How do you write for children?

I don’t try and write for for children on purpose- I just do what is natural to me and what I like or find interesting. I have never really lost touch with my inner child. I love day dreaming, and seeing the magic and joy in everything big or small. I think there is a big difference between being childish and childlike. All children are naturally inquisitive and open to new ideas- I think that those are wonderful qualities to have and a great shame most lose this as they journey through life. I like to create characters and narratives that are familiar, but to inject absurdity and things out of context to create interesting discord that can be enjoyed, and then thought about.

What inspires you in your daily life?

Anything. Tiny little things, or big things. It could be a pattern on some socks, a funny phrase that somebody says in conversation, a shop window display, the shape of a stone, the colour palette of a dress, interesting use of typography on a TV show. Inspirational stuff exists in abundance- you just have to be open to see it.

I am inspired by individual designers, illustrators and people who make things. After looking on social media platforms, I can be regularly found cowering on the floor rocking backwards and forwards, feeling overwhelmed at how amazingly creative and productive people are.

Have you always been creative?

I can’t remember a time when I didn't draw and make stuff. I still have all my drawing books and storybooks I made when I was little. I loved being able to create stuff that was in my head- it was (as still is) such an amazing thing when an idea or thought transforms into some sort of real and tangible from. My mum says at school she was taken aside by the head teacher who told her she had never seen a child so young being able to colour in as well as I did... so I guess I was destined to be a professional colourer-inner.

How do you maintain your creativity?

I have to make stuff and be creative otherwise I get depressed. It is something I just have to do. I am rubbish at relaxing.. relaxing makes me nervous. I always have lots of different projects on the go... illustration, writing, upholstering a lampshade, punch needle, knitting, designing products, interior design, making a wool rug in the shape of a giant turtle. I think working in lots of mediums is good as they feed off each other and make you look at things in different ways. I can't understand it when people say they are bored- there are so many things I want to make and do and only one lifetime to do everything.

Do you have any advice for illustrators and writers who are just starting out?

Be persistent and true to yourself. The best thing you have got going for you is the fact that you are you. That is something that no one else has got. It is your unique selling point. Nurture and relish in that. As by working against that means your work won't have integrity and it won't make you truly happy- and what’s the point of that?! It is fine to be inspired and influenced by others- but you need to make it your own. Use your own creative voice.

Listen to advise of people you trust and not just to everyone who has an opinion. If you try listen and please everyone then it just wont work. Believe in yourself and be resilient. The creative world is very competitive, you need to find your own way and not be put off by rejections (which you will get!) Try not to take rejections to heart (which is hard I know, as if you are a creative person you are likely to be sensitive too... so this is a tough one). It may just be that you saw the wrong person, at the wrong time, and not because you or your work are not good enough. But on the flip side- don't be arrogant and don’t ignore feedback from experienced people, as this can be very off-putting. Always be open to how you can improve your work- try and be objective and be honest with yourself. Don't let your pride get in the way. Be a nice person, nobody want to work with someone who isn't nice to be around.

Be determined. You will constantly be told that the market for children's books is completely over saturated and competitive. When you are told this, nod your head politely and ignore it. You will need to carve out your own niche space in this industry- which is hard work but completely possible. You have to constantly teeter the fine line of self belief and the utterly delusional. It is a strange existence- but much better that having a proper job.

If you want to creative career to get rich... you can! But it won't necessarily be money rich, but rich in so many other ways.. happiness, fulfillment and passion. Which in my opinion is worth way more. You can earn lots of money in a creative job- but this should not be the driving force. You just have to figure out what is important to you and go for it.