Five Questions with Illustrator Ella Gordon

 Ella Gordon is an illustrator based in Ōtautahi, New Zealand. She's been illustrating (and writing) stories since she could hold a pencil. Her first picture book was published in 2022 and since then she's illustrated more than 10 books! She's also had artworks displayed in Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, and other galleries overseas. You may have seen her books featured on Suzy's Book Corner, or at your local bookstore. 

What is your writing or illustrating day like? When and how do you create?


I create all the time! I try to be disciplined and work "normal" hours so, Monday to Friday, you'll find me working on picture book illustrations and other commissions from my studio (or somewhere equally as comfy) with my cats, and probably an audiobook in the background. I work digitally, but in the evenings and weekends, I love to create with other mediums, I love to write, paint with watercolours, and I just started lace tatting - basically, I love anything that lets me express myself creatively! 


Where do your best ideas come from? 

How do you develop them further?


Ideas come to me when I'm feeling present in something I enjoy. Whether it's walking down the beach, checking on my beehives, or even doing the dishes - I'm always daydreaming of stories and thinking of how I can best capture them in words, or illustrations.


What is the work you are most proud of so far? Why?


I illustrated Mr Darcy The Cat and The Matariki Glow last year and it's still the work I'm most proud of! The story is simply magical, I was so inspired by it from the moment I first read it. I snuck lots of tiny details into every illustration, so eagle eyes will find heaps of other stories within the story. I actually wrote a blog about the process of illustrating it, if you're interested


What is something you dream of achieving with your work?


On a professional level, I'm always trying to improve my art and my stories, and I think that happens slowly with each project I work on. I'm only at the start of my career, so it's exciting to dream of all of the things I'll achieve in years to come, but hearing that a book I've illustrated is someone's favourite bedtime story, or that it's inspired them to create their own art, is all I've ever really dreamed of!


What is one thing you would say to aspiring children’s writers or illustrators?


The world needs your stories! Maybe now more than ever I think we need stories that inspire and entertain tamariki, and us adults need good stories too! Writing and illustrating can be tough, but if you're doing it because you hope your stories will connect with someone out there, it's the most rewarding work.


Check out Ella's website https://www.egcreativesolutions.com

Follow Ella on Instagram e.g.creativesolutions




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