Renee Kurilla: Making the Most of a Super Bloom

A Note from Heidi: The title of this post is inspired by a post Renee wrote recently, where she described the current phase of her career as a super bloom, acknowledging that so many projects were coming to fruition at the same time. She has been receiving amazing opportunities with joy and appreciation, knowing she might not see this kind of burst again, and it’s been a masterclass in how to flow through a season of abundance.

How much time do you get to work on creative projects?

I work during school hours (about 4 hours during each weekday), and at night (for another 4 hours) when I have a deadline approaching. Sometimes I am amazed by what I can get done in that short amount of time, compared to how I used to work endless days before my daughter was born. In some ways she has made me more efficient or, in the least, has made me stop second guessing my decisions. There’s not enough time in the day to go back and forth, I have to commit to my choices.

How did motherhood change your creative practice?

I have been working in children’s books and media for over 15 years, but somehow never spent much time with kids before she was born. She absolutely unlocked something for me, a key ingredient to making my best work. I’m a grownup kid but that’s a very different thing! Zoey is always the first to see everything I make, and is always the least impressed. 🤣

How does art enrich your life? How does being a mother enrich your art?

I am an author and illustrator, but I find much more enjoyment in making art. When I was illustrating THE FLOWER GARDEN, I would listen to music and just let my drawing hand flow, the whole time thinking about the characters and how they relate to my own life. I think every illustration has a memory tied to it now. This way, my work is therapy.

When I lose myself in a project, I dive in and come out the other side a much happier person, which makes me more fun to be around. It’s all cyclical, because when I am feeling good, I will have fun, creative moments with my daughter that teach me how to loosen up. I bring that freedom into my practice the next time I sit down to work on a piece. I try new things. She has no idea how much she inspires me.

What helps you make time and space for being creative? How do you avoid burn out?

I am a schedule and to-do list person. I love crossing off list items. I’ve gotten to the point where I need to make a to-do list each morning because I pack a lot into my days. I’m illustrating books, writing books, cleaning the house, decorating for the holidays, cooking, planning birthday parties, running an Etsy shop, I’m on the PTO at my daughter’s school. I think I fit the definition of burnt out, but I can’t function if my schedule is not full. Maybe that’s a problem? Does it have to be, or is that just the way I am? I don’t want to slow down!

If you had a free hour, how would you spend it? What about a free day?

I recently was lucky enough to spend time at Milkwood Farm in residency, which gave me an entire WEEK free of mom duties! I could have taken the week to do absolutely nothing, but you know what I did? I worked on new stories and new art pieces the entire time. It’s just what makes me happy. I don’t want a break from it (even though I know I have a million shows and movies to catch up on so I can mingle with the rest of society)! I do, however, like playing Animal Crossing, board games, building with Legos, and yoga. I love to squeeze that stuff in, too. 😊

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Renee Kurilla

is a children’s author, illustrator and designer. She is the creator of The Flower Garden, It’s Fall!, and the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of Just Because by Matthew McConaughey, among several other books for children. She has a BFA in illustration with a minor in graphic design from Lesley University College of Art and Design. She lives south of Boston with her illustrator husband, Keith Zoo, and their 6-year-old daughter, Zoey. You can find her at kurillastration.com and on Instagram @reneekurilla. Or pick up a print at her Etsy.

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Hi! I’m Heidi. Writer. Editor. Mother. I’m interviewing 100 creative mothers, because I believe the more we see other mothers making beauty and meaning in small moments, the more we will be inspired to make our own kind of art, whatever that may look like during this intense season of life. Support the project by sharing with a friend.