Nicole Tadgell
[JM] Illustrator or author/illustrator? If the latter, do you begin with words or pictures?
[NT] Illustrator!
[JM] Where are you from/have you lived and how has that influenced your work?
[NT] I was born in Detroit, but have lived in Texas, New York and Massachusetts
[JM] Tell us a little of your beginnings and journey as an artist.
[NT] I was always a shy kid, and drawing was both fun and an escape. I always loved pictures – both creating and looking at them, and never got bored or tired of picture books. WhenI was in college, I did a series of sequential images that reflected my interest in comics and storytelling. It was around that time I realized I wanted to become an illustrator. After graduation, I got involved in graphic design, and worked toward illustrating books on the side.
[JM] What is your preferred medium to work in?
[NT] Watercolor
[JM] Can you share a piece or two for us, maybe from recently released ASTRONAUT ANNIE, and the process of creating them?
[NT] I pretty much follow the same process for each book: Research, rough sketches, final pencils, final color.
[JM] What is your favorite spread from ASTRONAUT ANNIE and why?
[NT] Hard to choose a favorite! Maybe the end scene with Annie in outer space. It was unusual and unique because I had never painted an astronaut before.
Cover of Astronaut Annie
[JM] Which book do you remember buying with your own money as a kid?
[NT] Probably from the “Dragonriders of Pern” series when I was a teenager.
[JM] What does your workspace look like?
[NT] When I worked on Annie, this was my workspace.
[JM] Do you have themes or characters that you keep returning to?
[NT] If I do, it is unintentional!
Five Fun Ones to Finish?
[JM] What’s your favorite park (state/urban..) in the world?
[NT] I don’t have a current favorite. I spent a lot of time at Spencer State forest when I had dogs.
[JM[ Cats or dogs?
[NT] Not anymore! Brandy and Boomer passed away many years ago.
Brandy and Boomer
[JM] Please recommend a coffee shop or restaurant for me to visit in your city!
[NT] Sawa Hibachi in Shrewsbury is fantastic!
[JM] What was your first paid job out of high school?
[NT] I worked at Friendly’s over the summer while in college.
[JM] Go to snack/drink to sustain your creative juices?
[NT] Mixed nuts
Coming Soon!Follow Me Down To Nicodemus Town by Alexandria LaFaye. Albert Whitman and Co. Forthcoming 2019.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Oh, I love her work. She draws with abandonment. I especially love the giggling Annie and the delightful expression on her face. I want to read because it focuses on pursuing your dreams, imagination and strong girls. Great interview!
Isn’t she so full of joy? I love that too.
Love the detailed & vibrant illustrations. I look forward to learning more about Astronaut Annie in your PPBF post tomorrow.
Yes, the illustrations are so full of life.