We are delighted to announce that 16 new illustrators have joined the ASA Style File, following the 2024 round of submissions.
Applications for illustrators wishing to be featured on the ASA Style File opened for submissions on 26 June and closed on 23 August 2024. This round of ASA Style File submissions have been assessed and curated by our expert assessors Dean Rankine and Anil Tortop, who shared their comments on the assessment process below.
The new illustrators (in alphabetical order) are:
Assessor Comments
While other kids wanted to be Firefighters or Police Officers all I’ve ever wanted to be was an Illustrator. I, apparently, drove my teachers nuts as a young kid because instead of reading the words on the page of a picture book I would get lost in the illustrations and get hung up on any inconsistencies. So what an absolute pleasure it was for me to assess this new bunch of Illustrators for the ASA Style File and to see that I’m not alone in getting lost in illustrations.
Truth be told, I didn’t like a couple of the Illustrators’ work that was submitted. But that doesn’t mean I’m right. I judge my own work pretty harshly. So, it goes to figure, that I judge other people’s work pretty seriously as well. And if you were one of the Illustrators who were unsuccessful this time ’round, for what it’s worth, I really do understand. The life of a professional Illustrator is filled with constant rejection. I encourage you to work on your craft and submit again. Remember, it’s a numbers game.
And to the successful illustrators – Thank you! Thank you for your exceptional work. Thank you for showing me your years of dedication and skill. I hope that having your work on the ASA Style File gives you all kinds of opportunities. And gives a wider audience a chance to get lost in your illustrations.
- Dean Rankine
It’s thrilling to see the diverse range of approaches showcased in applicants’ portfolios.
Some portfolios feature a variety of styles, which can be a topic of debate within the industry. I believe there is value in mastering different approaches, as long as the illustrator demonstrates confidence and proficiency in each style. Without this, the portfolio might look more like a collection of studies rather than a carefully curated selection.
For children’s books, key elements such as characters, their expressions and movements, backgrounds, moods, colours, consistency, and visual narrative are essential. While an illustrator might excel in certain areas, demonstrating skills across all these aspects can enhance the likelihood of being selected.
Today’s technology and trends might suggest that basic drawing skills are less critical for creating children’s illustrations. However, a strong foundation in drawing helps an illustrator make informed decisions that resonate more effectively with the audience. Therefore, revisiting the basics periodically, even if it feels repetitive, can be beneficial. Practising fundamental shapes or drawing still-life objects and landscapes can improve accuracy, composition, shading, and colouring. Similarly, engaging in life drawing can significantly enhance character development and movement skills.
Best wishes to all applicants, whether selected or not this time. Keep up the great work!
- Anil Tortop
About the Assessors
Dean Rankine is a Ledger and Stanley Award winning Illustrator, Comic Book Artist and Writer. His credits include; Simpsons Comics, Futurama, Rick and Morty, Invader Zim, The Riverdale Diaries : Starring Veronica, Oggy and the Cockroaches and more. He illustrated the Timmy the Ticked-Off Pony series, the Funny Thing Happened to Simon Sidebottom series, The Stuff Happens series, Brock the Croc and On the First Day of School. And he’s the Writer/Illustrator of Can You Find the Easter Bunny?, Mrs Snitch is a Witch and the Death Metal Emo Elves series.
Anil Tortop was born and raised in Turkiye. She moved to Australia in early 2011 and has been trying to get used to the local eight-legged house intruders and slithering visitors to her garden ever since.
Anil also worked as an animator but has been called away from this affair as her relationship with children’s books becomes more serious.
With a fondness for the “undo” button, she primarily works digitally to create professional work.
In their small home studio at Springfield Lakes, Anil and her husband are playing “Children’s Booksmithing” at Tadaa Book — at least when they are not playing hide&seek with their little daughters.