Andrej Krystoforski - Illustrator
Andrej obtained a Masters Degree from the Academy of Art in Warsaw, Poland. There he studied painting and later graphic design and illustration. He felt comfortable working simultaneously on a variety of projects - including posters, logo designs, book covers, illustrations, cartoons and caricature works. After building a solid career filled with many achievements, awards, scholarships and points of recognition, Andrej has come full circle and returned to his original, true passions; painting, and illustrating children's books. Taking comfort in pursuing art for the sake of simplistic joy and peace.
Birthplace?
Poland.
Birthday?
April 21st.
Where do you live?
Oak Ridges, Ontario.
Who is in your family?
Iwona, Suzanna, Bart, Edyta, Peter and Tomek.
Do you have any pets?
I have a toy fox terrier named Filut.
What is your favorite book?
Probably Pinocchio, largely because of the marvelous illustrations by the famous Polish illustrator J.M. Szancer.
What is your favorite movie?
I have a few: Iron Giant, Ice Age, The Triplets of Belleville and The Incredibles. I really like animated movies.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading, movies and traveling if I can.
When did you start drawing?
In elementary school I used to draw in my math and physics notebooks to make it a little less boring.
What was your schooling or training?
I went to an art-oriented high school and then to the Academy of Art in Warsaw, Poland.
What is the thing that you like the most about creating children's books?
I like to revive the feeling of being a child again.
Where do you work?
Most often I work at home.
How do you create your artwork?
I look for inspiration everywhere, including in my memories and in other artists' work.
Do you have any tips for young creators?
Use everything for inspiration.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
I remember going on wonderful kayak trips with my dad.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to run the projection machine at the movie theater. That way I could see all the movies and get paid for it.
What is your next project?
I am working on a story about soapbox racing.
What is the weirdest or most interesting job you have ever had?
Working in a vineyard in Italy and being soaked with grape juice from head to toe all day long.