Nina graduated from Randwick TAFE with a diploma in graphic design in 1992 and worked as a designer in Sydney and London before moving to Rome for nine months and trying her hand at illustration. After four years of living overseas, homesickness inspired the idea for Nina’s first picture book Little Platypus. Published in 2000, Little Platypus received a CBCA notable book in 2001 and is now listed in the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge (K-2).
In 2003, Nina moved to the Blue Mountains where she now lives with her husband and two children. Since the move Nina’s had a number of books published including Tricky Little Hippo (Jane Bowring, 2004), Elephant Dance (Sue Whiting, 2007) and Boom Bah! (Phil Cummings 2008).
Nina’s latest picture book is Ballroom Bonanza (Oct 2009). This book features my children’s great-grand father Tommy Jones, band master at the Tower and Empress Ballroom’s Blackpool from 1947-1978. A big thank you to Tommy Jones and the Tower Band for making the music that brings this book to life!
What Nina Can Do for You
Nina’s programs are enjoyed by all (teachers included) with the format changing slightly depending on the age group and book/s she is presenting. Nina’s presentations are fun and interactive, taking the audience through all the steps used to create illustrations for a picture book. Nina brings sketches, original artwork, press sheets and a dummy that can stretch the length of ten children! Nina demonstrates some illustrations techniques before finishing up with questions and answers.
Nina offers workshops for smaller groups, where students are given the opportunity to try out things they have learnt during the presentation.
More information is available on Nina’s website: ninarycroft.com