Egmont - We bring stories to life

Every day Andy Stanton is asked questions. Someone might say "Hey Andy, what's it like being the writer of the best books ever written?"

If you have an equally brilliant question you'd like to ask Andy please type it in the box below and click "Submit your question!". By the power of technology your question will be directed to Andy, and by the power of his brain he will answer!

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FAQ's for David Tazzyman!

Click on the question below to discover the answers!

What is your favourite children's book?
At the moment my favourite book is probably the snail & the whale by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler, my 3 year old son also loves it! As a kid my favourite books were; Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, Follow that Bus! by Pat Hutchins and Adrian Mole age 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend.
Who is your favourite illustrator?
I have many! Ralph Steadman, David Hughes, Mr Scruff, will barras, Willie Rushton, Ronald Searle, David Foldvari, Quentin Blake, Terry Gilliam, Micheal Gillette & Chris Riddell.
Which character do you most enjoy drawing?
I really like drawing Mr Gum and Billy. My favourite character I have ever drawn for these books was monsieur bellybutton in book 2.
How long have you been an illustrator for?
Officially 11 years.
What other things do you draw?
I do illustrations for newspapers, magazines, design projects & advertising. My artworks for this kind of work are quite different to my drawings in the Mr Gum books.
Did you go to school to learn to draw?
Yes, I went to Art College in Manchester and I have a BA Hons degree in Illustration.
How long did it take you to develop the style for Mr Gum?
Probably about a month although I don't think I got it quite right until I did the Biscuit Billionaire.
Why do you like illustrating Mr Gum books?
Because they make me laugh so much.
Do you work closely with Andy Stanton?
No, he just lets me get on with it. I do work closely with Egmont’s art director Katie Bennett.
Who decides what a character will look like? Is it you or Andy?
The starting point is Andy’s description of the character in the book. He then gives me free reign to design the character how I see it. If he doesn't like it he tells me it's rubbish and I start again!
Does it take you a long time to do an illustration?
It really depends on the illustration. It can vary from 20 minutes to a couple of days!
Which of the covers is your favourite?
Mr Gum and the Goblins.
Were you good at any other subjects at school?
I was very good at messing about.
What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
I always thought/hoped I would be some sort of artist.
Do you still dislike celery?
Yes, although I am learning to tolerate it.
What football team do you support?
The glorious Leicester City.
What is your favourite band?
The Specials and Girls Aloud