Illustrator in the Spotlight: Brooke O’Neill
This was first published in the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of the Prairie Wind, the Bulletin of the Illinois Chapter of SCBWI. Read the Spring/Summer 2024 issue here and browse previous editions here.
Are you an illustrator or an author/illustrator? And what is your preferred medium to work in?
I am an illustrator, although I would love to write my own children’s book someday! I am represented by the wonderful agents at Astound US Inc.
I love digital illustration, so typically I draw on my iPad using Procreate. For sketchbook work—I love using Crayola, Copic, and Prismacolor Markers, Posca Paint Markers, Prismacolor colored pencils, various pens, and watercolor paint.
Tell us a little about your beginnings and journey as an illustrator.
From a very early age I loved to draw. Throughout my school years, art was always my favorite subject. During high school and college, I took as many art courses as I could—drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramics, etc. I remember my printmaking teacher saying my art looked like advertisements, and that’s when I decided to study graphic design.
In 2008 I graduated from Illinois State University with a BFA (with a focus in Graphic Design). I worked for many years as a full-time graphic designer and stopped drawing for
several years. After our daughter was born, my husband and I began reading children’s books to her every night. While reading these wonderful and beautiful picture books, I longed to draw again and illustrate. I started drawing again in my sketchbook, but wondered how people made such beautiful digital illustrations.
In 2018, I was gifted an iPad from my mother and father for my birthday. I immediately downloaded Procreate. I was drawing like a mad woman and couldn’t stop. For the next four years I took numerous online art classes from Make Art That Sells, Bardot Brush, Skillshare, and Victoria Johnson. I illustrated books for self-published authors, drew portraits, made invitations, and did commissioned artwork on the side while working from home as a graphic designer.
I built up a portfolio, created a website, and soon had the confidence to apply to agencies. After several months of applying, I landed an agent with Astound US Inc. Now, I have illustrated over 20 books. I am currently in the middle of four exciting projects!
Please share an illustration and give us a brief “step-by-step” of your process.
Usually, when I begin to draw, I go straight to Procreate and sketch. Today, I’m going to start with a drawing from my sketchbook, and show you a step-by-step process of how I color using Procreate.
When I first sketch something it’s usually very rough and sloppy. I take that “sloppy sketch” in Procreate, add a new layer, lower the opacity on my “sloppy sketch” layer, and go over that sketch again. I do this over and over, until my pencil sketch looks very refined. My favorite brush for sketching and fine details is the “Bardot Freshly Sharpened” brush from Bardot Brush’s Pencil Box set.
Once I am happy with my pencil sketch, I begin to add blocks of color. Today I am using a “Bright Florals” color palette for my character. I love to find and purchase Procreate color palettes on Etsy.
I then shade those color blocks. I enable “alpha lock” on that specific color layer, and use a “gouache wash” brush to shade. My favorite digital gouache brushes are from Bardot Brush Gouache Paintbox. After the large areas are colored, I add color blocks to the smaller sections.
Finally—my favorite part—adding the little details! The “alpha lock” and “clipping mask” tools are my friends here, and make things so easy! I may also add more shading in this stage too.
What does your workspace look like?
My workspace is filled with my favorite books, artwork, old toys, loads of art supplies, and anything that inspires me.
I’m a bit of a hoarder when it comes to collecting books and fun little knick-knacks, but I do try and declutter every now and then (I recently spent four days decluttering my office)! There is a space for my kids to create, and a closet full of craft supplies and games at their fingertips, so they like to spend a lot of time in here with me.
Please share an instance in which the seed of an idea or experience (though small at the start) took root and grew to become one of your books or illustrations.
A project I’m currently working on comes to mind. I’m a huge fan of Taylor Swift—I created fan art and sent the artwork to my agency. Soon jobs began popping up. Publishers were looking for artists to illustrate Taylor Swift inspired books. My agent began to put my name in, and (fourth time’s a charm) I was finally chosen! The 13 Days of Swiftness (Little, Brown) will be out this fall!
Which illustrators were your favorites when you were little?
As a child, I remember staring at the art in The Monster at the End of this Book: Starring Loveable, Furry, Old Grover (illustrated by Michael Smollin), and it’s still one of my favorites. I was in love with everything Lisa Frank—what girl in the ‘90s wasn’t? The cover art on the Goosebumps book series (illustrated by Tim Jacobus) made me yearn to collect every book. Disney movies like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion
King really inspired me as well. As a teenager I loved the Japanese manga and anime art style.
What inspires you creatively, spiritually, or emotionally?
I belong to a small Discord art group. There are seven of us (we met online through Make Art That Sells courses and became friends). This group is so talented, helpful, and amazing—they inspire me daily.
I love looking at fellow artists’ work on Instagram, and seeing what art my children and husband are creating. Looking through my art books, listening to my favorite music, and being in nature is also very inspiring.
What gets in the way of your creativity?
Everyday life. There are always a million things to do… chores, work, helping kids with homework, volunteering, cleaning, running errands, etc. Right now, in my life, I’m forced to be creative for work… so I have no choice! To stay sane, I bought a ukulele. This is my way of having a creative outlet—something that’s just for me and not work related. So, when I need a mental break, I play my ukulele.
Where can we find you?
Website: https://www.brookeoneilldesign.com/
Instagram: @brookeoneill.illustration
BROOKE O’NEILL is a graphic designer and illustrator living in the southwest suburbs near Chicago. She is represented by Astound US Inc and has illustrated over 20 children’s books. Some titles include Joan of Art and Sadie Shark and the Special Shellebration. Upcoming titles include It’s Her Story: Mae Jemison and 13 Days of Swiftness: A Christmas Celebration for Fans. When she’s not working; she loves spending time with her two children, husband, dog named Donut—and listening to Taylor Swift, of course! You can visit her website at www.brookeoneilldesign.com.