Artist interview: Jenny Kalejs II — discover art’s “potent magic” and more

June 4, 2024 — After my first interview with Jenny Kalejs, illustrator of How Happy Is a Lark?, of course I thought of more questions. As mentioned in the first interview blog post, here’s part two with more of her endearing and enlightening answers.

1. What was your illustration style for How Happy Is a Lark? What influenced your decision on a style to use (if relevant)?

For the Lark art, I would generally sketch something in pencil, paint in watercolor over it (I use a really simple little portable kit), and then create bold outlines and details using black pen (Staedtler “pigment liner” of various sizes, to be exact). At heart I’m an illustrator more than a painter, so the hybrid style of drawing + filling in with paint allowed me the control to add subtle detail (like facial expressions) while maintaining the wispy whimsy of watercolor. 

2. What other mediums do you work with when you create?

In addition to watercolor, I paint with oils and acrylics. Lately I’ve been using oil pastels a lot, which I love because 1.) it’s as easy as busting out a box of crayons, and 2.) they create a chunky texture that I’m really into right now.

Informally, I draw all the time — in notebooks, on sticky notes, in the margins of junk mail envelopes, even on the bathroom mirror (using dry erase marker - try it!). 90% of my drawings are just for fun, but you never know when a random doodle will take root and grow into a style or idea to further explore. 

3. How do you get into the mindset to create? 

I’m compelled to create nearly all the time. When I find a thing beautiful or eloquently said or funny or moving, my instinct is to interpret that source of inspiration and honor it — or add to it — through some kind of artistic documentation. That process comes very naturally to me and massively enhances my delight in being alive. It’s also why I like simple pen and paper drawing so much — the accessible unfussiness of drawing protects it from my tendency to overthink and get in my own way. Almost invariably, my art I like best is stuff I’ve done off the cuff without planning all the spontaneity out of it.

It’s a little different when I’m creating art professionally. I still love the process of making art with my own two hands, but there are more calculations when working to meet a client’s parameters. In these cases, getting into the mindset to create means taking the time to thoroughly review the request, sketching some initial ideas, and then — simple as it sounds — getting my little art station all set up with the supplies I’ll need. That’s a hot tip for getting into the mindset to create: make it easy to reach for your materials of choice! 

4. Do you have any tips for children (or others) who are interested in pursuing a career in illustration? 

Make art because you love to make art! The more art you make, the more keenly you’ll develop a style that feels like you. My career in illustration started kind of accidentally because people in my life knew that I made art and thought of me when they saw professional opportunities for which I seemed naturally suited. Once you build up a little momentum, it’s easier to get the next thing. But stay true to that style that feels like you because it’s what motivated you in the first place, and there’s potent magic in that. And if you keep that up, who knows, someday your colleague-over-the-cubicle-wall might find out you’re an artist and (graciously) ask you to collaborate on her very special picture book. :-)

I love that ending! If you have any questions for Jenny, please send them through this website’s contact page. A sidenote is that Jenny recently designed bookmarks and postcards for me. They’re outstanding and fun! If you visit me at an upcoming book event (listed on the homepage), I’ll have them there.  ‘Til Tuesday. 

In case you missed it, read the previous blog post, Artist interview: Jenny Kalejs, Lark illustrator, blessed with early art spark

If you’re in the Chelsea area, I’ll be at the Chelsea District Library’s Local Author Fair 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Thursday, June 13, selling and signing books. They make a great gift for baby showers. 

Image: courtesy Jenny Kalejs. Credit John Den Uyl