Meet Julie Downing | Children’s Book illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie Downing and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, why did you pursue a creative career?

Illustrating books combines so many elements that interest and inspire me. As a child, I was a huge reader and I loved stories: in books, in movies, and even family stories told by a variety of relatives. I loved immersing myself in the world of the characters in my favorite stories.

My love of art came later. I have always loved to draw, but I was never the best artist in the class. I didn’t really think about making a living drawing until I was thinking about college. I applied and got into the Rhode Island School of Design and decided  they may have mixed up my application with someone else, so I better go! I took a children’s book illustration class in my sophomore year. I discovered a field that combined all the things I loved. As an illustrator I am a casting director, set designer, and costume designer. I get to tell visual stories and I can draw and paint. It was a perfect fit.

Forty five books later, I still love what I do. Illustrating books is like figuring out a complex puzzle. There are so many different pieces that go into creating an illustrated picture book. I find each new book a challenge. Sometimes the process in frustrating, but it is never boring.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always been a traditional watercolor painter. I love the unpredictability of watercolor. However, sometimes that unpredictability is difficult when you need to make changes. About 5 years ago I began experimenting with a traditional, digital hybrid. I render everything traditionally, with watercolor and colored pencil, and combine it in photoshop. This new technique allows me flexibility as well as an ability to combine different materials and textures. I often create handmade textures using a variety of mediums and combine the textures with watercolors.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love living in San Francisco, although my favorite spot is right out San Francisco about an hour north. Point Reyes is a National Seashore and there are dozens of hiking trails. I like taking visitors here for a hike and then lunch at Tony’s Seafood. The restaurant serves the best fresh oysters I’ve ever had. It’s the perfect post hike meal.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents were incredibly supportive and encouraged me to follow my interest. And I have been incredibly lucky to be supported by a number of my fellow illustrators and editors. The whole process of creating a book is a collaborative project. Your work is not created in a vacuum and it literally takes a village to make a book.

Website: www.juliedowning.com

Instagram: juliedowning

Facebook: juliedowning

Image Credits
Lorenz Angelo Author photo Image 1: Hello Sun, Holiday House Books Image 2: Night in the City, Holiday House Books Image 3: Hello Moon, Holiday House Books Image 4: Lotus and Feather, Disney Hyperion