Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with illustrator BlueBean, visiting with us all the way from Malaysia. I’m thrilled to have her with us today to talk about her creative process and new book, THE WAY WE SAY HELLO, written by Andrea Denish, which just published with Starry Forest Books this month!

So without further ado, please welcome BlueBean!

Where do you live?

Hello! I am BlueBean. I’m from Malaysia. Recently, I moved to a new town far away from the city and work in my home studio.

How many years have you been in publishing?

Three years and counting.

How did you first get published?

I feel happy that I got an offer from the client which is a sweet start for me.

Do you illustrate full-time?

Yep, I am a full-time illustrator. I worked as a concept artist at an animation studio before becoming a freelance illustrator. I spent many years exploring different paths, including teaching, working in the wild, picking fruit, and growing avocados. These are the things that inspire me to keep creating. After my last job at the capsicum greenhouse, I started drawing again, and a few months later, I got a chance to draw my first picture book.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I love books! Children's picture books have always been one of my favorite books to collect. Maybe it counts as one of the reasons? :D

What surprised you the most working as an illustrator?

I think illustrating a book is something I never dreamed of! I love how my art came out on the spreads and tells a story with the colors. Currently, I want to create more lovely picture books and it is one of my big goals!

What is your favorite thing about being an illustrator?

Creating things and enjoying what I’m doing.

What do you find difficult working as an illustrator?

Creating things and enjoying what I’m doing. Yep, the same answer as the previous question. I have to admit nothing I enjoy is easy, which is why I feel more fulfilled every time I complete a challenging task.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I do other things. Writing, baking, traveling, and hopping into a nice cafe for food and good vibes. And, I play games and badminton sports!

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Most of the time, I will set a goal first before the creativity comes to life, like planning what value I want to bring out, or how the arts would affect others. Then, I sketch the idea and also research it.

*Interior sketch from THE WAY WE SAY HELLO, written by Andrea Denish, illustrated by BlueBean, published by Starry Forest Books*

*Interior art from THE WAY WE SAY HELLO, written by Andrea Denish, illustrated by BlueBean, published by Starry Forest Books*

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?

I’ve met super nice and talented people, including book illustrator friends, although I have to say that I am actually a very shy person. For this book title, the whole project was challenging, yet I appreciated having the creative freedom given by the Starry Forest team to make the best work I could.

Recommended reading?

Jimmy Liao from Taiwan impressed me a lot since I was a teenager. His arts are quiet, yet so vivid and emotional. I have always loved his books, especially The Sound of Colors: A Journey of the Imagination. The illustrations are just phenomenal and filled with details.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

This “The Way We Say Hello” book of course is one of the most exciting picture books I have drawn. Since the illustrations are created in gouache and digitally, it's also the first book I have drawn in traditional media, this was the hard part, and it took me a lot of courage to take the first step. I first painted my book spread with gouache, then digitally touched up the painting and finished it.

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started illustrating?

Honestly, I don’t know. But if I’m thinking now, I hope to receive any kind of positive words! They are meant for me! And I love good advice from great people or leaders. Sometimes, I may feel lost and I will need guidance.

Can you tell us about your newest book?

First of all, I would like to thank Lindsay for having me in this interview. This book is a lovely book, written by Andrea Denish, and everyone is welcome to read it, whether you are an adult or young! I also read this story to my cat, Yibby who I brought home for New Year's and it was a great welcome gift for her.

Here’s a bit about the book:

A young child searches for the best way to welcome a new baby to their family as they ask, "A special day. A special place. How will you greet a special face?" With rhyming text, heartwarming art, and educational facts about cultures and customs around the world, The Way We Say Hello takes you as far as Tibet and as near as your front yard as you learn greeting after greeting.

Along the way, you'll also discover how to welcome the world into your heart in different languages, gestures, and places. You can say "namaste," "howdy," or "annyeong." You can use traditional greetings like the Māori hongi or European cheek kisses. You can use sign language to greet those who are hard of hearing, or send a card to someone far away.

Perfect for new big siblings, baby showers, and kids curious about different cultures and languages. There are so many ways to greet someone new, no matter where they're from or what language they speak--so how will YOU say hello?

What’s up next for you?

Currently, I am working in an upcoming art gallery in a bookstore. Stay in touch with my social pages, where I’m always sharing news. At the same time, warmly welcome you to visit my online shop at https://bluebeanart.etsy.com

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

“Love what you do! Do what you love!” These are the words that popped into my head. I know that sometimes we are asked to choose between two options. But I hope that in the adult world, we wouldn’t have to select a single answer to a multiple-choice question—we can always do our best to balance many aspects at the same time.

And last, but not least, who is your favorite children’s book character?

I must say is the main little girl with a bubble ponytail! I hope everyone can feel her cuteness and sweetness!

Huge thank you to BlueBean for stopping by Critter Lit today!

BLUEBEAN 蓝豆, is an artist and book illustrator from Kuala Lumpur. Her real name is Angela. She is currently working in her home studio where she creates all the illustrations and goodies.

Her paintings' inspiration comes from the beauty and harmony of nature. She loves the calm feeling and whimsical stories with cute and quirky fellows. While characters with tiny paws are her huge sparks, she admires all kinds of creatures in the wilderness.

Her arts appear in picture books, animation, music videos, and advertisements. She also has a small online shop selling products that she makes.

Spending most of the time creating, BlueBean jumps around for stores and wonder. She enjoys good movies, and music and is a huge book lover. Sometimes she attends art events and mostly has a tea party with forest buddies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about BlueBean or her work, visit her online:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__bluebean

Website: https://bluebeanillustration.com

Online store: https://bluebeanart.etsy.com

BUY THIS BOOK To purchase a copy of Bluebean’s book, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a giveaway copy of THE WAY WE SAY HELLO?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, February 16th! US addresses only please.