Siufaga Maria Kolotita Kerslake is an emerging artist and illustrator who says she draws inspiration from God and her family.

The 20-year-old hails from Saoluafata and Fasitoo-Uta. She was one of the illustrators recognised at the Samoa Early Life Foundation Children's Book Series launch on Saturday at Apia Harvest Centre. 

Siufaga said she is passionate about art and design. She is the daughter of Agnes and Phillip Kerslake. She is a student at the Rhema Bible Training Centre. 

"What inspired me to become an illustrator would be God, because creation truly testifies its Creator, and he has given me talents that I would want to steward and would want to grow and be faithful to. Why not? When you're blessed, you can be a blessing to others," she said.

"Aside from God, it would most likely be my parents, aunties and uncles. I have a very strong support system even though none of them are artists but I do know my late grandfather and great-grandfather were. Unfortunately, I've never met them. 

"But they continue to encourage me to enhance my skills so I can help and inspire others."

She has always loved featured books, animations and movies. She believes these things help draw the children's attention to reading and learning. It also helps them make use of their wild imaginations. 

She illustrated some of the books launched on Saturday including "Tala's Eels".

"One of the books that I have illustrated is "Tala's Eels'. Inspiration came from a trip to the village going to Saoluafata and I saw kids going fishing in the groves and at the sea, and the author Jean Vaafusuaga wrote that and she told me to think of the villages in the rural areas," she said.

"How these kids just went out and look for whatever that they want to eat whether its fish or eels, they were like going out on an adventure.

"The challenge would usually be the communication between myself and the author. Trying to be on the same page as the author and ensuring that the author's vision is brought out. 

"You can have your interpretation of the story but it may be different from the author's views, but it's more on finding a compromise and also trying to bring out what's best for the kids. Also, what would really help bring out the moral and lessons of the story."

According to the 20-year-old, she saw herself as many things including being an illustrator. Anything that has to do with art, that's her. Her advice to all the young designers and youths of Samoa is to be faithful to what God has blessed you with, and understand that perfection doesn't happen automatically. 

"The more you create the more you improve, more progress you make. And you will go further in it."