Member Interview: Illustrator Keiko Hayner

Where did you grow up, and how did that place (or those places) shape your work?

I was born and raised in Osaka, Japan. By now, I have lived in the U.S. about half my life, but I do believe that basic elements were formed in my childhood, surrounded by Japanese culture. I love a part of Japanese culture that pays attention to small details. Growing up, I was always fascinated by delicate, small objects, such as a doll’s belongings or flower patterns on origami paper. I can see that these details formed an idea: that details create something more interesting in my mind—and this has translated into my work in recent years. 

Did you always want to be an illustrator, or did that come later?

As far as I can remember, I always wanted to be an “artist,” but I didn't know what kind of artist I wanted to be, or how I could become an artist, for a long time. I attended an art college to obtain my BA in Graphic Design, but I wasn’t even quite sure if that was something I wanted to pursue. So, yes, wanting to be a professional illustrator came later, although I wanted to be some kind of artist for a long time. 

If someone were to follow you around for 24 hours, what would they see?

They would see a lot of interaction between me and my two children, who are an eight year-old boy and 10 year-old girl. We talk about silly jokes, serious stuff, disagreements and “what if” stories a lot. You would see me drawing with my watercolor paintings and colored pencils, in a small space. Somehow, my desk easily becomes full of materials when I work on my illustration. 

How does your everyday life feed your work?

I have tried to pay attention to what’s happening in my everyday life to give myself a trigger to start writing stories. It started when I got an agent who suggested that I should write stories as well. I carry around my little green notebook to write things down—things that I don’t want to forget at that moment. The other day, I was at a dental office and I felt a bit nervous. I thought of myself as a little child who was waiting at a dental office and feeling anxious about what was going to happen. I wrote down this idea in my notebook that day. I think possibilities of new stories are everywhere in my everyday life. It’s the same for illustration.

Tell us about some accomplishments that make you proud.

I haven’t published a book yet. After I attended SCBWI’s 2024 New York Conference, I was able to talk to the illustrator Catia Chien, for my online portfolio. After her feedback, she asked me: what was my goal in one year? I answered: to get an agent. Then she asked me: what was my goal in five years? I paused for a second; then I answered that I would like to hold three or four books that I illustrated in my hands. After that discussion with Catia, I started applying to literary agencies to look for my future agent. I didn’t hear from some of the agencies where I applied, but I soon found my agent, Sophie Sheumaker, at BookEnds Literary Agency. I have been happy with her so far. 

Then, last late spring, I attended SCBWI’s Austin Conference with my illustration portfolio. I had a chance to talk with Laurent Linn, an art director at Simon & Schuster. I was nervous; but that 15 minutes was a very precious time for me. Thankfully, I won the illustration portfolio award at that conference. 

Possibly because of exposure at those conferences, or from social media posts, especially monthly KidLitArtPostcard day, I started hearing some job offers from publishing houses. So, my point here is that setting up goals is very important for me to move up my personal career ladder and to get closer to my dream. 

What surprises you about the creative life?

I am not very good at being or talking in front of people. But, I have learned that putting myself out there, even when I feel a bit uncomfortable, opens up possibilities that somebody could look at my work. Sometimes, some editor from a big publishing house suddenly emails me to ask if I am available for a children's book project. This kind of moment surprises me so much—how did she/he even find me? But there are professionals who are looking for new talents, so we need to keep putting ourselves out there. 

When a reader discovers your work, what do you hope they find?

After I got Sophie as my agent I started writing stories. I am still a beginner writer; I have enjoyed learning all the elements of writing children’s books, along with being creative. I believe my illustration has a warm, cozy, somehow nostalgic atmosphere. I am hoping that I can inspire similar feelings with my stories as well. 

Quick-Fire Questions:

Favorite place in Japan to sit and draw? 

My parents’ house, where the natural sunlight comes in. That’s where my grandma used to read her newspaper. 

What illustrators have inspired you most?

I have always loved Richard Scarry for his details and humor. Also, I love Beatrice Alemagna. 

If you were a woodland animal, what would you be?

I would be a squirrel because somehow I think squirrels seem to know where yummy food is!