Craig Smith
Craig Smith has been a children’s book illustrator for the entirety of his adult life.
Following in the footsteps of his older sister, Maire, in the 1970’s he went to the South Australian School of Art. Within the wider Australian society this was a period of restlessness and change, including the Publishing industry opening up to the world.
It was a time of increasing interest in the telling of Australian stories. Also, of wanting to be more culturally ambitious in the world.
At art school a lot of time is spent thinking and dreaming. The library is a great place to do it.
The serious practice of life-drawing, which in combination with a visual form of humour, is the essential foundation skill of picture book illustration.
This teaches the ability to draw anybody from any angle. It can be hilarious.
Craig has now illustrated many picture books, chapter books and lots of educational readers. He has worked with many experienced authors and editors.
The opportunities to picture Australia’s landscapes, suburbs and changing faces has been
a particular inspiration. To that end, whenever possible the opportunities to leave the studio drawing table behind and head off to schools right around the country, especially north, has been taken up. One terrific example of this was the 2019 Octopus Story Camp in Darwin.
Appearances