Chronicle Books Blog

Last year around this very same time we announced the exciting project of Brooklyn-based designer and illustrator Caitlin Keegan. Shakespeare’s Love Sonnets has now grown into a beloved treasure that brings some of his romantic poems to life for the contemporary reader, blending the beauty of words with tasteful and delicate illustrations.

Learn a bit below about Caitlin and how she was able to illustrate some of the bard’s most famous poems. Make sure to check out the contest at the end of the post as well!

When did you first discover your creative talents?
I’ve always liked making things, but my first exposure to illustration as a career happened when I was in second grade and the illustrator Stephen Kellogg talked to my class. It really inspired me to go home and make an illustrated book of my own. One of the first books I made was about twins, for my younger brother and sister, and I stole 100% of the plot from Sweet Valley High.

Your illustrations are beautiful, from where do you draw inspiration?
I like the challenge of drawing out ideas from inspiration or text I’ve been given. I think that is the reason I enjoy illustration so much—as opposed to self-directed artwork. I may not have chosen Shakespeare as a starting point on my own, but sometimes interesting visuals can come out of trying to interpret an unexpected source like that. For instance, I had no idea what a virginal was before illustrating this book and now that information is in my head forever. (It’s a small harpsichord.)

How would you describe your style?
Once I have a concept figured out, I love adding detail. I’m inspired by textile and decorative art of all kinds—so maybe that comes across as far as the style.

Do you have any artists whom you look up to?
Geoff McFetridge is one of my favorites because I think it takes a lot of skill to convey an idea in such a beautifully graphic way. Ed Emberley and Shel Silverstein were big favorites of mine growing up and they still are.

How did you create illustrations to accentuate the depth of each sonnet in this book?
I tried to keep in mind the tone of each sonnet as well as the imagery. Of course the sentiment behind the poetry is fairly intense! So in a lot of cases I tried to reflect that in the artwork. I also tried to work the infinity symbol into most of the illustrations just to tie them together in a very subtle way.

Any words for aspiring illustrators?
In my experience, the less I worry about what my work looks like, the better I feel about it and the more I enjoy making it. You have to trust yourself. This is advice I try to give myself all the time too.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Caitlin!

Hop over to the Chronicle Books page for Shakespeare’s Love Sonnets to learn more about the book. Purchase by February 17, 2012 and receive 25% off with discount code SONNETS.

Plus, in honor of the publication of the book, we’re hosting an exciting contest on our Facebook page. Do you have a gift with words? Enter an original poem for a chance to have Caitlin gorgeously illustrate it in the style of Shakespeare’s Love Sonnets. Your entry must be less than 200 words and the winner will be chosen randomly. Just click here, “like” the contest page, and then submit your poem. (Please note that the contest is only open to U.S. and Canada residents.) Hurry—the contest closes February 14th!

Alyson Pullman
Publicity Coordinator, Stationery

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