Happy Thursday Critters! Today we are joined by an incredibly talented author and illustrator. I’m a huge fan of her work— I love her compositions, details, and color palettes! And she also happens to be professor of illustration at my alma matter, Syracuse University. I can’t wait for all of you to check out all her books.
So without further ado, please welcome Ginnie Hsu!
Where do you live?
Upstate NY.
How many years have you been in publishing?
So far, two happy years. I am learning so much, and I am so grateful for the experiences.
How did you first get published?
My agent, Anne, told me someone was interested in having me illustrate a farm book! I love farms, and it was perfect. The Farm that feeds us was out last July, and it was one of the happiest days last year.
Do you write and illustrate full-time?
Now I am! I am also teaching Illustration at Syracuse University.
What inspires you to create picture books?
Telling stories in a lovely way, and I love to draw.
What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?
The amount of time you have to put in to create, think and experiment. It’s fun and time-consuming at the same time.
What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?
I get to tell the story and illustrate the way I want it to be.
What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?
Oh, there is never enough time for me. I wish there are 48 hrs a day. I will spend 28 hrs drawing and write stories! I don’t sleep a lot. haha
What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?
Go out for a drawing adventure in the wild. I love walking and just walk in nature.
Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?
I always start writing and play with the materials first if I want to play nowadays. And, I have to have tea, coffee, and some snack around.
Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?
Yes. I met so many friendly people. I love all the editors I work with. They are some of the most amazing people I met. So encouraging.
Recommended reading?
From my reading list this year. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison! I am almost done with it and highly recommend it!
Also, poetry!
What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
I get to grow as an illustrator and be an illustrator. If you told me I get to draw for a living ten years ago. I would not believe you. Haha, It’s genuinely a dream that comes true.
What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing and illustrating?
There are going to be ups and downs, and your drawing will grow as you grow.
And, don’t focus on a style. Focus on how you draw and what you want to draw.
Can you tell us about your newest book?
Yes. My newest book is Lady Bird Johnson, That’s Who, written by Tracy Nelson Maurer.
It’s about the former first lady, Claudia Alta Johnson, aka Lady Bird Johnson, who help make America cleaner and greener!
Interior art from LADY BIRD JOHNSON, THAT’S WHO by Tracy Nelson Maurer, illustrated by Ginnie Hsu
Interior art from LADY BIRD JOHNSON, THAT’S WHO by Tracy Nelson Maurer, illustrated by Ginnie Hsu
What’s up next for you?
I am currently working on a couple of books now and am also researching the book I am writing. I am very excited to jump into the other areas, like creating fabrics and products for my shop. It’s a never-ending career that’s full of excitement and surprise.
Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?
Yes! Thank you all for creating! The world is so much better with stories you create and share.
And last but not least, favorite 80s movie?
My neighbor, Totoro!! I grew up watching Miyazaki movies. It’s still one my favorite.
Huge thank you to Ginnie for stoping by Critter Lit today! We are such a huge fan of your illustrations and can’t wait to see what you come out with next!
GINNIE HSU is an Illustrator, a Designer, an Educator, and a Maker living in Upstate New York. Her work is often inspired by my everyday life, human living, and her love for nature. She has received recognition in Creative Quarterly 55, 3x3 International Illustration Show No.15 (Picture Book Bronze, two Professional Merits), AI-AP International Motion Art Awards 6 (winner), and Uppercase Magazine No.38 “Fresh. Her clients and publications have included Macmillan, Henry Holt, Benchmark Education, Old Dungate Press, Breathe Magazine, American Greetings, and Babbel Magazine.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about Ginnie or her books, visit her online:
Instagram: @ginniehsu
Website: helloginniehsu.com
ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of any of Ginnie’s books, click here.
WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of LADY BIRD JOHNSON, THAT’S WHO?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, February 11th! US addresses only please.