Alec Price
Introduce yourself.
Hello! I’m Robin Dimond. I’m relatively new to the world of illustration, although I have been drawing and doodling for most of my life. Especially when I was supposed to be doing something else.
I live in Bristol, with my long time partner Bindy, and our deaf cat Ghost (commonly referred to as Fuzzbutt, or Milord).
When did you first discover you wanted to be an illustrator?
For me it was a very gradual realisation.
I first became aware that drawing was a thing I could do when I was around 7, and had recently moved to a new school. My classmates seemed to like the things I drew, so I used it as a way to make friends.
I, basically, continued to do this into my twenties. Mostly drawing for the amusement of myself, and my friends.
I’ve had a huge amount of support from my family and friends, many of whom have encouraged me to pursue illustration.
I was very hesitant to the idea for a long time, lacking in confidence. But, when offered the opportunity to illustrate for Lucy Baker’s stories, I felt it was too good an opportunity not to accept.
I’m very glad I did.
Can you describe your type of art?
I try to make the things I draw emotionally evocative in some way, either with humour, or by trying to be sympathetic to the characters.
I like to be expressive.
What is your favourite part of the creating process?
I really enjoy the process of discovering a character. Working out who they are and exploring ways to express that is, for me, it’s the most rewarding part creating anything.
Do you have a favourite medium or subject matter?
Characters; animals, monsters, people … the more varied the better!
What inspires you?
Story telling. I get excited about characters and situations. The version of a story that plays in your head when you read a good book is a fun thing to share.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee! This liquid is responsible for me getting most of my work done.
Black please.
What is your favourite song?
Difficult question!
I listen to a lot of orchestral music soundtracks from films and video games, especially when I’m working.
Almost anything by Joe Hisaishi is phenomenal: the Spirited Away soundtrack in particular gets to me. But if pushed I’d probably go with 'Clair de Lune' by Debussy.
Do you have a favourite book?
I really love the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman, and I consider myself a big Harry Potter fan.
When it comes to children’s books, I really like Not Now, Bernard’ by David McKee, and Bad Jelly The Witch by Spike Milligan, both of which I found equally terrifying and hilarious as a child.
I also really loved The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley, which I discovered when I found the illustrated version drawn by William Heath Robinson, my great granddad.
Is there a painting you wish you had painted?
‘Starry Night Over the Rhone’ by Vincent Van Gogh.
What are you currently working on?
I have a couple of other book projects in the works for Lucy Baker!
What next for Robin Dimond?
Hopefully continuing to learn and improve! Illustrating Rhino Wants A Wife has taught me a huge amount and has been an enormously gratifying process.
If I’m lucky I’ll get to continue working with wonderful people, on wondrous stories!
