Every picture tells a story: Interview with @Derek

Every picture tells a story: Interview with @Derek_theCleric for #CNMAC12

– October 17, 2012Posted in: Digidisciple

As we look forward to #CNMAC12 this Saturday, we continue to get insights from speakers – here we hear from Andy Robb, aka ‘Derek the Cleric’. Andy is speaking in the ‘Story’ strand, 3.45pm:

Story is not just communicated by words. Photos, diagrams, branding and illustrations make up a huge portion. Learn how to make the most of it.

Who are you, what do you do, and how do you come to be speaking at #CNMAC12? What’s your personal ‘story’?

Andy Robb. I’m a cartoonist/illustrator and writer. As well as illustrating for many well known publishers I also develop children’s books for the Christian market one of which was awarded ‘Best Children’s Book of the Year (u12) 2012 by the UK Christian book industry. Here’s a link to my books: http://www.eden.co.uk/andy-robb/

I am also the creator of Derek the Cleric whose reach extends to a regular blog, a slot as ‘celebrity vicar’ on Christian.co.uk, a book by CWR entitled ‘A Year at St.Cliff’s', merchandise products by CPO, an animation short by Taylormation, a Facebook and Twitter presence, a range of greetings cards out in the new year by Kevin Mayhew Ltd and all brought together on Derek’s very own web site, Derekthecleric.com.

I’m speaking at CNMC because of my experience in using illustration and humorous cartoons to engage an audience.

Can you give us a ‘sneak peak’ into the story of your session at #CNMAC12?

I’ll be talking about the strengths and weaknesses of visual and written media and comparing them and perhaps dusting off a few stories about my involvement in the design of the Kellogg’s Honey Nut Loop bee and being the licensed artist behind Skol’s Hagar the Horrible national advertising campaign in the late 80s.

I’ll also talk about the vital part the pics in my kids books play in helping children understand the things of God.

What is the best ‘good news story’ to come out of your journey as a disciple? What keeps you going when times are hard?

I’m always encouraged to discover that children are helped to a better understanding of God by my books and was heartened by the story of a mother who had been trying to get her nine year old son to take an interest in the Bible. Someone gave him a copy of one of my books and I gather that not only wouldn’t he put it down but as a result he actually asked his mum to buy him a Bible. That’s music to my ears!

How do you think stories in the Bible can inform what we do online, in whatever sense?

God’s word is honest and has the ability to connect people with God. I don’t think we should be reticent in being upfront about our faith online although wisdom as to our approach should always prevail.