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MEET ANGELA DOMINGUEZ
by Bonnie O'Brian

What is your earliest memory of writing/drawing?

Angela Dominguez

My earliest memory of drawing consisted of scribbling with my crayons underneath my family’s coffee table. I’ve been drawing since.  Drawing inspired the writing.

What inspired you to write/illustrate your first book?

I always knew I wanted to be an artist, and went to school to pursue a degree. At first, I toyed around with the idea of a designer and art historian, but my teachers at both Savannah College of Art and Design and Illustration Academy inspired me to become an illustrator. At graduate school, Academy of Art University, I realized the idea of illustrating books was the perfect match. I have always loved reading, and I realized I was always telling stories with my art.

What is the creative process like for you?

When I’m researching my characters and developing my book dummy, I spend a great deal of time at my local bookstores and libraries. I also spend countless hours drawing from life, and going outdoors for inspiration. I’m on the hunt trying to process what I think the character should look like. This stage can take quite awhile, but it is both necessary and exciting. It’s necessary. You shouldn’t have any lingering questions when you are going to the finish illustration.

Which was the exhibit or conference you will never forget ?

There are too many to name, but a few notable ones are the Wayne Thiebauld Exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in Dallas TX, the Andrew Wyeth exhibit in Savannah, GA, and Alex Kavensky during my first semesters in San Francisco. Also I adored the Mary Blair Exhibit back in 2007 at the Cartoon Art Museum,  and of course the Illustration Academy.  Oh, and an illustration exhibit at the Dahesh Museum of Art In New York (I sound very well traveled!)

What was your favorite Children's Book growing up?

MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS by Robert McCloskey, JAMES AND GIANT PEACH by Roald Dahl, TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS Lane Smith and Jon Sciezka, WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS by Shel Sliverstien

Who do you feel was the most brilliant illustrator or comic book artist of all time? 

It’s a four-way tie between Mary Blair, Mucha, Coles Philips, and Mark English.

Who do you feel was the most brilliant children’s book writer?

Authors:  E.B. White, Roald Dahl, and Dr. Seuss. They are just timeless and wonderful reads. I dare someone to try reading OH! THE PLACES YOU WILL GO! and not tear up.

Will you tell us about one thing that you read, watch or look at every day?

I have to laugh everyday so I look for anything that will make me chuckle.  Sometimes that’s listening to Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me, Conan O’Brien, or just watching the neurotic stray cat who has taken over my patio.  I also love being outdoor on a nice walk. It’s a constant source of inspiration.

What’s behind your best work?

I feel like my best pieces have sense of rhythm, groove/swagger, or bit of soul. It's something I always trying to capture in my finished pieces, and I can see in almost all of my drawings now. I give all my long term projects a soundtrack or a theme song. It sort of amps me up and helps establish a rhythm. Visually, I love mixing graphic elements with sort of more realistic rendering. I also want there to be sense of atmosphere and movement. In the end, the best compliment I can get is seeing a person smile when they see my artwork.

What do you like about children’s books?

I love children’s books because you are presented with two challenges. First, you have to build an entire world where the characters and story are taking place. Second, you have to make the artwork look effortless. If you don’t address both challenges, the book does not look sincere and lacks that spark. Also, I love making books that are not pretentious, but instead approachable and enjoyable to everyone. There is nothing more rewarding than making someone laugh, smile, or feel inspired.

What would you say to children who like to draw and who are thinking about becoming an children’s book illustrator/writer one day?

Learn as much as you can from museums, books, and classes. Be open to suggestions to your artwork, and understand that criticism is helpful.  Being a successful artist has less to do with talent, and more with passion, practice, and perseverance.