Behind the Book: Meet My Illustrator, Robin Boyer

My hunt for an illustrator was a lot like finding that perfect outfit IRL that was inspired by your imagination.

In short, a miracle!

But realistically, it was equal parts determination and my network that connected me to several talented artists I likely never would have met outside of this journey. Artists whose talent I envied but ultimately wasn’t quite what my book needed to bring it to life.

Then, when hope was almost lost, I found her roughly 20 minutes away.

I’m awestruck by my illustrator’s talent. Like anyone who’s poured themselves into their craft – through years of study, training or the quiet discipline it takes to make “it” look effortless – Robin embodies that dedication.

I’m excited to share this Q&A with Robin.

1. What's your background? Have you always been an artist?

I have a BFA from Alma College, I started out as a graphic designer with an emphasis in illustration. I have always loved taking words and creating images to go with them and have been blessed to be able to illustrate for various publications for over 20 years. And yes, I have always been an artist. I have always been sketching and drawing since I was a little girl and usually had some sort of creative endeavor in progress. 

From the portfolio of Robin Boyer.

2. What inspired you to become an illustrator?

Oh, so many things inspired me to be an illustrator … but I think it was when I had babies of my own and started reading all the beautiful picture books to them that I realized I really wanted to lean into that side of the creative industry. 

3. How many books have you illustrated and where can we find them?

Hummm, that’s a tough question. With 20+ years in publishing, I have quite a list of stories I have had the honor of illustrating. I usually can do a quick search of my name on Amazon and find 15+ books or activity books that I worked on that are still available. 

4. Have you ever worked with a local author? And what made you want to work with Christina Fecher?

No, I have not had the pleasure of collaborating with a local author until now. After meeting with Christina Fecher and talking about her book and the adorable story she has written, I could already start to envision the illustrations for some of the pages as we were going over ideas and details. I am looking forward to being a part of this project.

5. Can you describe your illustration style?

I’d say my style is more whimsical and sweet. I guess I have never really thought about ‘my style’, it has become so second nature to illustrate what I envision from the words I read or things I see that it seems to be just ‘Robin-ish’ … if that makes any sense at all.

6. What tools or mediums do you use most often?

I am a digital artist. I always start out with a pencil and paper to rough out my thoughts and from there I work my illustrations up using Photoshop, Illustrator or Procreate. 

My amazing illustrator, Robin Boyer.

7. Do you have a favorite children's book from your own childhood, or one you read to your children?

I have so many favorites. When I was little, we had book clubs, so Dr Suess and Disney books would “magically” show up and I would spend hours with them ... and tracing my favorite pages. Disney’s Big book versions of Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan were so vibrant I love them and love tracing the art. I love Little Goldenbooks, too. As for my favorite stories I read to my kids ... that’s tough, as I always let them pick their favorites. But, with that said, probably one of my favorites is The Night Pirates by Peter Harris and illustrated by Deborah Allwright. Such a fun story with delightful illustrations.

8. What is your favorite Michigan destination?

That’s another tough question! I am a beach girl, and we have soooo many lovely beach towns to enjoy. I am very fond of the quaint little towns along the Lake Michigan shoreline and spend most of my time in these various areas. Sleeping Bear Dunes is just visually stunning. I do love Mackinac Island as well. It is just a gem to have a place that literally drops you back in a slower place of time and again as an illustrator, the nature features, the buildings, flowers, horses and biking always inspire illustration ideas. 

9. Similar to athletes before a serve or after scoring a goal, do you have any rituals when you work on a new book project? 

Actually yes. I will read through the script, thinking of what I plan to illustrate, then go for a looonnng walk to think about the book and let my mind wander as to the colors, certain pages and scenes and then I get to work.

From the portfolio of Robin Boyer.

10. What's next for you?

I always have some sort of project going, so I keep busy. I do have a few stories of my own that I am thinking of bringing to life, so we shall see.