AFTER selling more than a million copies with her first book, an illustrator is hoping to continue with the same line of success.

Johanna Basford is quickly becoming one of the biggest names in illustration after achieving international success with her first publication.Since its release last year, “Secret Garden”, a colouring book for adults, has sold more than 1.4 million copies in 22 languages.It topped Amazon’s best-seller list this March, overtaking books by authors like Harper Lee, Anthony Doerr and Paula Hawkins.Johanna said: “I’ve always drawn, drawing has always been my favourite thing since I was able to hold a crayon. I always told my mum and dad I was going to be an artist when I grew up.”Her follow-up, “Enchanted Forest,” came out in February and has sold out its initial run of 226,000 copies, with another run of 75,000 expected to be shipped in the coming weeks. Major US publishers Little, Brown, who distribute books by bestselling authors including James Patterson and J.K. Rowling, are seizing on the trend Johanna has started with her work.They plan to release four separate books in what is now a fast-growing genre.Graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee with a degree in printed textiles paved the way for Johanna’s exciting career.Going on to do commissioned work with brands such as Absolut Vodka, Sony, Nike, Smart Car and Tate Modern, Johanna was turning heads with her work from early on.Hand-drawn and inspired by Scottish wildlife and her childhood experiences, Johanna’s drawings are intricate, inviting and therapeutic to colour in.Johanna said: “I always say I champion the pen and the pencil over the pixel.There’s something really charming and unique about a hand-drawn line.I like that my circles are imperfect and there’s wobbly bits here and there and the odd fingerprint or smudge.It gives the drawing a character and a charm.”And Johanna thinks colouring in is a good way to relax.She said: “I think it’s because it’s a little nostalgic and you’re not going to be interrupted by e-mail alerts and who’s tweeting what – it’s a really nice calming thing to do.”