Oliver Jeffers

Exquisitely trained art critics and recently potty-trained children equally love Oliver Jeffers’s work. The Brooklyn-based artist, originally from Belfast, Ireland, leaves viewers of all ages and backgrounds in awe with his whimsical paintings, installations, illustrations and picture books. He is best known for the latter, which led The Times naming Oliver as one of “The Best New Picture Book Illustrators” in 2008. Following that praise, his book Lost and Found was made into a short film that went on to win 60 international awards, including a BAFTA for Best Animation in 2009. Oliver remains humble and charming despite his substantial success, as shown by his drawings and 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
My curious mind.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Tomi Ungerer.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
All the things I should have done in the other 24 hours.

4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
NYC, where I live. Its creative energy is palpable, the diversity and the constant challenges and opportunities.

5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
I’d like to try my hand at being a tree surgeon, a good excuse to climb trees all day.

6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
I make cards for my friends and family.

7. What is your favorite object in your home?
Right now its the can of Guinness in the bottom right hand side of my fridge, I’ve been thinking about it all day.

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be nice, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Swiss-miss, Grain Edit, The Sartorialist, and .

10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
When I am happy for other people to look at it.