TABITHA Emma Bray has only been working as a full-time illustrator for five years, so was thrilled to have her work featured in the children’s book Herbert Peabody and His Extraordinary Vegetable Patch, which hits the book stands this month.
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Despite having only worked as a professional illustrator for a relatively short time, Mrs Bray says it’s a craft she’s been working on her entire life.
“I’ve always liked drawing, sometimes cartoony-type pictures, coming up with characters,” she said.
“I just used to draw heaps - the more you do, the better you get.”
Mrs Bray’s perseverance with her craft has paid off, she now has a steady flow of work having built up her online business by selling a range of small items featuring her illustrations.
Her services are also in demand creating logos and artwork for magazines.
Mrs Bray said Herbert Peabody and His Extraordinary Vegetable Patch, which was written by Bianca Ross, has a great message
The book aims to remind children where their food comes from, and encourage them to grow their own.
The book’s central character is a vegetable farmer who has a close relationship with his niece and nephew who he shows the benefits of gardening and growing sustainable produce.
Mrs Bray said her long-term goal was always to illustrate a book and she’s pleased plans are already underway to publish a second Herbert Peabody book featuring her illustrations.
Mrs Bray moved to Orange in June last year, having previously lived in Sydney and Bathurst, and says it’s the perfect city for her to balance her working life with her family life, including raising a young son.
“It’s a nice lifestyle here, and it’s so peaceful to walk to the park and be inspired,” she said.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au