Meet Troupe 21’s Anne Appert
Meet Troupe member Anne Appert!
Anne is the author/illustrator of debut picture book BLOB, which publishes Fall 2021 (HarperCollins), with a second book to follow. That’s right, lots of exciting things are in store for this amazing creator, whose charming illustrations feature interesting characters and fun color palettes.
Anne’s debut, BLOB, is about a character of an indeterminate kind. As a blob, they can be anything. The only problem is, they don't know who to be! BLOB is a story that encourages kids to dream big, and Anne cannot wait to share it with young readers.
Get to know Anne!
What is your earliest picture book memory?
My earliest book-related memories are not of picture books, but include my mom reading the Little House books to my sisters and me and many trips to the library to get stacks of books that we could barely carry. (We did have to be able to carry our own books.) I did like to take all the picture books off our bookshelf and just look at the pictures. My favorites included books handed down from my siblings, such as The Saggy Baggy Elephant by K. & B. Jackson and illustrated by Tenggren, But No Elephants by Jerry Smath, and the Winnie-the-Pooh books by A.A. Milne and illustrated by E.H. Shepard.
What was your favorite story, as a child?
I am terrible at picking favorites. I have been an avid reader ever since I could read, and I’d hate to pick just one story. If I had to pick, my favorites were the stories my dad would tell us before bed. There was something magical in hearing his stories from his imagination rather than from a book. Perhaps this is where my desire to be a storyteller came from!
Illustration by Anne Appert
Name three picture books that you adore.
Since I am so bad at picking favorites, I’m glad I get to pick three. (And, believe me, I love many more books!) I adore Jessie Sima’s Spencer’s New Pet with it’s lovely illustrations and surprising twist. I love the way Molly Idle can tell a story wordlessly with beautiful images in all of her Flora books. Lastly, my go to picture book gift is Joyce Wan’s The Whale in my Swimming Pool: the illustrations are adorable, and I laugh every time I read it.
What themes and ideas will readers find in your stories?
People are so unique, especially kids, and I want to encourage them to be their wonderful selves, with whimsy, imagination, and humor.
Illustration by Anne Appert
What advice might you give to pre-published authors?
As an author/illustrator, my advice will be for future author/illustrators: Always be prepared to answer the question, “Do you have a story to go with this illustration?” with “Yes!” Then go write the story. Or write it before you get asked this question so you don’t have to panic write a story. Not that I would know what that’s like.
Illustration by Anne Appert
Can you share about your illustration process?
I do all of my work on the iPad in the app procreate, from initial sketch to final art. Unlike some artists, usually I brainstorm by making lists and writing notes. Then, once I can visualize the way I want the piece to look, I start sketching. I start with a very loose sketch to place things, then tighten it up, and then add color. I love working on the iPad because it’s portable, isn’t messy, and has an undo option. Being able to work on the iPad was a game changer for my style and ability to get work done.
Illustration by Anne Appert
Anne is represented by Emma Sector at Prospect Agency. You can find Anne’s portfolio at www.anneappert.com. Connect with Anne on Twitter at @Anne_Appert, and Instagram at @anneappertillustration!
And be sure to come back to PB Debut Troupe 21 for more about Anne’s story, including her cover reveal and pre-order information for BLOB!
See you back soon!
