“A Day in the Life” with bestselling children’s book illustrator and author Kim Smith

June 9, 2021 Kyra Ramos Arts, Literature, Visual Arts

Kim Smith is a New York Times bestselling children’s book illustrator and author. Her attention to detail and whimsical imagination comes through in every illustration and art idea that she pursues. She’s never content with the status quo of her talents and always seeks new inspirations, art techniques, and mediums to express her creativity.

A graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design, Kim has spent the past 13 years building a career that has also seen her utilize her illustrating talents for editorial, concept, and design work.

Working in the world of children’s books has also allowed her to inspire and engage kids, both through the illustrations in her books that come alive off the page, but also in the visits she’s made to classrooms, which get kids excited about art and imagination.

Her PopClassic series with Quirk books has introduced a new generation to pop culture properties near and dear to their parent’s hearts, allowing different generations to connect and enjoy their favorite stories together. As an author, her first book Boxitects shows the importance of teamwork and the fun and joy that can come from creative thinking and building.

Living in Calgary and being so close to the Rocky Mountains has provided Kim with endless opportunities to spend time and explore nature, which in turn has had a big impact on her illustration inspiration and style.

– Written by Eric Gillis

Kim Smith - This is my office, the corner of my house where I spend my time creating. Whether I’m attempting to write my next picture book, painting, or illustrating a fun new print, I’m usually found in here. Take note of the plants that have survived my care so far.
Kim Smith – This is my office, the corner of my house where I spend my time creating. Whether I’m attempting to write my next picture book, painting, or illustrating a fun new print, I’m usually found in here. Take note of the plants that have survived my care so far.
Kim Smith - I used to use paper and pencil for doing all my sketches, but I’ve since gone digital (and there’s so much less graphite dust). I’m just working through some ideas for new picture books or illustrations. Recently, I’ve been drawing many woodland creatures and giant anteaters.
Kim Smith – I used to use paper and pencil for doing all my sketches, but I’ve since gone digital (and there’s so much less graphite dust). I’m just working through some ideas for new picture books or illustrations. Recently, I’ve been drawing many woodland creatures and giant anteaters.
I keep a special section on my bookshelf for all the picture books I’ve illustrated (and written for Boxitects) so far. It makes me so proud to look at all my book babies in one place!
I keep a special section on my bookshelf for all the picture books I’ve illustrated (and written for Boxitects) so far. It makes me so proud to look at all my book babies in one place!
Some of the most exciting days are when I get book mail from the publisher. I just received copies of my next book, School of Rock, in the mail from Quirk Books! It’s always so satisfying to see a book I worked on made into a real tangible thing. My office dog, Whisky, helps me check everything out.
Some of the most exciting days are when I get book mail from the publisher. I just received copies of my next book, School of Rock, in the mail from Quirk Books! It’s always so satisfying to see a book I worked on made into a real tangible thing. My office dog, Whisky, helps me check everything out.
When I’m not in the office, my favourite place to escape to is the Rockies. I love to watch for wildlife or go on a long hike. Honestly, it’s great just breath that mountain air. A trip out to Kananaskis always fills up my creative well, especially if I’m running on empty.
When I’m not in the office, my favourite place to escape to is the Rockies. I love to watch for wildlife or go on a long hike. Honestly, it’s great just breath that mountain air. A trip out to Kananaskis always fills up my creative well, especially if I’m running on empty.
I do most of my illustrations digitally, but lately, I’ve been giving more traditional media a try. These are some small paintings I’ve been working on in the evenings that are done in gouache with some pencil crayon added in for the details.
Kim Smith - I love to create work that’s just for fun like these prints or pins. They’re usually inspired by Canadian landscapes and animals or colours I think are neat. I usually have an online store, which I spend one a day a week shipping prints and pins out. It’s currently closed for some retooling but will reopen later this summer with some new pieces.
Kim Smith – I love to create work that’s just for fun like these prints or pins. They’re usually inspired by Canadian landscapes and animals or colours I think are neat. I usually have an online store, which I spend one a day a week shipping prints and pins out. It’s currently closed for some retooling but will reopen later this summer with some new pieces.
Kim Smith - Last year at the beginning of the pandemic, a break in my work schedule opened up while everyone was adjusting to their new circumstances. To fill up my time, I started plein air painting with my mom. I keep trying to get out and paint as much as possible. It’s really relaxing.
Kim Smith – Last year at the beginning of the pandemic, a break in my work schedule opened up while everyone was adjusting to their new circumstances. To fill up my time, I started plein air painting with my mom. I keep trying to get out and paint as much as possible. It’s really relaxing.

Which ‘hood are you in?

I live in Point McKay, which is a small townhouse community just across the street from Parkdale. My husband and I feel in love with the area because of all the tall coniferous trees. In the winter it can feel a little like you’re living in Banff (if you forget the mountain part). It’s just a short walk to Edworthy park and the river pathway. We’ve found ourselves lucky to observe plenty of local wildlife around here. There are bobcats, bald eagles, coyotes, beavers, all sorts of waterfowl, and many, many chunky squirrels.

What do you do?

I’m an illustrator, mostly for picture books. I have illustrated over 30 picture books including the Builder Brothers picture book series (HarperCollins); the PopClassics picture book adaptations of popular films including Back to the Future, Home Alone, and E.T. (Quirk Books); and the Ice Chips chapter book series (HarperCollins Canada). I also am working on writing more picture books. My first authored book, Boxitects, has just been named an honour book for the Blue Spruce Awards from the Ontario Library Association’s Forest of Reading. Along with picture books, I’ve also illustrated posters, puzzles, advertisements, and games.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently illustrating two books about nature. I’m also working on writing a second picture book and creating a few new prints for my online store. I do have a couple of books that will be out soon, which are School of Rock (August 17th, 2021) and A Rugrats Chanukah (September 28th, 2021). They are the last books I will be illustrating in the PopClassics series.

Where can we find your work?

My books can be found in local books stores (like Owl’s Nest Books, Shelf Life Books) or they can be found at Chapters or Amazon. My other work can be found through my website, Kimillustration.com, or through my social media, @kimillustration (Instagram) @kimdraws (Twitter).

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