Illustrator Interview: Debra Pehrson Haun
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| © Debra Pehrson Haun |
June 5, 2015
This week we feature the talented, up and coming illustrator Debra Pehrson Haun.
Tell us about your background and how you came to illustrate
for children?
My background is in education, however, I owned and operated
a fiber art business for many years where I created 3D textural art for homes
and businesses, but something was missing. I needed to satisfy the young kid in me so I
asked myself this question--how can I combine my love of art, children and
education into one? The answer came to
me through my first children’s story I wrote, PAPER HEARTS, which I still hope
to publish some day using my papermaking technique.
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| © Debra Pehron Haun |
You have a fun and engaging collage style. Can you tell us how you came to this style?
Thank you so much for saying that!
I came to my style by exploring many interests and a lot of
playtime. I played with many surface
design techniques, mediums, classes, and curiosity. I also was influenced by other illustrators
such as Melissa Sweet, Lois Ehlert, and Denise Fleming to name a few. At the suggestion of a mentor, I went online
to discover other illustrators and their process. I found Betsy Snyder and had an instant
connection to her process. This was a pivotal moment for me. It helped me put all the pieces together (a little
collage humor).
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| © Debra Pehron Haun |
What is your illustration process?
My illustration process starts with a sketch. After the
sketching stage, I determine what papers I will need to create by hand. I use acrylics, crayons, pastels,
watercolors, inks, pencils and cray-pas to create some of my papers or modify
fabrics. After I have created the papers or fabrics I need, it is time to look
at my paper and fabrics that I have in stock.
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| © Debra Pehron Haun |
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| © Debra Pehrson Haun |
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| © Debra Pehron Haun |
It is not uncommon to see me at the fabric store taking in all the
wonderful patterns, colors and textures. It just gets my juices going. Next, I dissect each design into pieces that I
can trace onto the desired paper or fabric. I cut those pieces, scan them and then
assemble them in Photoshop over my sketch. I tweak a little with color variations and opacity. My goal is to stay true to my medium.
Tell us about some of your publications.
My illustrating publications are for a black and white
titled, "Nothing, but Frogs" for the ONCE UPON A TIME newsletter and an
educational brochure for OSV.
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| © Debra Pehron Haun |
What projects are you working on now?
I am currently working for an educational publisher creating
illustrations for an eBook and coloring book. I also have several PB projects ready for
submission.
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| © Debra Pehron Haun |
What are the one or two best pieces of illustration advice
you’ve ever gotten?
The best advice I received was “it’s not just about pretty
pictures” and when art directors say, “style,” it means the variety of
techniques used.
Who or what inspires you?
Nature inspires me every day with all the gifts and ideas just
waiting to be discovered. My wonderful
“sacred circle” of accomplished illustrators who I feel so blessed to have them
in my corner. Other artists in all walks
of life, words, stories, patterns, colors, textures inspire me too.
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| © Debra Pehron Haun |
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I have a newspaper article written on me
titled, ”The Most Photographed Girl in Sweden.”
And you didn't provide us a link after that tantalizing tidbit? Where can we find you online?
My website: www.debrapehrsonhaun.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dpehrsonhaun
I am sorry i did not meet you when I live din Phoenix the last 4 years. I love your work. It is so original and I can see the Denise Fleming influence. I adore the cactus composition at the end! Good luck on your journey! You will break out soon - I see your talent.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathy for your kinds words! It is always appreciated especially from some one who knows the desert and Denise's work. The cactus composition was inspired by the elf owl and of course, the grand saguaros. Sorry we missed each other too, but there is always FB. Take Care:D
DeleteUnderbar! Is that "lovely"? I don't remember my Swedish very well. I especially like the chickadees in birch trees. Thank you for sharing your work with us!
ReplyDeleteHey Cathy, I am impressed you even knew Swedish that is awesome! Thanks for your kind words. They mean a lot. It is funny that you like the chickadees because I feel that particular piece reminds me of Sweden. Take Care:D
DeleteLove your story and seeing your creative process. Thank you for sharing. It was truly inspirational. Wishing you continued success!
ReplyDeleteThanks Danielle for your kind words! It was great sharing. You can only hope, as an artist, that you can inspire others. To me, that is what it is all about! Take Care:D
DeleteHi Debra, I remember your adorable chicken illustration from the last AZ SCBWI conference. I loved seeing it then and loved seeing it again even more! Gorgeous work!
ReplyDeleteHey Dawn, Thanks for your kind words! I am so glad you remembered my chicken illustration. It was a great conference and thanks to you for all your work! Take Care:D Catch ya in AZ!
DeleteOoh I love mixed media it reminds me of scrapbooking. Your illustrations are super cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks Catherine for your kinds words! I just love paper and all the creative ways people use it! Take Care:D
DeleteThank you for sharing your process. I love the little owl peeking out at me. Good luck with your PBs!
ReplyDeleteThanks Manju for your kind words! I love that little owl too. It is an elf owl which is the smallest owl in the world. It inspired that whole composition. I am hoping to see one in the wild some day. Take Care:D
ReplyDeleteYour animal characters make me smile! Thank you for sharing - especially the cow (love the cow!!).
ReplyDeleteThanks Dow for your kind words and sharing them with me! I am so happy you like my animals especially Chelsie, the cow. She is smart and witty! Take care;D
ReplyDeleteThese are adorable, Debra! I love the cow with the chick on her face. That's exactly the kind of look I was going for with Nettle and the feather.
ReplyDelete