Dub Leffler

Author, Illustrator

Dub is Australia’s Premier Indigenous Illustrator of children’s books and has taught Illustration workshops in over 200 schools across Australia and abroad. Having won numerous awards in his career spanning over 22yrs, Dub’s work is held in private & public collections around the world including The Library of Congress in Washington, DC.

Frog Finds a Place
Sorry Day
Black Cockatoo
Rocky & Louie
Strangers on Country
Bindi

Where were you born?

I was born in Sydney, but grew up in a little town called Quirindi not far from Tamworth in NSW.

What other jobs have you had?

I like this question. I’ve done everything from flag waving for cropduster planes out bush & being a Fishmonger in Fremantle to working as a Deckhand on Sydney Harbour. My first full time job was an animator working on Dreamtime stories for the ABC when I was 19. My last full-time job was that of a Cook at an Aboriginal Hostel in Sydney.

What themes are recurring in your work?

I tend to illustrate a lot of Indigenous themes in my work as well as the natural world. I sneak a lot of illustrations of birds into my work because I’m a frustrated Ornithologist at heart.

What have been the highlights of your career?

A few come to mind – watching Buzz Aldrin shake hands with Geronimo’s great grandson over our table in the U.S was pretty cool. Having a book in permanent collection in The Library of Congress in the U.S is also a bit mind- blowing. Being in this business, you get to meet some really cool people- everywhere from Hollywood directors to some seriously talented writers & artists. Illustrating the book, Sorry Day was something close to my heart and an important part of Australian literature that I’m proud of.

Where have your works been published?

My work has been published mainly here in Australia, but also in Spain.

What are you passionate about?

Children realising their value & potential – particularly Indigenous children and those affected by trauma. I’m also a softie for the natural world & all it’s creatures – particularly the small ones.

Haven’t I seen you before?

Hmmm – do you watch Australia’s Most Wanted? This Witness Protection Program is not worth the subscription. Obviously! This Q&A never happened. 😉

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

Coffee, if you’ve got time – I’ll even throw in some cake, if you want. What’s that? No, I’m not Robert Downey Jr’s stunt double. That’s kind of you to say – Two coffees to go thanks.

Watch Dub read Sorry Day