Beginner’s Pluck: illustrator Paul Delaney

Children are sure to love 'Look Out! Hungry Lion' and 'Look Out! Hungry Snake' — the illustrations are to die for

Paul Delaney worked for 15 years as a graphic designer for various design studios. Then, wanting to get into illustration, he studied for an MA, graduating in 2021.

Brought up in the West Cork countryside, Paul had a happy and free childhood, able to roam with his friends.

“We built treehouses and camps. I was very imaginative and lived in my own world a lot.”

Paul has always loved books.

After he graduated, Paul worked for 15 years as a graphic designer for various design studios. Then, wanting to get into illustration, he studied for an MA, graduating in 2021.

Then I started posting on Instagram — posting an image a day, and through that, I gained my agent.

Harper Collins approached his agent with the idea of a picture book based on the food chain, for two- to four-year-olds.

“It was a tricky brief. I needed to make it scary without being terrifying. It was trying to find that balance.

“I love everything about illustration. It was a big wakeup call. For years I’d been telling myself I couldn’t do it, without ever trying.”

Who is Paul Delaney?

Date/place of birth: 1983/ Skibbereen, Co Cork.

Education: Schull Community College; Cork Institute of Technology, Graphic design. Falmouth University, a distance MA in illustration.

Home: Winter months in Barcelona, and summer in Cork.

Family: Partner John. Mum, Dad and brother, James, Cockapoo, Cookie.

The day job: Graphic designer, doing brands, graphics and web design.

In another life: “I’d be a musician. I play the guitar and sing, and once had aspirations.”

Favourite writers: Oliver Jeffers; Chris Haughton; Jon Klassen; Jim Smith; Doreen Cronin; Emer Stamp.

Second book: “The next two are Hungry Spider and Hungry Shark. But first there’s Says Who?, with Rachel Emily.”

Top tip: “Starting is the hardest part. When you’re given a project, no matter how small, just start. Because the more you delay, the more pressure you feel. That first step is the hardest part.”

Website: pauldelaney.ie

Instagram: @pauldelaneyillustration

The debuts

Look Out! Hungry Lion and Look Out! Hungry Snake

Harper Collins, €8.15

The lion is looking for a snack. Which animal will he manage to catch? These gorgeously illustrated hide and seek board books with flaps, show, through the range of animals portrayed, how they can all coexist in the same space.

The verdict: Children are sure to love these lushly colourful books. The illustrations are to die for.