July Artist of the Month –Sonia Leong
Our July ‘Artist of the Month’ is artist and illustrator Sonia Leong.
About Sonia Leong
Sonia Leong is a comic book/Manga artist and author of popular drawing guides including Draw Manga: Complete Skills (Search Press) and Beginning Manga (Franklin Watts). Her award-winning debut graphic novel was Manga Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet (Self Made Hero). She's worked on Doctor Who (BBC Books), Assassin's Creed (Titan), Domo-kun (TokyoPop) and Bravest Warriors (VIZ), amongst many other projects in comics. She also illustrates for children’s books, fashion, advertising, film and television, recently appearing on CBBC's Britain's Best Young Artist. She is the Director of Sweatdrop Studios, a UK-based independent comic publisher and is currently working on the Chronicles Of Ciel, a series of illustrated fantasy light novels.
What a visit from Sonia entails
A full day visit usually starts with a general presentation on Manga to a whole year group (or a group selected by the school). Any age group is suitable, from years 5 to 12 (ages 9 to 18).
The general presentation lasts about 45 minutes and is designed to get the children motivated and excited about Sonia’s visit.
The presentation includes:
– Background and history of manga
– How manga comics are put together
– How to create manga characters and manga style
– How a manga artist works
– Plenty of time for Q&A
The rest of the day is split into manga style art workshops for groups of about 20-25 students (any age). Workshops usually last about an hour, but there would need to be a break in between them.
In these workshops, Sonia demonstrates techniques that she uses, which are usually supported by a PowerPoint presentation and by exercises on a flip chart or whiteboard. Students are encouraged to draw along with guidance and troubleshooting help from Sonia. By the end of the lesson, they create their own manga page.
Details can be found on her author page.
Feedback from Sonia’s previous visits
“Sonia was terrific, her energetic and engaging style had our students (and staff) captivated throughout both the talk and workshop. Her books were a sellout and she kindly left her wonderful workshop drawings with us, so all our students can share in the magic of Manga.”
Tring School
“Sonia was invited to MGS to run two reward sessions for students who had completed our reading and summer challenges.
Not only did we ask her to do things differently, but we gave her a wide range of ages-from 10-15 to work with over the two sessions.
Sonia was absolutely lovely, right from the minute we met. She simply couldn’t do enough for us, and the boys were enthralled and enthused by the sessions. They produced some great manga artwork with Sonia’s guidance, step-by-step instructions and her ‘live’ drawing, and even I managed to produce something which looked similar to what she asked us to draw!”
The Manchester Grammar School
“Sonia's visit was fantastic:
Sonia brought such brilliant energy to the room. The students were engaged and inspired all day. Even those who worried at the start of the workshops that they wouldn't be able to draw, came away understanding how applying maths for proportion and symmetry, made tackling characters so much easier. Thank you for making this such a memorable part of our World Book Day celebrations.”
Dereham Neatherd High School
“Sonia's visit was fantastic - she was so engaging and informative, and the drawing workshops were brilliant. We were thrilled with her visit - everything we'd hoped for and more!”
Weatherhead High School
Read about Sonia and her author visits on her author page.
Interview with Sonia Leong
When and why did you join Authors Abroad?
I’ve worked with Authors Abroad since 2009 when Trevor had just started setting up the website with only eight authors on his books! We’ve had a long and successful relationship since, knowing that they are experts in matching me with all the school contacts they have and chasing up invoices, never a fun thing when you just want to stay creative!
When did you first start drawing, was it something that came naturally?
I remember drawing even when I was two years old. I loved drawing and had a natural aptitude for shape and structure, then creating my own original characters and comic strips as a child.
Do you still enjoy creating art, or does it become more like work when it is a career?
I still love it. Yes, there are times when it absolutely feels like work (especially when I’m drawing something I don’t particularly enjoy drawing but doing it for the money!) but more importantly, it is part of my identity and sense of self. I can’t NOT draw, I wouldn’t be living.
How did you find taking on the works of Shakespeare to transform one of his titles into a graphic novel? Was it daunting to put your own spin on such a well-known piece, or exciting to bring the tale to a new generation in a different format?
It was exciting. I’ve loved Shakespeare for years before this project and played many of his roles on stage, so to have a chance to combine my loves was a dream come true. Emma Hayley, the director of Metromedia/Self Made Hero allowed me to really fly with creative character designs inspired by another love of mine, Tokyo street fashion.
Do you believe everyone has some artistic ability? Is there such a thing as someone who simply cannot draw?
I always say that if you have the ability to make controlled marks on paper (like just basic writing), then you have the ability to draw. You just haven’t learnt how to see. Seeing things like an artist is, for some, a skill you can learn if someone points out what bits are relevant and what are the best marks to make.
What is your favourite medium to work with i.e pencil, watercolour, ink etc
I love inking traditionally, particuarly with fineliners and brush pens, then either colouring with markers or adding screentone shading/texture digitally.
What has been your favourite moment from a school visit so far?
I was recently at a secondary school during Pride month and the librarian had decorated with many Pride-related flags all around the room, along with names and definitions for them. At some point early in the day, I mentioned that I was glad I found mine in the corner, and instantly, if the students I had been working with weren’t already absolutely lovely, they became even more so; talking about themselves, their experiences without worrying. They recognised I was a safe person to talk to, in a world where many people are still stigmatised for their sexuality, ethnicity or gender.
What lasting message do you like to leave with students whose school you have spent the day in?
People like me exist. Yes, you can be a successful author/artist and a woman of colour. I know I have made a huge impression on many students in the UK and abroad simply by representing diversity.
You travel a lot to participate in shows and workshops – does this mean you have a great sense of British geography?
I’d like to think it’s pretty good! Certainly I’ve heard a lot of accents over the years!
Do you think manga is a useful tool for engaging reluctant readers?
Absolutely. It has street kudos so that already makes it more likely for those hesitant to be seen with a book to actually pick one up. But the obvious benefit is ease of understanding because the emotional imagery used in Manga provides so much context for the story and dialogue.
You’ve had work exhibited at some amazing institutions, are there any in particular that you are proud of, or found memorable to work on?
The Kyoto International Manga Museum. Surely that’s the ultimate validation of being a British Manga artist! Of course, my work’s also been seen in/around the London Cartoon Museum a few times over the years, and the British Museum, and the British Library, and the V&A...
What made you decide to start Sweatdrop Studios?
Sweatdrop began as a group of friends who decided to make comics together, back in 2001. We thought that if we worked together and published under one label, it would help us with sales, print costs, distribution and so on. Over the years we pushed ourselves to higher standards, registering as a publishing company with ISBNs and creating professional-looking books. Although our work is on par with mainstream publishers, Sweatdrop still remains a small press outlet for its members to self publish creator-owned properties when we don’t want to sign away any rights to someone else.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to pursue a career in illustration?
Know your worth and prove your worth! It is a delicate balancing act, especially when you are starting out, to achieve multiple aims. Firstly, to forge a unique style that makes clients come to you yet remain flexible enough so as to keep enough work from different clients coming in. Second, to charge a reasonable amount of money for your time and effort without putting off clients who could offer you other benefits (such as free copies of your books, free tables at events to sell your work, good exposure if they excel in promotion/press coverage).
When you are commissioned to illustrate books written by other people do you end up learning a lot as you help with the project i.e about Marie Curie?
I love learning about history or cultures when I research a new project! Marie Curie was a favourite project of mine due to this; her life was incredible and I was surprised that many of men in her life who were close to her truly respected her as a colleague in those times. Her husband and father-in-law were superstars; ensuring she had good childcare so she could continue with her career.
What is the next project you have planned?
I’m working on an anthology with Sweatdrop aimed at younger readers with lots of action and adventure! We hope to get it released later this year in October. My story involves lots of swordfighting!
You have visited international schools for us and made a real impact with students. As borders reopen and visits start taking place in person again is there anywhere in particular you are keen to visit, or revisit?
I would LOVE to get back to jetting around the world again! I have been to more countries than most people, but there are some big gaps - I would love to visit India, the Caribbean, West Africa or South America!
Quick Fire
Starter or dessert?
Starter!
Would you prefer to be able to turn invisible or fly?
Fly!
Favourite film?
True Lies (1994)
Casual or dress up?
Dress Up!
Snow or sun?
Snow!
If you were Prime Minister for the day, what law would you introduce?
Flexi-time, 4-day a week full-time, remote working, for anyone, whenever possible!
Arrange for Sonia Leong to visit your school
To make an enquiry about Sonia, or any of the other authors, poets & illustrators listed on this website, please get in touch. Our office number is +44 (0) 1535 656015,
UK visits
Email: UKbookings@caboodlebooks.co.uk
Or contact Head of UK Visits, Yvonne - 01535 279850
Overseas Visits
Email:Overseasvisits@caboodlebooks.co.ukooks.co.uk
Or contact Overseas Manager, Robin - +44(0) 1535 279853