About
Natalie Kerr is traditional and digital illustrator, she studied BA Illustration at Hereford College of Arts and most recently MA Children’s Literature: Children’s Book Illustration at Goldsmiths, University of London, Natalie predominantly works with traditional media but is also confident using digital techniques. Natalie’s vibrant and whimsical illustrations are inspired by folk lore, fairy tales and dreams as well as the lush green countryside of Herefordshire.
Natalie’s debut picture book ‘Many Moons’ infuses contemporary design and traditional bedtime storytelling. Originally written by James Thurber ‘Many Moons’ is retold and reimagined by Natalie Kerr to create a magical picture book experience.
Contact
Email: Natabbb@aol.com
Goldsmiths email: nkerr001@gold.ac.uk
Instagram: @natalie_kerr_illustration
Many Moons
For my 32-page picture book project I chose to work with James Thurber’s ‘Many Moons’, I began by rewriting the text in order to better fit within 32 pages, my version of ‘Many Moons’ captures the charm and wonder of Thurber’s 1943 original but condensed into its fundamental elements.
The story follows Lenore, a princess who asked for the moon, her father the King who would do anything to get it for her and a Jester who advises him whilst playing his lute.
Redesigning these characters was one of the most enjoyable aspects of the project, my aim was to make these characters simple yet recognisable as well as appealing to young children.
‘Many Moons’ is, in essence, a bedtime story, so I chose gentle soothing colours to reflect this, I used a limited palate of blues, purple, pink and gold to create a gentle yet engaging atmosphere within the picture book.
Creatures
‘Creatures’ is my short sequential narrative piece; the story follows the process of an artist battling creative block with the help of tiny creatures which appear while she takes a nap. This wordless narrative was inspired by personal experience from an artist’s perspective.
