Interview with David A. Carter

Q: You created the illustrations and pop-up art for Who's Under That Hat?, written by bestselling children's book author Sarah Weeks. How did you visualize and execute the art?
A: I wanted to do a new fresh style for this project, so after some experimentation, I stumbled upon this style, which consists of a bold hand-drawn black line with a loose outside-the-line paint style. I hope it matches Sarah's bold, clean, and outside-the-line text.

Q: What do you think children will enjoy most about this lift-the-flap pop-up adventure?
A: I think kids will enjoy the surprises hidden under the hats.

Q: You attended Utah State University on an art scholarship and then worked as a graphic designer for several years. What interested you in paper engineering and pop-up art?
A: What attracted me most about pop-ups was the magical nature of the books. I was a reluctant reader as a child, and I would have loved this kind of hands-on book. I also saw a huge opportunity in the creative sense. I enjoy building as much as I do drawing and painting, and I saw the opportunity to apply both in pop-up-book making.

Q: Since 1987 you've created almost sixty pop-up art books. What do you love most about your job?
A: I love creating. I like the idea of turning a blank sheet of paper into a book that makes people happy or stimulates their imaginations.

Q: On your Web site, www.popupbooks.com, you provide how-to movies and printable patterns for people who want to learn how to make pop-up art. How else can one pursue this interest?
A: Paper engineers learn to make pop-ups by studying the work of other paper engineers. I think the best way to become a pop-up artist is to jump right in with both feet—start cutting and bending paper without fear of failure, because it is from the mistakes that you learn. You should also check your local bookstore or library for books on making pop-ups.

Q: You've mentioned that you volunteer whenever possible to share your books with elementary-school children. What have they taught you about your work?
A: By sharing my work with children, I have learned that kids really like books and that they like to be read to. Sometimes I stand back and watch the kids look at my books, and I get a great sense of fulfillment as I watch their eyes widen and hear their giggles as they interact with the book. I take note of the art they like the most and apply their response to future projects.

Q: How does your art engage children?
A: I have a new nephew, Finn, and I noticed that at an early age one of his favorite games was hide-and-seek. I would hide a lime in my hands, and over and over again he would pull my fingers back so he could find the lime. I think my artwork for very young children is similar—not only can a child look at my art, they can also touch and manipulate it. Hopefully, this will encourage kids to develop a love of books and art from an early age.

Q: You and your wife, Noelle—who is also an artist—have two teenage daughters. How have you shared your love for art and books with them?
A: In our house we have hundreds of books and magazines of all kinds, everywhere you look. I remember reading The Story of Ferdinand, about Ferdinand the bull, over and over to Molly when she was six months old, and I think I read Rosemary Wells's beautiful version of Mother Goose cover to cover to Emma every night for a year. We visit our local bookstores on a regular basis and love to find new bookstores whenever we travel. We also enjoy visiting art and nature museums. So far our favorites are the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, the British Museum in London, the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, MOMA in New York, and we are always on the lookout for our next favorite. I encourage our kids to watch animation, which I consider to be an art form. And Noelle and I also encourage our kids to make art and write often, and to take classes with other artists and writers whenever possible.