Interview » Carin Berger.

All Mixed Up
Chronicle Books, 2006 | Written & Illustrated by Carin Berger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Multi award-winning illustrator, designer and children’s book author Carin Berger creates truly exceptional work that continues to delight kids and adult kids alike. Her illustrations are brimming with playful movement, beautiful textures, vintage ephemera and tasty little details that make you squint and look closer. I’m very pleased to present a selection of Carin’s choice work and the following interview where you will learn about her professional path—from the launch of her design career at Pentagram in London, to now full time illustration and writing plus her inspirations and work process. Carin is a real treat to cross paths with, her bright persona certainly matches her illustrations. Read/look on and enjoy…

Sample of Carin’s collections
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q: Who is Carin Berger?

A: I’m a scavenger and collector and a maker of things. I grew up in upstate New York. And, as you noted below, have lived in a variety of places. I studied graphic design in college, and minored in illustration and then worked as a designer for just about forever, starting at Pentagram in London, and slowly making my way down the pay scale from annual reports and brochures towards what I love best, which is book jacket design. I have designed covers for all sorts of books and for all the major publishers. What delights me most about doing book jacket design is the challenge of visually interpreting literature [much like grown up picture books]. Another major perk is that I can sometimes generate my own artwork [either photos or illustrations] for the book covers.

The children’s book came along later, almost accidentally, once I had my daughter. My first book, Not so True Stories and Unreasonable Rhymes, is a collection of quirky poems. I came up with these in the long, dusky hours while I waited for my sleepless daughter to fall asleep.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q: What was your first illustration job?

A: Strangely, I illustrated my first picture book before I was ever directly hired for an illustration job. As I mentioned above, I sometimes would create illustrations for my book jackets. Examples of these are the Calvin Trillin book, Feeding a Yen; and The Norton Anthology of Children’s Literature.

OK GO!
Greenwillow Books, 2009 | Written & Illustrated by Carin Berger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q: Tell us about your most recent book OK GO!

A: I couldn’t find anything but scientific, non-fiction picture books about taking care of the environment. I grew up in the 70s when there was a strong environmental movement. [Perhaps you remember? "Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute"? (Why yes, I do. :)]  It left a strong impression. I wanted to create a light, playful introduction about being green for the wee set. Something that could plant a seed and start a conversation. It’s my hope and belief that if you introduce the idea early it will stick and we’ll have what our planet needs… a whole army of young environmentalists who will influence us grown ups to do the right thing.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q: You have a very distinctive and delightful cut paper collage style using wonderful vintage ephemera. Tell us a bit about your work process.

A: I’ve always been passionate about typography, ephemera, and the odd, old bits and pieces. And, looking back at the work that I made as a kid, I always enjoyed making art out of found objects and I also often did collage. It’s funny how one circles back to ones childhood… I kind of left collage behind for a while and when I started playing around with sample illustrations for my first book, I assumed that I would make paintings. But we were out in Pt. Reyes California at the time, with limited supplies and without an art store around. There was a big stack of old magazines and catalogs in the house that we were staying in. Then, my friend gave me a box of beautiful, dusty, history-filled ephemera, decades worth of letters and bills from the turn of the century. There was no turning back!

As for my process, I make tight, tiny little thumbnail sketches that are line drawings. I blow these up, re-draw them onto vellum and use them almost as a map for the collages. I then make each piece separately, almost like little paper toys… the little people, the cars, the bunnies… finally I create the backgrounds and assemble the whole illustration. My materials are really pedestrian: the perfectly sharp pair of scissors, an x-acto knife and tons of blades, and simple white glue. And a treasure trove of ephemera.

The Little Yellow Leaf
Greenwillow Books, 2008 | Written & Illustrated by Carin Berger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q: How has living on different coasts in the U.S. plus living abroad influenced your work and aesthetic?

A: Working at Pentagram in London as a fresh college graduate was a rich and extremely influential experience. I was up against these witty old granddaddies of design [yes, alas, they were all men!] who could pare things down to the simplest visual pun. I loved the sense of play and possibility and it absolutely informs my work today. Living in different places keeps ideas flowing, it exposes me to new thoughts, new ways of approaching old problems, new people. I find it very invigorating. I might also add that my husband and daughter and I have spent a bit of time in Japan. That is always a visual feast.

Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant
Greenwillow Books, 2006 | Written by Jack Prelutsky & Illustrated by Carin Berger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q: What inspires you? And what/who has influenced your work?

A: Oh! The list is so long! I look at everything. Old Victorian daguerreotypes, Japanese wood block prints, 50s Czech animations, old fireworks packets, folk art sculptures… I find it helpful and nourishing to soak in as much as I can, especially work that is different then my own. Of course, there are loads of illustrators whose work I admire [and envy!]. That’s an enormously long list too, but, the list would certainly include Paul Rand, Richard McGuire, Hilary Knight, Charley Harper, Bill Peet, Jonny Hannah, Calef Brown, Maurice Sendak, Mary Blair, Takei Takeo, Sara Fanelli, Lane Smith, and Helene Guertik, to name a few favorites.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q: I gather you collect much more than just vintage paper ephemera. What other types of items do you collect?

A: It’s a very eclectic mash up that I collect. Old photos. Glass beakers. Rulers and measuring implements.Textiles. Stones, bones, bird’s nests, seed pods. Masses of books. Things with type on them…

Carin’s family dining room
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q: What is your dream project… or have you already done several I bet?

A: I would love to branch out into other mediums. I was thrilled when the San Diego Symphony made a piece of music to accompany a live reading of Jack Prelutsky‘s book which I illustrated, Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant. On my [extensive] dream list: Stage sets, animations, collaborations, store windows, textiles, toys and games…
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q: What are you currently working on? Upcoming projects and opportunities?

A: My newest book, Forever Friends is due out from Greenwillow Books in March. I see it as a companion book to my book, The Little Yellow Leaf. It’s a book about friendship that transcends time and place. It’s about trust. It’s about a bunny and a bird who are friends and have to trust in the friendship when the bird has to migrate. I just, finally, received a bound copy! Yippee!

I’ve also just finished making a dummy of a new book. More on that soon.

The Cat Inside
Penguin Putnam USA | Cover Design by Carin Berger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q: What might your advice be to new designers and illustrators… especially those wanting to pursue children’s book illustration?

A: I guess my best advice can sound a little pat, but I think is really important: have the courage to do what you love and to explore and find your own voice.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Q: Okay, one more thing… you are a social media queen, that’s how we ‘met’. Give me your take on social media as in how it has worked best for you. To me you represent the best in social media, both in your fantastic content and generosity.

A: Well, the obvious answer to that is that I get to meet people like you! Colleagues who post all sorts of inspirations, who are doing interesting work and sharing information. It’s amazing to be able to make these kinds of connections, since I work by myself and that, of course, poses the constant danger of transforming me into a muttering recluse!

Feeding a Yen
Random House | Cover Design by Carin Berger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[ All images ©Carin Berger ]

>> CarinBerger.com
>> @CarinBerger
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I greatly appreciate Carin sharing her award-winning work plus her snapshots and generous time! And certainly look forward to laying eyes on her upcoming projects.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .