Sign up to receive our regular news and events announcements – we send about one newsletter per month.
Booked Out is a speakers agency for writers, artists and thinkers. More »
Contact Us
VIC: (03) 9824 0177
FAX: (03) 9824 0677
Contact us »
Chris Kennett is a Bendigo based digital illustrator with over 20 years of experience.
Working his way from animation through to children’s books, Chris has managed to work on some truly “out of this world” projects including the beloved Star Wars series of Little Golden Books.
His most recent projects include the hugely popular first reader series School of Monsters with Sally Rippin, the Nerd Herd series with Nathan Luff and Cross Bones with Jack Henseleit.
I was born in medieval city of Canterbury, England. Although not during medieval times. I’m not THAT old!
My first job out of school was as a Reprographics Officer for Canterbury City Council (That’s a glorified photocopier in case you were wondering). And yes it was as boring as it sounds.
After moving to Australia in 1998 I started out drawing caricature commissions, before moving into the world on online animated greeting cards. This lead to career in the animation industry, where I’ve worked on a number of productions as both animator and, more recently, character designer.
A lot of my work involves high energy posing , big expressive characters and bold vibrant colours. I also like to include as much humour in my work, even when there seemingly is none.
Having the great privilege to work on the Star Wars books and to have my name forever linked to my all time favourite franchise, is AMAZING!
Also acting as Design Supervisor on the TV animation “The Day My Butt Went Psycho” by Australia legend Andy Griffiths was a great experience. There I got to work alongside some of Australia’s best illustrators and designers.
Plus, I have to mention working with the legendary Sally Rippin has, and continues to be, a pure joy!
Outside of Australia and New Zealand my books have enjoyed great success in the US and Canada. As well as Mexico, Brazil, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Slovenia, Iran and Ukraine.
And possibly more on the way!
My family, Star Wars and drawing of course!
I love using illustration and characters to tell stories. And now I’m able to work on the kinds of books that I would have loved to read myself growing up.
Maybe? You might have seen me online, or heard my voice on a variety of book related podcasts.
Or you might have seen me take part in the 2023 Australian Reading Hour event “The Magic of Storytelling” with a host of Australian Kid Lit superstars! In fact, you can watch it right here!
And if you live in Bendigo, you might have seen me buying groceries.
I love Marvel movies, building Lego and collecting old comic annuals from the 1980s.
Loved it ….Chris was a great genuine person – who the students really responded to.
Chris made an extra effort to follow up this week – which we really appreciate! Signs of a really genuine person who cares about students, drawing and books!