Illustration Inspiration: Kim Krans, “ABC Dream”
The Children’s Book Review | January 26
Kim Krans is an artist, writer, and yogi living in Portland, Oregon. Her writing and illustrations are known for conjuring moments of elevated wonder and self-reflection. A vast collection of Kim’s artwork can be found at thewildunknown.com.
Latest published book …
Inspired by …
If the letters of the alphabet drifted off to sleep, what would their dreams look like?
Art medium used …
Pen and ink with watercolor washes.
Artistic process …
It begins with a concept and then becomes a drawing exploration. Then comes the watercolor, then more drawing, and at some point the project begins to have a life of its own. At that point I try to get out of the way and let it reveal exactly what it wants to be. “What does the book want?” is a question I ask often during the process.
Favorite place to create & illustrate …
I like to travel and roam so many ideas come while in transit, on airplanes especially. As long as I can find paper and something to draw with (I’m very picky about my pens) the creative process begins.
Most used art supply or tool …
Ink pens. I have hundreds of them in all different sizes.
Illustrator idols …
I looked at the drawings of Degas a lot when I was young, when I first began making detailed drawings in pen and ink. The drawings of Henry Moore had a huge impact on me at that time as well.
All-time favorite children’s book you didn’t illustrate…
You can’t really get much better than Harold & the Purple Crayon.
A literary character to create art with …
I’d definitely like to work with Winnie the Pooh sometime. He seems fun to paint with.
Currently working on …
I have several projects coming out this year, but one that’s particularly exciting is a counterpart to ABC Dream, called 123 Dream! More news on that coming soon.
Connect with Kim Krans …
TheWildUnknown.com/ | Instagram
ABC Dream
Written and Illustrated by Kim Krans
Publisher’s Synopsis: This stunning and innovative alphabet picture book will dazzle little ones and engage the adults who share it with them! Each page is dedicated to a letter, and clever alliterations are packed into each ink-and-watercolor spread. This gem comes to us from Kim Krans, the creator of The Wild Unknown—a lifestyle website offering prints, calendars, and more.
Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers | 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-0553539295
Available Here:
Discover more picture book illustration inspiration and books like “ABC Dream,” by Kim Krans, on The Children’s Book Review by following along with our Illustration Inspiration series and articles tagged with Alphabet Books.
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