Welcome to #TheQuickSixInterview with Brentos!
It’s the greatest privilege to welcome the phenomenal, highly acclaimed award-winning artist, Brentos to the blog, to share his newest GORGEOUS release following Australia: From Dawn to Dusk and Australian Animals: From Beach to Bush – it’s Wild Australia: Marine and National Parks. With his characteristically playful, clean style sweetened by refreshing pastel tones and assembled with layered, eye-popping delights at every turn, Brentos has masterfully captured the wonders of Australia’s most unique and beautiful native flora and fauna in various parks across the country. From Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to Coral Sea Marine Park, flying with cockatoos at the Blue Mountains’ Three Sisters, gathering round with pelicans at the rock pools of Ricketts Point, and swimming with Whale Sharks in the colourful Ningaloo Reef, there’s much to learn about and explore. Bite-sized snippets of information, questions to ponder and Brent’s signature search-and-find games (including the spotting of the adorable surfing koalas!) make this book a complete treasure as well as a perfect reminder for our need to conserve and protect our precious biodiversity and natural environments. A must-have, collectible work of art!
Thanks so much, Brentos! Congratulations on another superb creation! 🙂
About the Author-Illustrator
Brentos is a Sydney-based artist, designer, and picture book creator who finds endless inspiration in the Australian bush and coastline. His signature art style froths with colourful pastels, big surf vibes, cheeky wildlife characters and classic Aussie charm.
Working with his partner Tash and studio dog Wally, they paint murals, design merch and collab with brands and charities that share their passion for championing the natural environment.
Please find Brentos at his website: Brentos – Australian Art by Illustrator and Author Brent Turner and on Instagram and Facebook.
Wild Australia: Marine and National Parks is available for purchase from Brentos’ website or via Affirm Press.
Thanks to Affirm Press for providing a complimentary copy of this book.
WHO wrote, illustrated and published this book?
Brentos (illustrator + author), Affirm Press (publisher)
WHAT is it about?
Wild Australia: Our Marine and National Parks takes readers on an epic journey through Australia’s most iconic National and Marine Parks. This book explores the local wildlife, ecosystems, and rich heritage within these parks while playfully guiding readers with the help of my tiny surfing koalas, who act as the ultimate Aussie tour guides. It’s packed with fun facts, vibrant illustrations, and a celebration of the beauty and diversity that makes Australian Parks so special.
What is your favourite part of this book?
I don’t have any favourite parts in particular but I’m very proud of how the whole book flows so well from spread to spread. I unintentionally gave each park a unique primary colour palette – for example the deep purples of Huon Marine Park to the pink tones of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park – so it was a joy to see each spread change in mood and feeling as you go through the book.
What media did you use to illustrate it?
I illustrated the book using a combination of digital media and traditional techniques.
I work with vibrant pastels and clean linework that capture Australia’s wild beauty, blending colour with composition to create balanced spreads. The playful style keeps it light and fun while showing off the awe-inspiring landscapes and creatures that make these parks so unique.
Image credit: Brentos
WHEN is its release / launch date?
The book is launching on October 29, 2024.
WHERE did the inspiration for this book come from?
The inspiration came from my deep love for Australia’s wild places. Whether it’s surfing at the beach, hiking through rainforests, or spotting wildlife on the coast, I’m constantly in awe of the natural beauty we’re lucky to have. This book is my way of sharing that wonder with readers while also highlighting the important role our parks play in protecting these incredible environments.
WHY is this book meaningful to you?
This book is close to my heart because it combines my passion for wildlife, conservation, and storytelling. It’s not just a book about iconic landscapes – it’s a reminder of why we need to protect these parks and the amazing creatures that call them home. Through fun facts and illustrations, I hope to inspire readers to cherish and preserve these places.
Image credit: Brentos
Why would its message resonate with readers?
I think readers will connect with the book because it’s both educational and fun! Australia’s natural beauty is something that everyone can appreciate, and the book highlights the importance of conservation in a way that’s accessible to all ages. The tiny surfing koalas keep it playful, but the underlying message is one of respect and admiration for the natural world.
Image credit: Brentos
HOW long did it take to write and illustrate?
Creating this book took about seven months of full time work, from researching the parks to crafting an angle that would appeal to kids and adults alike. I wanted to make sure the text was engaging, informative, and captured the spirit of these special places.
How do you feel about the text / illustrations? Do they convey the feeling or mood you envisioned?
I’m really proud of how both the text and illustrations turned out. The illustrations capture the vibrant and diverse landscapes of Australia, while the text reflects the wonder and excitement I feel when exploring these parks. Together, they create a mood of curiosity, awe, and playfulness – exactly what I had envisioned from the start.
OTHER information or experiences you’d like to share?
Creating this book has been a personal journey, from spending lots of time in local national parks to getting lost in underwater worlds around Sydney. I’ve tried to infuse that sense of wonder into every page. And, of course, my tiny surfing koalas were an absolute joy to illustrate—hopefully, readers have as much fun spotting them as I did drawing them!
What an absolute treasure! Thanks so much, Brentos! 🙂
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