Innovating by using non-digital techniques
- Emmelie illustrates children's books and has authored one of her own
- To her, illustration does not have to be right, but interesting
- She works with watercolour and pencils on paper
Emmelie Salomonsson says the moment when she decided to become an artist took place around the age of eight. Learning to draw with the help of her sister, also an artist, she first tried fine art and painting. They never felt quite right to Emmelie. After finding her niche when studying at KMD University, in Bergen in Norway, Emmelie became fascinated by picture books, and there was no turning back. Complex picture books began to develop, books in which the rough side of life is also shown and explored. "Sugar coating is unnecessary and children can handle more than we think," says Emmelie. Mastering innovative watercolour techniques and drawing inspiration from children and their games, she published her first picture book Mika and Mille – The magic mobile phone in 2020, when she also opened up her workshop.
Interview
- How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?
- I use watercolour and coloured pens on paper, unlike many artists who have gone digital. It feels that handmade has become innovative. I do not think too much when I illustrate, it is more of an 'outside the box' meditation, in which I can play with compositions and characters.
- What do you love most about your profession?
- Imagination has no limits. It does not need to be correct, just interesting. I like being around children and being inspired by them to draw and make up stories. A picture book has to do more than just translate the text. Although pictures and texts need to work together, a picture can say more than the text.
- Could your craft be considered in danger?
- Very much so. AI-picture books are already on the market. Nowadays, everything seems to be done quickly and cheaply. Hopefully publishers and readers understand the value of quality illustration and the amount of work needed – research, storylines, sketches...
- What would you suggest to a young illustrator?
- Draw! A lot! Every day. Make a portfolio and keep on getting better. E-mail every publisher you want to work with. And do not be sad when you do not get replies or get a negative one. They will come. Just keep going and practise even more.
Emmelie Salomonsson is a rising star: she began her career in 2020
Works
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Emmelie Salomonsson
