Shelley Couvillion: Changing Your Style
What did you use to do during recess?
For starters, I was homeschooled so recess consisted of going into the backyard for 10 - 15 minutes or going to my room to read by myself. One day I lied to my mom and told her I was going to do my school work in my room by myself and instead I read The Sorcerer’s Stone in one sitting.
Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What does creativity look like for your these days?
Very much yes. My mother and father both did creative projects and they were very supportive of my drawing when I was young. My favorite was I would draw while my mom read to us, this probably explains why I need to listen to a podcast while I draw now.
How did motherhood change your creative practice?
So so much. I went through an entire style change after having Bean and I know it was because I suddenly wanted to make things for kids.
When do you feel most creative?
Mornings. Mornings when I’m around no one. Which is hard as a mom and especially during quarantine. I used to have a ritual of making time once a week to get away and be creative just for fun by myself. Maybe I need to start that up again.
What’s inspiring you outside of your own genre?
YA fiction. My sister in law is a prolific reader and has been lending me some wonderful titles.
How would you like the world to see artists and mothers?
Well, I’ve picked two jobs that people have lots of preconceived notions about. When asked what I do, I honestly avoid saying “Picture Book illustrator and stay at home mom.” Because no matter how I frame it I immediately find disinterest as soon as motherhood comes into it. Honestly I would just love if people saw being a mom as legitimate or interesting as any other job.
How can we support and encourage each other more?
For me, I’m more of a one-on-one kind of person, so I think it comes down to connection. Just check in and say hi and ask how the other moms in your life are doing. Cuz we’re all having a hard time of it I think.
If you could give everyone a small treat, what would it be?
If it were possible for me to hug everyone in the entire world I would. Oh, and a cup of earl gray tea with milk and sugar and wild violets (just to be fancy).
Shelley Couvillion is an introverted coffee-guzzling professional picture-book author/illustrator and mom of a rambunctious, talkative whirlwind five year old. Connect with her at shelleycouvillion.com and on Instagram @shelley_illustration. Then treat yourself to a little something at her Etsy shop!
This interview was originally published in 2021.
The Sidewalk Chalk Talks are inspiring interviews with mothers who are making space for creativity and finding ease and joy in the process. The women I admire are bright, visionary creatures who love their work and their families. The different dimensions of their lives enrich each other and the world we share. I hope these conversations will inspire you and your work!