From the intricate coils of kings and queens to the cornrowed maps to freedom of African Americans,
This Hair Belongs is a heartfelt poetic tribute to Black hair throughout history. Told through powerful verse, stunning illustrations, and fascinating back matter, this Black history picture book pays tribute to the African origins of Black hairstyles and will remind young Black readers that their hair is magical and beautiful and belongs.
Let's talk Erin K Robinson!
LTPB: How did you become the illustrator of This Hair Belongs? What were the first images that popped into your mind when you saw JaNay Brown-Wood’s text?
EKR: I became the illustrator of
This Hair Belongs through my artist representation the Marlena Agency. They were the first one to introduce me to this story and when they sent me the text, I have to say the first images that popped into my mind were actually Brooklyn because I lived there for such a long time and I I got to witness so many beautiful faces of color and incredible hair. I was really inspired throughout the years to create.
LTPB: What did you find most difficult in creating this book? What did you find most rewarding?
EKR: I didn’t find anything difficult to create in terms of illustrating something. My challenge is always trying to balance my time and distractions so I can get into a zone and stay in a zone to create. The most rewarding thing or my favorite thing is when I receive the actual finished hard copy of the book in the mail. Receiving that box is so exciting to open. It feels so good to finally hold in your hands and to see it all come together. It’s such a beautiful book, so opening that box and seeing that was glorious! I love taking a moment to rally admire it.
LTPB: What did you use to create the illustrations in this book? Is this your preferred medium? How does your process change from book to book?
EKR: I illustrate in an app called Procreate. It’s a medium that I’ve been using for a number of years and creating digitally allows me to room free and travel more so it’s very appealing in that aspect. I always seem to have my iPad attached to me. It’s quite the visual journal. But my true joy is being able to create just about anything with my hands whether it is painting, sewing or collaging.
My process in creating illustrations for books it’s pretty consistent with maybe some slight changes of just things that I might learn along the way after completing a project.
LTPB: What are you working on now? Anything you can show us?
EKR: Right now, I am working on a number of picture book projects that I can’t share just yet. I just finished one and getting ready to start another. But wait… I can share that I will be doing a sister book to
This Hair Belongs called
This Voice Belongs, so stay tuned for that!
LTPB: If you got the chance to write your own picture book autobiography, who (dead or alive!) would you want to illustrate it, and why?
EKR: So I have actually written my own picture book with my father that I hope to bring to life very soon, but if I did my autobiography, I would love for Betye Saar to illustrate my story. She has been such a huge inspiration for me throughout the years, I love how textured her work is …there’s something very otherworldly a magical about her images. I can get lost in her artistic world.
A million thanks to Erin for answering some questions! This Hair Belongs published last month from Astra Young Readers! Special thanks to Erin and Astra for use of these images!
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