The following is taken from an interview with Paul Cox and Joy Woo. Paul is the illustrator of The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern English.

1) Tell us about yourself—your family, hobbies, and work.

I live in Janesville with my wife and four kids. As a family we enjoy hiking, gardening, biking, and camping. I work full-time as a freelance illustrator, and in my spare time I create a comic strip called RefToons in which I illustrate quotes from Reformers, Puritans, and other Reformed theologians of the past.

2) How did you first begin your work in illustration?

I graduated college in 2006 with a general art degree and no clue as to how or where to get an art job. In 2009, after being laid off from a job at a failing company and doing a little research, I decided to try my hand at freelance illustration. I spent the first few years building up my illustration portfolio and client base with odd jobs here and there. Eventually I gained some long-term clients, which really helped this to become a full-time career.

3) What was a challenge you faced while illustrating this particular book, The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism?

The biggest challenge with illustrating the catechism was that many of the concepts and doctrines that are taught do not lend themselves well to imagery. To overcome this obstacle in many instances, I decided to illustrate the doctrines in ways they might be seen in practice in everyday life.

4) Reflecting on all your illustration work, which project has been your favorite to draw?

My favorite project so far has been The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Poetic Journey. I worked with my wife to adapt John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress into a rhyming poem, and I loved being able to work with my best friend to create this picture book.

5) Any upcoming projects that the readers should look out for?

I am currently illustrating a graphic novel version of John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion that will be published by P&R Publishing. I also create new RefToons occasionally and post them on my RefToons social media pages. 

To see more of Paul’s work, visit RefToons.com and paulcoxillustration.com.

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