Feature Illustrator - Andrew McIntosh

March 20th, 2019

Andrew McIntosh is a part time digital illustrator from Melbourne, Australia. Ever since Andrew can remember, he has had a pencil and paper on hand. He started his artistic career in the video games industry focusing on Pixel art, 3D modelling and UI design. In his spare time, Andrew paints whimsical characters and scenes which are greatly inspired by nature. Since 2015, Andrew has pursued his aspiration to illustrate children's books and hopes to write one of his own in the future.

We asked him 10 quick fire questions so you can get to know him a bit better.

When did you decided you wanted to become an illustrator, what prompted this?

I have always drawn, and always wanted to make a career out of it. About 6 years ago I really started to get in to finish digital painting. A couple of years later I tried to get some work illustrating children’s book

What was your favourite childhood book?

Jane and the Dragon - I read this about 50 times when I was a child.

If you could tell your younger self any advice, what would it be?

Don't give up. Draw something every day, even if you are not happy with it.

How did you come up with the character designs?

My personal character designs typically come to me just before I fall asleep. I don't go looking for them, they come to me. My professional characters are inspired by my own work, and the work of every other artist that I admire. There are lots of attempts before I find the balance I am happy with.

How has your background and location shaped your work?

I am not sure. I am extremely lucky to have been raised in Australia where economically I have been given a lot of access to materials and software, and opportunity to spend time practicing.

Are there any people who you think have helped or inspired you to improve as an artist?

There are too many to list. I have worked along side many inspiring artists, and spend a lot of time browsing art on the internet. Whenever I see a wonderful piece of art, I feel inspired to keep practicing in hope of creating something as good.

What is your working process?

I typically sketch with pencil and paper. When I have some rough designs I transfer them to the computer where I refine it in Photoshop. After that I work on the colour layers, followed by lighting. Lighting is important to me for making my illustrations look the way they do.

If you didn’t illustrate, what would you do instead?

That is a frightful idea. I absolutely love illustrating. If that way taken away, I would probably work with other medium like clay or wood. Whatever it is, it would certainly be something creative.

What’s been your favourite feedback?

Hearing about children who have loved the books I have worked on, story and illustration.

Finally, give us a fun fact about yourself that nobody knows!

Years ago some friends and I climbed Mount Fuji through the night and watched the sunrise from the top.

See www.goodnightstarry.com for more details and fun activities!

Visit http://andrewmcintoshart.deviantart.com/ for more artwork by Andrew.
Facebook
Instagram

Goodnight Starry

Say goodnight to the Earth and amazing members of her celestial family with this beautiful bedtime story book.

Budding stargazers will discover how each of the planets and other objects in the solar system watch over them each and every night, and explore a little about what makes each member of the Earth's family so very, very special.

find out more

Share this article...

Tags: children, art, kids, kidslit, picture book, publishing, self publishing

Comments (0)

No comments have been submitted yet.
Why not be the first to send us your thoughts

Thank you for your comments,
they will appear shortly once approved.

TOPICS

The Indie Author series Author Interview Guest Post Video Authors Illustrators New Releases

Feature Illustrator - Andrew McIntosh

Goodnight Starry

Comments (0)

Leave A Comment