beneficial and usually it means being kinder to the one in the mirror. From here, I can continue pointing my ship in the direction I intend to go! This takes daily practice, reminding myself of my Why. This usually gets me back on track.

This is my brand, I am an intentional illustrator. I was told I have the mind of an Art Director! This was a huge compliment. I care about the work I create. Practicing seeing through the lens of a camera, I try to consider all elements of the final work, and if it doesn’t feel right I am fine with scrapping what I have done and go back the the drawing board. I love the feeling when I have found that WOW factor, and collaborating with others in this discovery!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many delightful things about Colorado that I absolutely love. Where do I start? I would begin with a great hike up past Boulder, or the 14’er Mount Bierstadt near Golden! Some of my favorite restaurants are Fontana Sushi in Centennial, Cafe Prague, in Morrison, Elway’s for their Lamb Chop Fondue, Linger for their Street tacos in Highland Park. Then finish off with a Little Man Ice Cream cone while watching a live band on the outdoor patio! Fort Collins is my favorite place to visit, since this is where I grew up, and nothing beats Old Town, every little nook is packed with cozy reading spots, gorgeous architecture and lovely little shops. Stay in The Elizabeth, the most charming little hotel right in the heart of downtown! The service is amazing and their quaint little touches are unforgettable, from the guitar waiting to be picked up for a song, to the quirky murals on the walls. I feel so lucky to call Colorado my home. Being an artist, the local art shows are unforgettable… from art fairs in Steamboat, Cherry Creek Arts Festival, and The Art Walk on Santa Fe have been my favorites.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to recognize School of Visual Storytelling, SVS Learn www.svslearn.com Will Terry, Lee White, and Jake Parker, are working illustrators who developed an online platform as an alternative to traditional art school. The focus on illustration fundamentals has saved me so much time, allowing me to hone my portfolio where I needed it most. I highly recommend them to any artist looking to expand their illustration career. I’d also like to recognize Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) for their phenomenal support, resources, connections, and acknowledgements. I have received two awards (2024 Annual Calendar Contest, Featured Illustrator of the month, September 2024) to which I am so grateful.

Website: https://www.erinrichardsondesigns.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinrichardsondesigns21/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-richardson-172702202/

Twitter: https://x.com/ErinRicha65598

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.richardson.39142072/

Image Credits
Erin Richardson, Erin Richardson Designs