When you open a picture book, it’s easy to get swept up in the charm of the story, the warmth of the characters, and the vibrant illustrations that bring it all to life. But have you ever wondered how those pictures actually get onto the page? Illustrator and now-author Brian Fitzgerald pulls back the curtain in this delightful feature, giving us a rare and personal glimpse into the creative journey behind making picture books — from first scribble to finished spread.

With warmth, wit and a dash of pencil dust, Brian shares what it’s like to collaborate with brilliant authors (often before even meeting them!), work with inspiring publishers like Scallywag Press, and chase down his own dream of writing a picture book of his own. Whether he’s sketching on layout paper, swapping ideas over pastries with fellow creatives, or rummaging through library stacks for storytelling inspiration, Brian’s love for this world is infectious.

So if you’ve ever wanted to know how a blank page becomes a beautiful book — or how an illustrator becomes an author — read on. Brian’s story is as fabulous as the bunny holiday he dreamed up himself. Here's what he had to tell us:

I am so lucky. I get to work with lots of different authors on picture books. Writers I’ve never met before become great friends through the process of collaboration. I get to read the manuscripts before everyone else, except of course the editor. And then off I go sketching up each page to make a dummy book. I don’t have the ability to form an image in my head before I draw it. I sit with a white page and pencil and start sketching. Then ideas form as I add one tiny scribble after another. They look like small doodles at first with lots of notes. I do revised sketches next and the book starts to take shape. With some authors in the past there was value in doing a zoom with the editor and the author. We would talk our way through the manuscript. That just speeds thing up for me having had all my questions answered before I start drawing.

However a zoom isn’t always necessary with some manuscripts like Jeanne Willis' book, The Bear Who Had Nothing To Wear, or Jake Hope’s new book Taking The Long Way Home. When I start a project with Scallywag Press I have the pleasure of working with a brilliant picture book designer, Goldy Broad. Maybe that’s why there’s no need for zooms. I can take a back seat to planning how the book should look, were the text should go and where to have full page spreads or single pages etc. I can focus totally on the art. Plus Goldy doesn’t hold back and if she sees where you could improve on something you listen! But it’s so worth it when you open the final published picture book.

I love collaborating with writers but I also had a goal, like a lot of other illustrators, to write my own picture book and illustrate it. Once I had the idea for the story I needed to find a way to write it in my own style. But I didn’t have a style. So, once a week I would visit the library and borrow picture books from the kids section and read them. Return them and borrow more. There are so many different ways to write a book. Two authors' styles really resonated with me and that help me to write Bunny’s Most Fabulous Holiday Ever. But as an illustrator I was inclined to go straight to sketching and not spend enough time dedicated to writing. I overcame this bad habit by signing up for a week at an artist’s retreat where I focused on writing. Then it all came together. Now I’m an author.

On average I work on about four picture books a year . When I have quiet months I spend those writing and developing ideas. Once a month I meet up with a small group of picture book authors and illustrators and we exchange ideas over coffee and pastry. Long ago I used to be a freelance editorial illustrator and worked in isolation. I decided to focus on picture books work in 2014 when I won ‘The International Silent Book Competition” in Bologna. I have found lasting friendships in the picture book community of authors, illustrators, publishers and editors. I love being a part of it all. I am learning something new all the time. I love exploring a different way to enhance my style. I use soft traditional pencil on layout paper to create all my illustrations. I like printmaking and sometimes use a dry brush to get the desired look. I make small tools to create marks on paper. I don’t use photoshop brushes or pencils etc. The process takes a lot longer but it’s so satisfying making the marks directly on paper.

I have had a life time of drawing and painting. And I hope to continue doing what I love. I continue borrow and read library picture books and am always on the lookout for a story idea.

@brianfitzerillustrator

@Scallywagpress

Click on one of Brian's picture books below to buy, download an extract or read our expert reviews.