Rob Foote is a local chidren’s book illustrator. We chatted to the 37 year old dad about his work and his role as a father to 2 year old Kai.

Rob works mainly on kids books and apps but I also does concept work for the film and game industry and editorial work for magazines. He says “I work remotely for clients around the world. I work mainly digitally but I come from a traditional fine art background and still try apply those lessons to this exciting new medium.” He won the coca cola young designers award a few years ago and most recently was a finalist for the Golden Baobab Illustration Award. “I’ve been working full-time for the past 5 years and really love my job.”

You can view some of Rob's work here:  http://www.robfoote.net/ 
and follow him on Facebook here: 
https://www.facebook.com/robfooteillustration 

Was becoming an illustrator always your dream?
Yes more or less :) I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember and used to ask my mom (rather hopefully) if I might be an artist when I grew up. She was a little non committal but looking at my first pictures now I understand. I’ve been a set builder, furniture maker, teacher and foundry man too but illustration is the perfect fit.

So... do you just draw all day :)  What is involved in being an illustrator?
Yes nice job description hey:) I do draw a lot, all night sometimes too.. Of course there is the admin side of running a business speaking to clients and making sure there is more work coming in.. invoicing and marketing.  I try to keep a good balance but usually end up slacking on marketing. Depending on the project there is usually a lot of back and forth, rough sketches and changes and then drawing:) A big piece usually takes a day or more to complete.

Tell us a bit about some of your favourite projects that you have been involved in?
I worked with the Times in London on an interactive app about Bees . I worked on the original ideas and all the artwork. The app had a really nice hand drawn feel so came out as a really nice mix of traditional and digital styles.

I’ve just recently finished a book of Fairy Tales by LAPA publishers. I really loved being able to share my own take of these stories so familiar to all of us. Its called Vertel vir my n storie and is in most bookstores at the moment.

My best is working on personal projects when time allows… I have been working on a book called Samples from the Lab for the last few years. It tells the story of genetic modification gone array and features some quirky animal and fruit combinations.

Rob loved being able to share his own take on familiar fairy tales for a book by LAPA Publishers

You are a dad yourself, tell us a bit about your family?
I have a lovely wife Tammy son of two and a half Kai and terrible basset hound Lula.

What has been the biggest change for you since becoming a father, any advice for new father out there?
I feel like everything changes when you become a dad… maybe the biggest thing for me was just that feeling of the crazy love you have for your kids because they are so precious. That and not having any spare time :) the best advice I have is don’t worry too much about them sleeping in your bed, we were told you should try avoid it but honestly we’ve never slept better.

What role do you think parents (and especially dads) can play in helping to develop their children's creativity and why is this important?
Being up for a game and trying not to control the way it goes too much. I think they are so naturally creative for me its more a case of trying not to get in the way.

Rob with his wife, Tammy, and son Kai

Moms are usually the go to parent for most day to day things, but what in your opinion are dads best at?
I think Dads are really good for jumping in muddy puddles and laughing at fart noises… 

You are currently based in Grahamstown, but spent some time living in Port Elizabeth.  What do you love about the city and do you think that it is a good place to raise children?
Now that we are in grahamstown I am really missing the beach… Pe really does have great beaches and lovely places for kids. Everything is pretty close and everyone is unusually friendly. Honestly.

I think it is a good place to raise kids its got the small town community with big city stuff to do.

And lastly, how do you think the The Little Pages will be beneficial to the parents of Port Elizabeth?
I really am very impressed. I think it will be super beneficial. I think as a parent - things to do and things for sale are both very useful.