Artist Ran: "A picture book must have static elements but must have dynamic elements"

Unlike serials and text books, picture books need two decisive factors to be successful: content and illustrations. On the occasion of the launch of the picture book series Unique Values, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio and Television reporters had the opportunity to talk with artist Ran (real name Pham Thi Tuyen, born in 1995, a freelancer) to better understand the process of creating the above book series, as well as the work of an illustrator.

Báo Đồng Nai•06/12/2025

Artist Ran (real name Pham Thi Tuyen), illustrator of the picture book series Unique Values. Photo: NVCC

* According to you, what is the common point when illustrating picture books?

- The common point when readers come into contact with picture books is to come into contact with the images first, then the words. Therefore, the illustrator must convey the content of the story simply, vividly, eye-catching, creating interest and impression as soon as they pick up the book. It can be compared: picture books are "like a movie with images", must ensure the layout of the drawings, clearly expressing the content. The drawings are static but must ensure the dynamic element, looking at the pictures you can see the thoughts and feelings of the characters vividly expressed in them.

* What are the differences in the Unique Value picture book series, ma'am?

- The difference is that in this picture book series, the author personifies familiar household objects, thereby conveying life lessons. The illustrator must draw them in a very familiar way so that children can easily understand them. For example, in the scene where Uncle Refrigerator is sick, the picture must show the character with uncomfortable, grimacing emotions; the other objects panic and work together to find a way to rescue Uncle Refrigerator.

* Can you tell us about the process from receiving the manuscript to completing the publication for an illustrator?

- When the publisher contacts the illustrator for the book, the illustrator receives the manuscript and needs time to read the manuscript carefully, understand the content and ideas of the author, and then come up with his own ideas. At this time, there will be contact and meeting of ideas between the illustrator and the author through the character images in the work. After that, I develop the drawing, coordinate with the departments of the publisher and the author to edit the pictures.

The process of completing an illustration for a picture book can take several months to a year, depending on the manuscript.

* In addition to technical and professional factors, in your opinion, what other qualities does a fine artist need?

- In addition to the technical factors of painting to ensure the completion of the paintings and books, the artist needs to have a deep understanding of the manuscript, the content of the new book, as well as the "file" and "target customers" that he is aiming for... to be able to fully convey the author's message. In my opinion, that can only be done best when the artist has passion and enthusiasm for the job he has chosen...

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