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We recently caught up with the very talented illustrator, Korey Scott. Korey specializes in children's books, amusing characters and educational material. His work has garnered awards such as "Best Children's Book" at the 2007 North Texas Book Festival and the Golden Spur Honor Award from the Texas State Reading Association (TSRA) 2005. When he's not creating his wonderful illustrations for his clients, Korey can be found in schools and libraries teaching and inspiring children of all ages with his art.

So tell us a little bit about Korey Scott the illustrator. How did you become interested in children's illustration?

I think my style of art is naturally geared toward this area. I enjoy making fun, happy, colorful characters that children and adults enjoy seeing. Also, I want my art to be used for educational purposes so that kids can learn and have fun.

Did you know from an early age you wanted to be an illustrator? Who influenced you as a child and prompted you to pursue a career as an artist?

The short version of the story is that when I was born, I started drawing. The longer version is that I don’t know of a time I haven’t been drawing. Being an illustrator is all I have ever wanted to do, except for that one day I wanted to be a policeman. One vivid memory I have was from library class in elementary school. The librarian was reading a story while talking about the Caldecott Medal for illustrators. I think the book was, The Polar Express. “They actually have this as a job?" I thought. “Well, I’ve already started drawing. This is what I want to do!” In the library that day, I knew that I wanted to make illustration my career.

My parents, however, were my biggest influence to becoming an illustrator. They always believed in me and gave me encouragement for my art. I would always draw something and run into the living room and show them. They were the best clients a kid could have. They liked everything I drew. I think this gave me the confidence I needed to keep creating art. Also, my grandfather was an architect. I still use his drafting table today, which was the same table I would use to practice as a kid.

Who are some of your favorite illustrators in the children’s book industry? How have they influenced your own work?

Some of my favorite illustrators from childhood to today are Richard Scarry, Roger Hargreaves - Mr. Books, Stan and Jan Berenstain - Berenstain Bears, and Jim Davis - Garfield. I think these illustrators have influenced my character design style as well as my love for writing stories. They didn’t just draw. They created a world from their own experiences and imaginations. Similarly, when I create characters, I usually have to create a story for them and write down their personalities and attributes. Where do these characters live? What do they do? Who are their friends?

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