In creating the Harry Potter artwork, I try to bring a certain amount of realism and believability to the characters and setting, but still add an element of wonder and the unknown.

I will be sad. I've gotten very attached to Harry and all that goes on in his world, I guess I'll just be kind of tasting every bit of it because it will be the last one.

When I illustrate a cover or a book, I draw upon what the author tells me; that's how I see my responsibility as an illustrator. J.K. Rowling is very descriptive in her writing — she gives an illustrator a lot to work with. Each story is packed full of rich visual descriptions of the atmosphere, the mood, the setting, and all the different creatures and people. She makes it easy for me. The images just develop as I sketch and retrace until it feels right and matches her vision.

I was quite nauseous every day at school - I had some real stomach problems. The thing that saved me was sitting in church and trying to get into these statues and windows and colors. Truly, it transported me. And I can see it now in my own work - my pictures have kind of that look.

I loved to draw. I always did. I started when I was about five years old.

I grew up as this little Catholic girl who just wanted to make beautiful things. I expressed myself with paint.

Awards are great, but they're not who you are, and pop culture isn't who you are.

When I'm not working on a children's book, I'm painting abstract paintings. That's probably the most joyous thing for me as an artist. But I do love children's books.

I think kids need to be allowed to be more creative and learn more about artists these days, so I'm all about that.

It's such a high-pressure job, I drop everything I'm doing.