Illustrator Spotlight: Kenard Pak

© Kenard Pak

Nov. 15, 2019

Today we're excited to feature illustrator Kenard Pak and his two new books, THE 100 YEAR BARN, by Patricia MacLahan (Katherine Tegan Books, Sept. 2019) and I WONDER, by Kari Anne Holt (Random House Books for Young Readers, Oct. 2019). Enter to win a copy of both!

Tell us about yourself and how you came to illustrate for children.

I’m originally from Baltimore, Maryland. My parents were Korean immigrants who ran different food businesses downtown. My urban upbringing is a contrast to the later pastoral, suburban years in Howard County. There I found the hills and forests that I think about to this day. I always drew and painted, but I discovered film. I fell in love with animation and moved to California where I was fortunate enough to work in the animation industry after college. Later, I took a break from film and started illustrating picture books.

© Kenard Pak

Congratulations on your two recent books, THE 100 YEAR BARN and I WONDER. Tell us about them. Did you approach the illustrations in these differently? What kind of research do you do for your illustrations? 

Thank you! These two books are cousins, maybe more different than similar. At the time, I had returned to my pencil drawing skills from my days as an animation layout artist, and I wanted to see how I could make the pencil art as different as possible from my film work. I’d say THE 100 YEAR BARN is more like framed art, and I WONDER is more like a traditional children’s book. 

From THE 100 YEAR BARN © Kenard Park

In the former I abandoned direct lighting as much as possible, and for the latter I made use of empty space. My research with BARN was a combination of details from the author’s life and old farm photographs from the 20’s and 30’s. As for WONDER, I made things up as I worked

From I WONDER © Kenard Park

What projects are you working on now? You wear a lot of hats: artist, illustrator, animator. Do you find that these different artistic avenues influence each other? How do they influence your work as a children's illustrator? 

I’m currently working on a lovely winter picture book about a Lebanese girl visiting her grandmother. I’m also art directing a new film production, and I have a gallery show later in the year. I keep the artwork different between illustration, gallery work, and film. 

© Kenard Pak

I get bored very easily, and I like to work on varying ideas and methods (i.e. I’ve since abandoned pencil work). It’s strange though. With the new film production, I’m revisiting my picture book art from 5 years ago. I try to avoid any kind of film grammar in my picture book work. This said, I love filmmakers like Hirokazu Kore-Eda and Yasuhiro Ozu, so you can maybe see the influence there. As for my personal art, I experiment as much as possible.

© Kenard Pak

What projects are you working on now?

In addition to the winter book, I’m also working on a book about an autistic boy. Also in the works is the last of my seasonal series --- it has more architecture in it. I also have several secret manuscripts of my own that will someday, hopefully, see the light of day. My wife and I also have a project that we’ve been working on for years, a kind of follow-up to THE DINNER THAT COOKED ITSELF.

© Kenard Pak

What were the one or two best things you did to advance your career? Is this the same advice you'd give to aspiring illustrators?

The first rule I learned is to stay polite and regularly communicate with directors, production designers, art directors, editors, etc. Just being civil and listening does wonders. The second rule I learned is to find confidence, somehow, in what you do. Getting good at something has a lot to do with unfettered, consistent repetition. Find a niche you like and keep at it. I rarely give advice because I figure everyone is different? Maybe find a place or group of people that inspires you.

© Kenard Pak

What is one thing most people don't know about you?

I’m an avid fixie rider.

© Kenard Pak

Where can people find you online?

I frequent Twitter @kenardpak and Instagram @kenardpak My website is pandagun.com

© Kenard Pak

Kenard Pak is an illustrator, art director, and painter. Kenard has worked at animation companies including Dreamworks, Disney Feature, PDI, and Laika. He’s the author/illustrator of the seasonal GOODBYE SUMMER, HELLO AUTUMN series and has also illustrated other author’s books including HAVE YOU HEARD THE NESTING BIRD?, THE FOG, and CAT WISHES. Kenard lives in San Francisco with his lovely wife and a very nice, old cat.

   

a Rafflecopter giveaway