Jeff Mack is the illustrator of numerous children's books, including Rub-a-Dub-Sub, Starry Safari, and Mr. Duck Means Business. He likes traveling to new places, meeting people, reading, and hiking. He can play the trumpet and the musical saw, although not at the same time.
Q: Sometimes you visit schools and talk to kids about illustrating books. What do you like best about encouraging young artists? What kind of responses do you get from the kids when they see your work?
A: One of my favorite responses was from a Syracuse, New York, second grader who asked, "How much money did you have to pay to get your pictures in that book?" Most often kids respond to my illustrations by saying that they also love to draw. I try to encourage them to pay attention to feelings of satisfaction that happen when they express their own unique vision of the world. I hope to encourage kids to develop positive creative habits. I think adults can find a lot of meaning in life through the arts if those interests are fostered early on.
Q: If you could do anything, what would be your dream project as an illustrator and artist?
A: I'd love to design a creature to be used in the current Doctor Who television series. I'd also love to have a character of mine appear on a cereal box or maybe as one of those little plastic toys you can get for a quarter outside the grocery store. But I love my current job making books, and I can't think of doing anything more gratifying except illustrating a monster book.
Q: Do you have any tips you'd like to share with kids who would like to be illustrators or authors? (The adults will listen in, if it's okay.)
A: Sure
- Believe in the value of your own ideas.
- Figure out for yourself what makes a good picture or story.
- Be open to suggestions that could improve your work.
- If one person doesn't enjoy your work, stay confident. Another person will. Everyone has different tastes.
- Don't try to be the next Dr. Suess. Be the first "you."
As a kid, Jeff Mack spent his time drawing monsters, building pinball machines from cardboard boxes, and designing haunted houses in his basement. As an adult, he lives in Western Massachusetts where he writes and illustrates children's book, paints murals, and inspires students to develop their own creativity.
Look for Jeff's books at our local Gail Borden, Poplar Creek, Schaumburg, Batavia, or Bartlett public libraries and enjoy his fabulous illustrations and fun stories as he inspires the young artists in your family.
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