Meet Megumi Lemons

I am pleased to welcome illustrator Megumi Lemons to Karin Won’t Stop Talking for a fun interview.

Please discuss the mediums you use in your work.

I use acrylic paints most of the time, but recently I’ve started using acrylic gouache paints as well.  On the last couple of paintings I started with acrylic then built up successive layers with the acrylic gouache.  Most of the time I’ll put in some details in colored pencil or Caran d’Ache crayons at the end.  The textures you see in some of the paintings are created with molding paste or clear gesso.

How is it you discovered your artwork was better suited for children’s illustrations?

When I first started looking for freelance work I intended on becoming an editorial illustrator.  I sent samples out to different publishers and publications with a reply postcard that they could send back to me with some feedback.  I got several back that suggested that my style seemed more suited for the children’s market.  At that point I took a good hard look at my work and realized that they were right.  I’ve always loved children’s books and my personality is more suited for that niche.  Shortly after that I enrolled in a children’s book illustration class at Art Center and tried to learn as much as I can about the business.

Do you find your Japanese heritage plays a part in your style? And do you feel it is as widely accepted as “traditional” to the American society?

I think my heritage does influence my style.  My painting style doesn’t look like traditional Japanese art, but people have pointed out that when I paint children, they always look kind of Asian!  That being said, I think if you didn’t know my background, it wouldn’t be that easy to tell that I was Japanese based solely on my art.

If you could re-illustrate one children’s picture book what would it be and how would you make it different?

This is a really difficult question to answer!  It’s hard to imagine my favorite books with any other illustrations than the original.  It’s not a picture book, but I’ve always wanted to do some illustrations of Alice in Wonderland with my own twist on it.

You are a member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), how have they been helpful and a part of your journey?

Being a member of SCBWI has been invaluable.  I have learned so much from attending their conferences and workshops, as well as the networking opportunities.  I’ve also made many friends as a result of being a member.  It’s always great to have a group of people that you can bounce questions off of about the business, art techniques, etc.  It’s my support group!

What keeps you motivated to keep illustrating? Are your goals to become a children’s book illustrator or magazines?

I know it sounds like a cliché, but I keep illustrating because I need to.  Nothing makes me happier than when I’ve created something on what was once a blank piece of paper or canvas.  I’d like to illustrate both children’s picture books and magazines and am interested in licensing my work at some point.  I like writing as well, so writing and illustrating my own picture book is another goal.

What makes “Happy Ice” your favorite piece?

This is my favorite piece mostly because of the girl.  I really like the way she looks and the warmth of the expressions on her and the dog.  There’s also a lot going on – it tells a story.  It always gets a good reaction when people look at my portfolio.  I’m thinking about writing a picture book story about them.

If you could attend a conference or talk to young artists what advice would you give them?

I would tell them to learn as much as they can while they are in art school.  Use that time well, because once you’re out in the real world, time becomes a luxury.  I would also advise them to draw everyday and carry a sketchbook, to continue to sharpen your skills through workshops and classes.  You don’t stop learning after you graduate from school, it’s a lifelong process.  It’s also important to be aware of everything around you – movies, books, travel.  Have a curiosity about the world; you never know where something you’ve seen will inspire you!

To connect with Megumi and discover more of her illustrations please check out the following!

Website: www.megumilemons.com

Blog: www.megumilemons.blogspot.com

SCBWI: www.scbwi.org/MemberProfile.aspx?u=106319000288543

You can follow her on Facebook, where I was lucky enough to win a one of a kind illustration.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Megumi-Lemons-Illustration/112519345461985