What's the coolest thing we can hold onto as we grow up? (hint: it's not anything to do with 'mint condition' or Ebay) ... it's creative joy! Making marks without any hesitation!

And that's why I am heaps smitten over Tokyo artist Mogu Takahashi!

I've heard people try to be mean about a drawing by saying 'Pff, I could have done that when I was like, three years old!'. But I think this is the biggest compliment! No-one makes happy marks like a three year old with a crayon can. But Mogu does it with the motor skills of a grown-up to boot!

Her happy little characters pop up on everything from handmade dog food jars, to funny little stuffed toys, even mandarins! Ha! There's always a good time to be had on her Flickr page or in her cute Etsy shop... and you'll want to take a peek at her very nice scrapbooks too.

But first!... Get happy with the five doodles that Mogu drew just for us. If ever Sunday Grins was an appropriate name for this Q&A, it is today!

Elena Lombardi is one of my favourite names to say. It rolls off my tongue much like the lyrics of a Hanson song do. Mmmbop (maybe that reference won't cross cultural and generational gaps, but trust me, it means nice things).

Luckily I get to say her name a lot because Elena Lombardi is always producing spunky designs for me to look at and play with. With her pals at Helpful Strangers she created the cute learning game Simple Machines. Making science class not just bearable, but a good time... yes please!

She also doodles a lot. And today she's sharing her fineliner handiwork with us, in response to some silly questions I asked her about aliens and the ultimate pair of kicks.

So while I sit in the corner and say her name like its a hypnotic drum beat, please enjoy this playful interview with Elena Lombardi! Elena Lombardi, elena lombardi...

Yes, it's nice to find out how an illustrator got started or what tools they use. But if you'd really like to get to know a person, you should ask them this question...

When you press an unknown button, what do you hope it will do? Really, what do you hope will happen?

After you've had a think about that, take a peek at our new Q&A series - every Sunday, all hand drawn, and a little bit silly!

First up to be interviewed is the charming Mia Chirstopher. I like that her illustrations are simple and happy, like a child who's just discovered what a pencil can do. There's also something funny and curious going on behind the lines - something that I suspect could make a sterile gallery feel as comfortable as story time.