A Conversation with Brian Won: The Art Behind "Horizontal Crocodile"

Today, I’m thrilled to share insights from an interview with the talented author and illustrator Brian Won, whose latest work, Horizontal Crocodile, co-created with writer Scott Rothman, has captivated audiences with its charming illustrations. Known for his unique style and engaging stories, Won's work delights both children and adults alike. Let’s explore our conversation to uncover the inspiration and creative process behind this exciting new book!

About "Horizontal Crocodile"

Horizontal Crocodile is a whimsical tale about a long crocodile preparing for a visit from his best friend, set in a swamp. The story revolves around the crocodile's efforts to tidy up his “loooooooong” house in time for the visit. The delightful narrative paired with Won’s illustrations creates an engaging experience for young readers, sparking both laughter and curiosity.

The Collaboration with Scott Rothman

Won revealed that the collaboration with Rothman began after they completed their previous project, Warm and Fuzzy. The initial drawings of the crocodile emerged before a concrete story was formed. “I just had this drawing of a crocodile that I really liked,” Won shared. “Eventually, Scott observed the length of the crocodile and crafted a story that embraced that unique aspect. It was exciting to see how creatively he developed the narrative.”

Illustration Vision and Process

During our discussion, Won highlighted how his creative process begins as he reads through the manuscript. “As I’m reading, my brain starts to paint the scene. I can envision what the illustrations will look and feel like,” he explained. He emphasized how this instinctive reaction usually guides the artistic direction of the book.

Traditionally, Won’s style has evolved from vector-based illustration techniques to using colored pencils, as seen in both Warm and Fuzzy and Horizontal Crocodile. “Moving toward a colored pencil feel allows me to achieve the texture and looseness I desire,” he noted.

Character Design Challenges

Creating the titular crocodile posed unique challenges, particularly in conveying the character's extraordinary length. “Ensuring that Crocodile always felt impossibly long across the spreads was tricky,” he admitted. To tackle this, he adopted a playful approach by folding the crocodile's body in various ways, almost like a ribbon. “At times, I let his tail extend beyond the illustrations, which visually reinforced the idea that he was too long for the page,” he said, linking it to underlying themes of imagination and whimsy.

One of the most fulfilling moments for Won was witnessing the final layout on the gatefold page, where the extensive nature of the crocodile truly came to life. “Seeing it all come together was immensely satisfying,” he expressed, adding a fun element by incorporating a little worm hidden throughout the pages, inviting readers to engage in a treasure hunt.

The Tools of His Trade

Brian Won utilizes Procreate and Photoshop for his illustrations, mainly relying on pencil brushes. “I'm rather cautious with my work. I thrive on the safety net an undo button provides,” he chuckled. The flexibility of working on an iPad has also enabled him to illustrate during his long commutes, turning travel time into productive creative sessions.

What's Next for Brian Won?

Looking ahead, Won mentioned he is currently focusing on a series of Instagram comics, which offers him a space to share personal stories and embarrassing memories. “It's been surprisingly cathartic,” he noted. The comics provide a fresh outlet for his creativity, and he’s excited to engage with his audience on this new platform. He also shared one of the comics during our chat, showcasing his unique voice and humor.

Reflecting on Influences

When asked about who he’d choose to illustrate a hypothetical autobiography, Won expressed admiration for Quentin Blake. “His pen work is fantastic, and I’ve always loved how loose and effortless his drawings appear,” he remarked. The playful yet sophisticated style of Blake, especially in timeless classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, continues to inspire Won’s artistic journey.

As Horizontal Crocodile hits the shelves today from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, it’s evident that Brian Won’s imaginative spirit shines through every page. The delightful interactions between text and illustrations make this book a perfect addition to any child’s library and can serve as a delightful read-aloud choice for parents and educators alike.

A warm thank you to Brian and Simon & Schuster for sharing insights and images from this enchanting world!

If you're eager to dive into the world of Brian Won, you can purchase Horizontal Crocodile and explore his other works as well.