Meet Alphabet Trucks Illustrator Ryan O’Rourke

Hi Friends, I have a two-part treat to share with you! Alphabet Trucks is a gorgeous new children’s book. Written by award winning author Samantha Vamos and featuring whimsical illustrations by Ryan O’Rourke, this sweet story is destined to become a kid’s classic. 

I recently got the opportunity to interview both Samantha and Ryan and get the scoop on their creative processes and their advice for others. Today, meet Ryan and next week we’ll hear from Samantha AND give away a copy of this precious new book!

First up… Ryan. Ryan O’Rourke is an illustrator who has created art for Lisa Loeb, The Boston Globe, Time for Kids any many other publications. His latest work is published in Alphabet Trucks.

MK: Your art is so joyful– how has your style evolved?

RO: It’s kind of funny but my work wasn’t always so joyful. When I graduated from college, my work had a little more of a dark edge to it. Humor has always been a big part of my work but over the years it’s gotten cuter and softer. I think I lost that dark side in my work as I started to figure out the path I was on. Influences have always played a large role as well. Going through graduate school was a huge help. The artists I was exposed to in my studies played an important role in the development of my style that has come forth over the past few years.

MK: When did you know you were an artist?

RO: I never really had any kind of moment when I realized I was an artist. I’ve always had a tremendous passion for art. When I graduated from college I told myself that I would find some way to make a living out of being an artist. Doing something else was never an option. Once I started getting freelance editorial jobs my path became pretty clear.

 

MK: Did you do a lot of art growing up?

RO: Yes! I started drawing when I was very young. I remember being really proud of the drawings I would do in art class when I was a kid. I was very competitive about it and took great pride in my drawings. I stuck with it through high school and went to The Hartford Art School for college. I majored in illustration.

MK:  Your work has been seen in so many well known publications… what’s your creative process and do deadlines help or hurt it?

RO: Deadlines actually help, a lot. My life is a constant balancing act. Along with my freelance work, I also teach illustration full-time at The New Hampshire Institute of Art. Having deadlines helps me manage my time. I have a hard time focusing on projects that don’t have a due date. I end up putting my efforts into the projects that do have a deadline. I always set a schedule for finishing sketches, color studies, and then the final piece. Having a plan helps me fit in everything else in my life.

MK: What was it like to create trucks for every letter of the alphabet?

RO: It was crazy! I had to do a lot of research. I had no idea some of these trucks existed. It was a challenge finding good references for some of the trucks. I almost got into some serious trouble for it. I was shooting pictures of some trucks when these two big, burly men asked me what I was doing. They weren’t happy that I was taking pictures of their equipment without their permission. Once I explained I was working on a children’s book and showed them my website on my phone to prove I was an illustrator they were totally cool with it, and even offered to help me out. Thank god for iPhones.

MK: Is creating for kids different than creating for adults?

RO: Sometimes, it depends on the subject matter. I wouldn’t approach a magazine article dealing with cancer the same way as I would for a book on trucks or trains. My work for children’s books is usually very bright, colorful, and fun. If I have to do something serious I change my color palette and sometimes the way I work.

MK: What do you hope your work in Alphabet Trucks conveys?

RO: I wanted the book to have a lot of movement to it. I loved the way the text flowed, I thought the illustrations should have the same feel.

MK: All creative people feel “blocked” or “stalled” at some point. How do you work through it?

RO: I usually take a step back and go do something that doesn’t require much brainpower like cleaning the house or doing laundry. It gives me some time to think about the project I’m working on. If I try to force myself into working through a block I end up getting frustrated. I work much better when I’m relaxed.

MK: Any advice for artists/creative types who are trying to get their work published?

RO: Make sure as many people as possible see your work. Get on as many websites as you can, constantly promote yourself through email or direct mail, actively pursue the companies you want to work for. Your work can be terrific but if no one is seeing it, you won’t get hired.

MK: Any words of wisdom for young people who love art?

RO: Follow your vision and always be on the look out for new sources of inspiration. Be a sponge!

MK: Can you tell us about your next project? 

RO: I just finished writing and illustrating my first book! Bella, Lost and Found, published by HarperCollins, will be out next summer. A couple of weeks ago I finished writing the follow-up to the book, so this summer I’ll be doing research and working on sketches.

MK: Thanks Ryan! You can see more of Ryan’s work on his website. C’mon back next week for an interview with author Samatha Vamos and a chance to win your own copy of Alphabet Trucks.