Brave Illustration

Pictures can transport a reader to different worlds. They bring characters, places, and feelings to life. What does it take to make that happen? 

Cátia Chien is the illustrator of Fireworks, written by Matthew Burgess. The book won this year’s Caldecott Medal, an award given to the most distinguished picture book for kids. TIME for Kids spoke with Chien about her job as an illustrator.

Did you always know you wanted to be an artist? 

I did not always know that I wanted to be an artist, but I believe that all children are very creative. I did draw. It wasn’t apparent that it would become a profession until much later.

Did you study to become a children’s book illustrator? 

I went to college and took an entomology painting class. I love bugs! I found a yellowjacket, and I made a painting. I just really loved the process. I dropped out of my program after that, and I signed up to go to the ArtCenter College of Design [in Pasadena, California]. It took me a year to work on my portfolio and get into the program. Then I graduated from the illustration program. 

How did you develop your artistic style? 

That journey is ongoing. As a person is constantly evolving, their voice is too. Really pay attention to the things that you’re curious about. Your history matters, not just technique. All the imperfections—all the ways in which you have struggled—make something special and create your voice.

What’s your favorite thing to draw? 

I love drawing kids. I think kids are really fun to draw—just the way that kids make funny faces. I love drawing people, animals, and trees. Trees are just effortlessly beautiful. 

You often work with authors: They write the words and you create the pictures. How do you decide which authors to work with? What’s the process of working together like?

I decide which project to pick because of the story. I’m not thinking about the author. I’m thinking about the story, how the story resonates with me, and whether I can bring something personal to it.

The way that publishing typically works is that they keep the author and the illustrator separate. The beautiful thing about picture books is that you have the element of the words, you have the element of the pictures, and then you have a third element that emerges from the two. So the relationship between the author and me is very much inspirational. We are each on our own journey to find and explore what the book wants to be. 

Fireworks reads like a beautiful love letter to summer in the city. Is that subject matter important to you?

Fireworks was written as a love letter to the city, but it became something more than that. As I was working on it, I was pulling from my own memories of childhood. It’s an exploration of freedom. The inner world of children is so deep, vast, and beautiful. 

Your art has been exhibited around the world, from Beijing to Bologna. Is there something about the universal aspect of art that appeals to you?

When I came to the United States, I couldn’t speak the language. I turned to art as a way of expressing myself. Art has a way of being meaningful to the person that created it and also those who look at it. Art—whether it’s in a museum or in your closet—is a symbol of our humanity. It’s universal, in that sense. 

You’re also one of the founders of A Thousand Worlds. Can you tell us about that project and why you started it?

Essentially, it’s an online village with a picture book directory. We invite BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and People of Color] leaders in the industry—educators, librarians, teachers—to submit books that shine a light on authentic voices that may be hard for people to find. When we started, in 2020, we were motivated to create more opportunities for diverse voices. We believe in a world in which all children see themselves not only in picture books, but also in the picture book industry. 

What advice would you give to kids looking to pursue a similar career? 

Stay curious and stay open. Pay attention to what you’re really, really interested in. Keep a sketchbook to organize your thoughts. Don’t throw away story ideas because you feel like there’s no place for them yet. Perfection is overrated. I’m going to tell you a secret. Children’s book artists love to steal ideas from kids. Kids have the best ideas. Be brave with your stories. The world needs your voice. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.