Artist and Illustrator Posy Simmonds writes children's books, including the award-winning Fred. Here she talks to Junior about her illustration inspiration
"My first drawing was a big woman, covered in buttons, when I was about three. Now I draw mostly in pen and ink, or soft pencil that smudges on paper. I like the immediacy of both, the way they're like an extension of handwriting. Also you can draw on the bus, on the beach, anywhere. Drawing is such a wonderful pastime: you can do it anywhere. Draw every day... even if it's on steamed up windows.
I love illustrating for children: The main difference to my other work is that I wouldn't draw so many people smoking!
One of my favourite children's characters is Fred, a cat with a secret popstar life. He reminded me of a childhood cat who wasn't a popstar but who was, nevertheless, very talented (catching mice, sleeping all day)."
Click through for the next step in sketching Fred!
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