Get to Know Amanda Enright

How was your experience creating the illustrations for The Sloth and the Dinglewot?

The story is so magical, and it was important for me to capture this in the illustrations.
I also wanted the artwork to reflect the rhyming style of the story with lots of movement, colour and sense of excitement, magic and adventure.


When did you decide you wanted to work on children’s books?

I remember as a child loving picture books and getting lost in the illustrations, so it was always a natural direction for me and my dream job!


What’s your process like? Is it entirely digital?

I tend to sketch everything on the computer these days (which saves a lot of paper!) Colour is so important to me so I often start with colour roughs as this helps me visualise the world and characters and the overall look of the book. Once I'm happy with the colours I will work more on the characters and sketch expressions, poses etc.

The Dinglewot sketch and colours were almost spot on straight away and didn't really change too much from the first sketch to finals. For Samuel I researched lots of photos of sloths so I could draw him and all the other sloths in lots of different positions.

Do you have any routines or rituals when you work?

My usual routine during the week is getting the children off to school, taking my dog for a walk and then getting on with work before picking the children up.

Working from home I can be very flexible, which works really well for me (especially with two children).  Sometimes I get up really early to work before everyone wakes up and other days I work late at night.


Are there any artists and illustrators that particularly inspire you?

I'm constantly inspired (and overwhelmed!) by so many incredible Illustrators and artists. I particularly love vintage books as I think they take me back to my childhood.


What are the biggest challenges of your work?

Illustrating a book I feel very responsible to do the best possible job for the client and author, sometimes it takes time, particularly with a picture book like The Sloth and the Dinglewot. Having good art direction is so important.

I guess the challenge really is working alone so getting feedback from clients and art directors really helps. Its good to see the artwork freshly through someone else's eyes. working alone is a constant conversation with myself and questioning what I'm working on, so feedback is invaluable.


How do you relax?

I relax with my children and dog, walking, days out and spending time with family and friends.