INSPIRATIONS FROM THE BOOKSHELF Pranami Bora
Every illustrator and writer has grown up with inspirations from a variety of sources.
This week illustrator Rekha Salin wanted to find out what gives illustrator
Pranami Bora the most inspiration.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a children’s book illustrator originally from the northeastern Indian state of Assam, now living in Rovereto, Italy, with my husband and our two-year-old twin daughters. My love for drawing began in childhood, but growing up, pursuing art as a career wasn't encouraged, and I was steered toward a STEM path. I earned a PhD in Computational Biology and began working in research, a job I am still doing part-time.
However, my creative journey took a significant turn in 2022 after the birth of my daughters. Being around them sparked a renewed sense of creativity within me, and I realized that my true passion was in children's illustrations. I invested in an iPad and began exploring digital illustration, marking the start of my illustration journey. Since then, I've taken multiple courses to improve my skills, joined SCBWI, and connected with many wonderful people in the children's book community. A year later, I landed my first client who found me through SCBWI, and I'm currently illustrating their book.
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Pranami Bora with her twin daughters |
Which genre do you illustrate for?
I currently illustrate for picture books but I hope to expand to middle grade and YA books as well. I also have a few stories in my mind that I hope to write and illustrate someday.
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| Pranami’s bookshelf |
What inspires you to pick up or buy a book from the library/bookstore or buy online?
I tend to be drawn towards books with bright, colorful illustrations and interesting characters. I have a soft spot for books with fantasy themes, but I do try to explore other genres as well. I also try to buy books with Indian themes so that I can share that part of our roots with my girls. Some of my favorite books are by Lucy Fleming, Beatrice Blue, Ben Mantle, Benji Davies and Paddy Donnelly.
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| some of Pranami’s favourites from the bookshelf |
Are you inspired by books from multiple genre written/illustrated by the same author/illustrator?(in case they write/illustrate in other genres too)? - If yes, How much of the inspiration do you bring into your works?
Currently I only have picture books in my collection, but I plan to start adding middle grade and young adult books soon as well. But yes, I definitely bring my inspirations into my work. I approach my collection of books like I would approach scientific articles for my work in research. When I first get a book, I carefully study each and every illustration to understand why they work and why the artist made certain decisions. When I'm working on my own projects, I often refer back to these books if I’m stuck on something specific. I find inspiration by recalling how a particular artist handled a similar challenge.
How do you keep your work fresh, original and unique and avoid looking like your inspiration?
This used to a tricky for me in the beginning of my illustration journey but I overcame this by exploring a wide range of artists with different styles, rather than focusing on just one or a few similar ones. The other important thing I do when I start a sketch, I make it a point not to look at any references. Instead, I close my eyes, visualize the scene, and immerse myself in it before sketching it out. Only after I have the general idea on paper do I refer to other sources for details. I also make a conscious effort to draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including my own childhood experiences, my surroundings, my travels, and even film and television. This approach helps me create illustrations that are original and reflective of my own life and experiences.
Does your book shelf have all the books that you love or inspired you?
No definitely not all, I have so many books in my list but I don’t have enough space in my bookshelf. Also, sometimes there are books I want to buy but they are not easily available in Italy.
Which are the main few books that have inspired your work and yet not on your bookshelf?
Some of the books and comics that I had read in my childhood had inspired me a lot and my love for fantasy comes from those books I had read as a child. But I don’t have these books in my collection anymore. One of the first one I read as a child and fell in love with was Pinocchio. I definitely need to get a copy of the book for my girls.
Are there any books that have inspired you in a way that you really wish you worked on a text like that or you wish you thought of the unique way of storytelling?
Yes, there are many but a recent one that comes to my mind is “Fox and Son tailers” by Paddy Donelly. The illustrations in the book are just stunning with so many lovely details, charming characters and it carries such a beautiful message in the end. It’s been a great hit with my daughters as well. I would love to be able to write and illustrate fun stories like these.
*Header image: Ell Rose and Tita Berredo
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Pranami Bora is a self-taught illustrator based in northern Italy where she lives with her husband and two daughters. She was born in a little town in the northeast Indian state of Assam, home to more than hundred different ethnic groups with their own distinct identities and traditions. The diverse cultures and beauty of the nature that she grew up around has been her biggest influences.
For illustration and licensing enquiries please contact her agents at Astound US
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Rekha Salin has three books published as an illustrator. Two picture books, one in 2020 and the other in 2022 and also a recipe book, (for adults), in 2022 published by ABV Publishing.
She is currently working with Gnome Road Publishing and this will be available in 2024.
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Tita Berredo is the Illustrator Coordinator of SCBWI British Isles and the Art Director of Words & Pictures.
Contact her at: illuscoordinator@britishscbwi.org
Ell Rose is the Illustration Features Editor of Words & Pictures.
Find their work at www.fourfooteleven.com.
Contact them at illustrators@britishscbwi.org
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