though, clearly more needs to be done and my experience is most likely down to the people I follow. I am excited that I might have the opportunity to contribute to this though.
“One of the biggest things I hear keep hearing is ‘growing up, none of the characters looked like me’. I think it’s important to have people creating the content, that it’s aimed at. My sister, Nova Reid, is working very heavily in the area of race and if anyone’s interested in deep diving, much more detailed resources on this topic can be found via her website and social media pages.”
Cory’s desire to be an illustrator stretches back to his childhood, and he says: “As clichéd as it sounds, I’ve always loved drawing and remember spending hours drawing nonsense
as a kid and then at school. I still laugh when my parents mention I used to draw characters with 10 fingers on one hand. I just take each day as it comes and make sure I’m constantly pushing my work.”
New ideas
And while Cory has come a long way since his characters with 10 fingers on each hand, he says he still enjoys the process of experimenting with his creations. Working on the books means Cory is now part of a creative team, and that means collaboration and an opportunity to test out new ideas.
“I always enjoy the concept phase, pulling lots of bits of reference together and coming up with new ideas,” says Cory. “The book world is still relatively new to me, but whenever I create work, I always start off by gathering LOTS of
reference and start by sketching what the main characters might look like. This then evolves into poses, facial expressions and eventually beginning to rough out the spreads. I’m happy to soak up all feedback along the way.”
The second and third instalments of the series will be released this month, with We’re off to find a fairy and We’re off to meet a mermaid. Each of the books includes diverse characters, and also features a strong message about endangered wildlife. PEN&INC.
l We’re off to find a unicorn 9781999762896; We’re off to find a fairy 9781913339005; We’re off to meet a mermaid 9781913339005; all by Eloise White and illustrated by Cory Reid from Owlet Press.
www.owletpress.com
34 PEN&INC.
Autumn-Winter 2020
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