Get your teeth stuck into Dotty Sutton’s new vampire adventure and her debut as an author.
Life is tough when you are super awkward and super anxious, it’s even tougher when you are also half-vampire and even tougher still when you are …gasp (dramatic pause) … a vegetarian! Prepare to meet Master Timothy Hawthorne, otherwise known as 'Moth', the lead character in Dotty Sutton’s brand-new debut illustrated fiction adventure, Moth the Veggie Vampire. Joined by a zany cast that includes his best friend, Biscuit (a bat), bedbugs, a princess and Gary (a Venus flytrap) - life usually sucks for Moth until he meets a girl named Mina... Illustrated throughout and filled to the brim with a zany cast of characters this hilarious story includes an important message about friendship and acceptance, guaranteed to bring a smile to even the most fang-filled face.
Dotty is passionate about character development, so this project has been a dream come true. From biscuit shaped bats and bedbugs to princesses and Venus fly traps, readers are going to find themselves completely and utterly drawn into the world of Moth so take a sneak peek inside the book here if you dare.
Dotty was kind enough to spend a while with us to tell us a bit more about this spooktacular project.
You have an incredible skill for character creation, is this something you have always been interested in and can you tell us a bit about the visual creation of the main characters in Moth the Veggie Vampire?
Characters are absolutely my favourite part. I love thinking about all the little details like what they would wear, what haircut they might have, their favourite things, and all the quirky little habits that make them unique. Almost all of my characters are inspired by people I know, which I think really helps me create characters that feel alive, especially when I’m writing them.
Moth was based on someone I knew, but since drawing him in my sketchbook he’s taken on a life of his own life. I loved that idea of my book looking super gothic, in homage to books like Dracula, but in a more modern way. So all the vampires in my story, including Moth, have an emo twist to their look.
Do you have a piece of advice which you found useful when you graduated which you think freshly emerging illustrators will also find useful?
Coming out of university can feel quite overwhelming, so allow yourself some time to figure out what you really want to do.
After graduating, I worked in a bar for a year and spent my spare time creating things purely for pleasure. It’s really hard not to put pressure on yourself to turn illustration into a career straight away, but some of my best ideas came from simply making things for fun. In fact, it was while working at the bar that I was telling a coworker some funny stories about a friend, and they encouraged me to turn him into a character. That character became the very first version of Moth! So you never really know where inspiration is going to come from.
I’d also say to fill your portfolio with work you genuinely love. Don’t make things just because you feel like you should, as you might end up attracting work that doesn’t excite you. And just accept the fact that your portfolio will never feel fully finished!
Finally, be brave about putting your work out there. Ask for advice and be open to feedback. Illustration is a collaborative career, so learning how to adapt and edit your work while still keeping your own voice is really important.
Do you have a favourite illustration from book one?
Pg.182 with Moth and Mina on the roof. It’s a very tender moment for such a silly book. Poor Moth’s been through a lot and he’s opening up to his new friend. I really like how the illustration came out!
Can you describe your workspace or maybe tell us about your dream workspace.
It took me a while to find the right desk, as my building dates back to the 1830s! So something too modern didn’t feel quite right. I went to an antiques farm and ended up choosing the dustiest, crustiest bureau I could find, with three different discount stickers layered on top of each other. I absolutely love it, and spend a shocking amounts of hours sat at it like a prawn. It sits right by my window, overlooking a pub opposite, so I get lots of natural light and plenty of entertaining people watching. In a dream scenario I’d be body doubling writing with Bilbo in the Shire.
How do you choose which elements from the story to illustrate?
It’s a collaboration between me and my amazing designer. When I’m writing the text, There are always parts I get excited to illustrate. Sometimes there are moments that might be tricky for a child to imagine, so I like to bring them to life visually. Once we have all those laid out it’s a case of making sure the illustrations are paced nicely throughout the story. A lot of the time I actually have an idea for an illustration first and write the story around it
You've been travelling far and wide taking part in bookish events this year? Will you be visiting bookshops to promote Moth?
I will go to literally any bookshop that will have me! I love going to bookshops and it’s great that Edinburgh has so many amazing ones!
How did you feel when you first saw finished copies of the book?
A bit overwhelmed, to be honest! I’ve been working on Moth for over two years! Even longer if you count when I first drew him in my sketchbook. It feels very real now seeing the finished book in my hands, and it’s printed so beautifully.
But mostly, of course, it’s incredibly exciting. It means that soon kids are going to get to see it too, which is what it’s all about!
Do you find social media a useful tool for promoting your work and connecting with your audience? Do you have any helpful hints?
I love instagram. I like making little videos and watching them back. I like making my profile look colourful. I think the fact I get to connect with other artists is an amazing bonus! I have made some really cool connections through instagram and I also use it as my source for news from the book world.
I don’t think I can offer much help, but I have found people love an unboxing!
What is the strangest question you've been asked by a child at a book event?
Why is your hair pink? hahah! Since I’m now talking about vampires I like to reply ‘I was bitten by a flamingo’.
Can you tell us any top secret hints about Moth book two? (out in 2027!)
Bunnies, Baddies, and lots of Biscuit!
QUICK FIRE:
Which is the best sweetie to pick from a Halloween treat bucket?
A Milky Bar. Although, I am also the absolute freak that will eat the satsuma some parent has left out in the attempt to keep the kids healthy.
Do you think you are more like Moth or Mina?
I’ve got Minas bubbles, and Moth’s anxiety, but really I’m more like the cinema rats.
Are you a veggie? Do you have a favourite veggie recipe?
I don’t think I fully qualify as I do eat meat on special occasions! But my main diet is veggie. My go-to is a Buddha bowl! (using basically anything I can find in the fridge)
Do you have a favourite scary movie?
Wendell & Wild. I love stop motion!
Best creepy creature to dress up as at Halloween?
Vampires, duh.
Top three veg?
Tomatoes, asparagus, and sweet potato.
Would you choose Biscuit the bat or Gary the Venus flytrap to be your best friend? Or maybe one of the bedbugs or Princess Bubblicious?
BISCUIT!
Is garlic dip the best pizza dip?
No. I’m a vampire. It’s ketchup.
Here are a few of our favourite illustrations from Moth the Veggie Vampire:
Moth the Veggie Vampire is OUT NOW, published by Penguin Books, so grab a copy at your local bookshop or library. Happy reading!
Check out the early reviews:
“Hilarious, fang-tastic fun! Perfect for all young vampire wannabes.” - Sam Copeland, author of Detention Diaries and Alex vs Axel
“Fun, fang-filled and bursting with wonderful characters and beautiful illustrations” - Adam Stower, author of Murray and Bun
“Funny, imaginative and perfectly scratches that Halloween itch” - Jamie Littler, author of Frostheart
“Jam-packed full of . . . stunning, quirky illustrations” - Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Amelia Fang and Evil Emperor Penguin
You can follow Dotty on Instagram or you can peruse Dotty's online portfolio over on our website. For more information regarding collaborating with Dotty, please email info@arenaillustration.com
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