Interview: Hope McConnell talks about Hooked

Hope McConnell is an illustrator, maker, and designer based in the sunny Bay of Plenty region in New Zealand. She has worked on a variety of projects in branding, advertising, packaging, and publishing. Among her work is the beautiful illustration of Hooked, a new book written by Al Brown. Hooked is the ultimate fishing guide — for children and adults, beginners and experienced anglers alike. Whether you're interested in fishing for sprats from a wharf, exploring a stream with a fly rod, or casting a line from a boat or kayak, this book offers a wealth of useful information. Hope talks to NZ Booklovers.  

Can you tell us a little about the new book, Hooked?

Sure! Hooked is a book written by the legendary kiwi chef, Al Brown, and is a guide for learning all things fishing. Al is a passionate fisherman, so he wanted to write a book that covers everything a beginner would need to know, from reels to recipes! The book is fully illustrated by myself, and is stacked with beautiful sea creatures and NZ landscapes. It’s aimed at kids and young people who are keen to give fishing a crack.

How difficult was it illustrating the book and what did you find different about the process from the other books you have illustrated?

I did initially find this book a bit difficult to illustrate, as I myself am not an avid fisherwoman! So it did take a lot of googling, but thankfully I learned a lot from the book as I worked through it. The technical drawings of kits and equipment were different from what I usually do, but I welcomed the challenge. I would also say this is probably one of the most extensive illustration projects I have taken on, so it was fun to work on something so large and in-depth.

What research was involved?

Thankfully, a lot of my research was reading the book itself! And I was provided with tonnes of great references from Al and Gary, the designer who put this book together. But I did still have to dive into the different styles of fishing and gear used for each. I definitely messed up a reel and rig once or twice!  I also always love to put together a moodboard of the feeling I want to convey in the books I illustrate, and I took a lot of inspiration from Al’s previous cookbooks and all the beautiful photography they feature.

What are the key ingredients that make up a successful illustration for children?

Oooh gosh, I don’t know if I am qualified to answer that question! I can say that what I always try to convey in my illustrations is a sense of joy and wonder. I think children see the world with so much colour and imagination, so I always try to infuse that vibrancy into my work. I also like my illustrations to feel full of energy and fun characters. I do think diversity is always really important also, you want children to be able to see themselves reflected in the book!

What was your routine or process when illustrating this book?

It started with a couple test illustrations to get the feeling correct, and then we moved to sketches for double spreads for the start of each chapter. I would also do a rough colour study to make sure we had the colours nailed down! After tweaking the sketches I would make the final artwork, and then use those illustrations to flesh out the chapters, adding details and extra illustrations where needed. It was a really collaborative process with Gary, the graphic designer of this book, and we would send the file back and forth to get the illustrations just right. That was a really fun way of working, I was stoked Gary was willing to work with me in that way.

If a soundtrack was made to accompany the new book, name a song or two you would include.

Hmmm… this may be cheesy, but Dave Dobbyn slice of heaven would be perfect! Sums up the stunning locations featured in the book, and the delicious recipes Al has included at the end of it!

What did you enjoy the most about illustrating Hooked?

I really loved getting to explore a new subject matter in the world of fish and fishing, and I am a big fan of Al’s, as I am a foodie myself, so getting to illustrate scrumptious spreads of seafood was quite a joy! It’s also so wonderful to put so much time into a project and get to see it all come together and take shape, and then one day all the drawings you’ve spent hours on are in your hands. I’ll never get over that feeling.

What did you do to celebrate finishing illustrating this book?

I have to say I usually reserve my celebration until the book is published, but the lovely publisher who bought me on board for this project sent me some delicious chocolate fish to celebrate, so I enjoyed those thoroughly! I am also hoping to celebrate with Al in person once the book is released, hopefully over some yummy fish.

What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?

I read ‘The marriage portrait’ by Maggie o’farrel recently and it totally drew me in. I found it to be quite a unique plot. It was one of those books that really stuck with you afterwards, can definitely recommend.

What’s next on the agenda for you?

I have been very blessed this year to get to work on a range of really fun projects! I am currently right in the middle of a big re-brand project, focused towards children, so I am loving that. I also have a couple mural projects for local organisations coming up that I am super excited about! And some packaging work coming to supermarket shelves soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

Allen & Unwin