Jen Khatun - The Curious Creative and a Devoted Beret Collector by Chitra Soundar

 I recently interviewed Jen Khatun, illustrator of wonderful picture books and chapter books about her work and styles and process. Here are some amazing insights and a peep into her process. Enjoy.

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Hi Jen, I've worked with you on four books in the Sona Sharma series. But I know you also illustrate picture books. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hello! I’m Jen, Children’s Book Illustrator since 2016, represented by The Bright Agency. My hometown is the quaint and beautiful city of Winchester, Hampshire. My origins begin with my family, my Mum and Dad, both heralded from the exotic land of Bangladesh.

My present is now living nestled somewhere in the rolling hills of East Sussex with my partner and our dog. To describe me in a few words:

- I obsessively wear knit jumpers

- My colours are Red, Yellow, Blue and Pink

- Berets

- a good cup of tea in my hand

- Autumn and Christmas are my favourite times of the year.

Here is a trailer of My Must-Have Mum illustrated by Jen Khatun written by Maudie Smith 

What is your latest book?

My latest book is Stolen History by Sathnam Sanghera published by Penguin Random House. This is an image from that book. 

Image from Stolen History by Sathnam Sanghera

What are your favourite tools for work? 

Pen and Ink are my favourite, and always will be. I just simply love the looseness, the freedom, the whimsical line. But when juggling lots of books, working digitally has helped, especially with editing illustrations. It has saved me time from re-drawing the artwork again, without compensating my illustrational style.

Illustration from Sona Sharma - Wish Me Luck by Chitra Soundar

What is your process for work when you're assigned a new book to illustrate?

1. Read the brief/manuscript
2. Note down deadline dates
3. Character design
4. Write myself a realistic to-do list- what you aim to achieve each day to get the artwork rolling
5. Save my work! (if digital)
6. Don’t get precious with rough artwork, this is the raw stage. Moulding the artwork will be a gradual process.
7. Feedback from clients is never a negative thing, it will only take the artwork forward.

Artwork from Star Rivals - Bollywood Academy by Puneet Bhandal

 How would you describe your style of art?

In a few words, I would say my style is:

• whimsical
• magical
• fun and bold
• expressive
• nostalgic

What are your tips for relaxing especially if you have stacked-up deadlines?

Whether you go out for a walk in the outdoors, read a collection of books, watch your favourite TV series

(My go- to are Columbo and Poirot), or even take yourself to the cafe. 

ALWAYS make time to break away from your desk to get some inspiration and some breathing space. Having a time-out will only fuel your creativity.

Illustration from 

Sit in the Sun

and Other Lessons in the Spiritual Wisdom of Cats by Jon M Sweeney

When you started out, was it hard? What did your family say when you didn't want a regular 9-5 job?

‘Art does not bring food to the table’ my Mum would say. I never judged her comment, it simply represented a part of her generation and culture believing that working as a Banker, Solicitor or Doctor would bring happiness, financial stability and status. But that just wasn’t my calling. It took time and hard work to show my Mum how drawing gave me happiness and in time, a healthy illustrious career. 

Mary Poppins as imagined by Jen Khatun

And lastly do you have advice for someone who wants to turn pro or begin their journey as an illustrator?

My last note to all the creatives out there, whether you are studying, graduated or thinking about a change in direction:

- Be curious and explore all mediums to find one that you enjoy and fits you.

- Self-initiated projects- a brilliant way to extend your portfolio.

- Break moulds and be daring- your drawing style is your own signature, you do not need to change it to fit in, respect your authentic self.

- Network- venture out to art and crafts events, shows and seminars. It’s a great way to start the

conversation and get yourself heard.

- Stepping away- A good time away from the desk time to time will re-charge your imagination and will guarantee strong performance and work.

Art from How Many Hairs on a Grizzly Bear?: And Other Big Questions about Numbers written by Tracey Turner

Find out more about Jen Khatun and her work at https://www.jenkhatun.com/ 

Thank you Jen Khatun for giving us a glimpse into your world and process and sharing some wonderful artwork with us. 

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Chitra Soundar is an internationally published, award-winning author of children’s books and an oral storyteller. Chitra regularly visits schools, libraries and presents at national and international literary festivals. She is also the creator of The Colourful Bookshelf, a curated place for books for children by British authors and illustrators.  

 Find out more at http://www.chitrasoundar.com/ and follow her on twitter here and Instagram here.