Q&A
Tell us something interesting about yourself:
Some of my favourite animals are wombats and red pandas. I'm also into horror films and books.
Current job title:
Illustrator
Tell us your favourite medium for reading:
Books, audiobooks sometimes.
Tell us your favourite location for reading:
On a small kind of rocking chair we have.
How would you describe your identity?
Filipino male.
Book title:
What Makes a Family
What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book?
I was interested in depicting how peculiar the public cemeteries here in the Philippines are, with the wild colours and all. Also, how Filipino families are when they visit their loved ones.
Favourite character or moment from the book – and why?
Pipay - she reminds me of my daughter (a younger version of my now teen daughter).
What themes or messages does your book raise?
How important family is, and that there are different kinds of families - and it's okay if your family is different from others.
How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words?
Raw, honest, heartfelt.
What aspect of the story did you most connect with, and how did it shape your illustrations?
The parts where I could show Filipino elements like the vendors, sampaguita, and the cemetery. I love how unique the culture is but also how it connects to others in subtle ways.
Materials and techniques used for this book’s illustrations:
Watercolour.
Favourite illustration – and why?
The scene when they reach the tombstone - it's solemn and peaceful, and I’m so happy with how it turned out.
Connect
IG: @aldywalks
