How Christian Robinson’s Background Influences His Technique

Christian’s artwork is influenced by the works of Ezra Jack Keats (Abel, 2015). He strives to emulate Keats’ accessible illustrations, even when the content is difficult. As a person of color, Christian understands the need for diversity in children’s picture book illustrations. He is acutely aware of the impact that children’s books can have on the development of empathy within a child (Gershowitz & Bircher, 2015). Last Stop on Market Street, in particular, addresses issues of income inequality that Christian experienced first-hand as a child (Higgins, 2014). When he was young, he experimented with many different creative outlets, trying to find new and exciting ways to create (Brightly, 2016). This appreciation for various mediums has contributed significantly to his collage style illustrations today.