Quentin Blake Podcast

Well folks today I got to do something I never really expected to ever be able to do. With me being in America and Quentin Blake being in England I was sure that there would be no chance that I would ever get to meet the guy who had made Roald Dahls books come to life for me as a child.




I always liked the fact that Mr Blakes illustrations were very basic and rough looking. There was something about that style that really suited the stories of Roald Dahl and more importantly, appealed to me.

Well I said I didn't think I would ever be able to meet him, and technically I still have to. However an opportunity came up for me to be able to sit in a podcast this artistic genius was doing for the schools in England this afternoon.

As luck would have it I had already booked time off work for other reasons before this became an option. Luckily for me the previous plans fell to the wayside and left my path clear for this afternoons rendezvous with Mr Blake.

It was great to be able to hear Quentin talk about his life and the way he goes about illustrating books. He discussed what original concept ideas he had for some of the characters in the Roald Dahl books in particular and although some didn't make the final cut it was still nice to see the progression from initial idea to the one we see in the printed copy fresh from the book shelf.

I think that, after watching him, I will attempt to illustrate my own book, 'Beware Of The Teacher'. I originally wasn't going to do this and instead find a professional but now I think it would be good for me to do. If they end up being nothing more than just sketches I think they will certainly help to give my ideas to the actual illustrator.

To the Drawing Room!