Friday, April 5, 2013

Becoming A Children's Book Illustrator



 In the video above I answer some questions from a fellow artist in Serbia who is trying to break into the children's book market. I think many artists can relate to his frustrations and challenges so by answering his email hopefully I'm also speaking to a much broader audience. I know I get long winded but if you're working on some art just let it play in the background and perhaps some of what I say will resonate with you. Also - feel free to disagree - I welcome differing opinions so others can have more to think about.

31 comments:

  1. Such interesting topics you mention in this video Will, I totally agree with the freelance job website. I just got some work that way, and it's not very rewarding. Another thing I thought it was interesting is your approach to facebook, I have to dedicate facebook to friends and family since living abroad, but I understand your point of view. Best of all your advice on is this a job you feel passionate about to keep doing it forever, and its so nice to realize we are on our right paths. Take care Will, and thanks for the advice.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks, Will. I've been fretting over how to bridge that gulf between doing what I do for a day job (graphic design) and becoming an illustrator. You've answered the question that I already knew the answer to. I need to do one while pursuing the other, plain and simple.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Will Thank you so much for this video. There are a few things you touched on in this video that I had contemplated writing to you about. I think one of the things you touched on that I really soaked up was how much time it takes you to do a piece. I have seen artists create wonderful looking art within a matter of a couple hours. I can never create something I truly appreciate in that amount of time. I recently had an assignment to create illustrated apples. A simple apple took me longer than 2-3 hours, and I was convinced I must be doing something wrong. It's an apple. I went through all the steps, sketching, setting up color palettes, etc. Anyhow, this video and your others are appreciated. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome Monica - keep in mind that there are many styles that do NOT take much time at all - that win awards and are very appealing. I didn't cover that in the video -wish I had...I think it depends on what makes you happy and living up to "your style".

      Delete
    2. You've covered different styles in another video... I believe it covered The Pigeon books, as well as others. It may have been in one of your folio academy videos although I don't think so.

      Delete
  4. That was really good! I listened while I was drawing. Your advice was very helpful and encouraging, but yet realistic. Thanks for posting this!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Will,

    I came across your blog a few days ago and have been reading through it, watching some of the videos, and enjoying your "down to earth" presentation style. I look forward to checking out more of your videos on YouTube. Thanks for putting this info out there.

    Jim

    ReplyDelete
  6. No words adequate to express how much I needed to hear everything in this vid.

    For one, ditto James Anderson. I, too, am a graphic designer (Mac monkey) by day, and aspiring illustrator when I can. Just gotta keep on drawing.

    Also, so glad to hear you say how difficult you find it to draw. I feel so much better now, knowing that someone like yourself also goes through the grind. When looking at a finished piece, nobody can see the sweat, tears, cursing, hair-pulling behind it, as well as the hours it takes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So true - I have cried over my art but I wouldn't have let anyone know about it back in the day. All of those emotions are great because they mean you care and that the rewards are around the corner!

      Delete
  7. You are such a treasure (though I may well be one of those who spends too much time frittering away on the social media sites)! I used to tell people who wanted to break into the business you have to be better than the people who are already the bestsellers-- they are your competition, not those who aspire like you. I'm in the process of falling in love again with what I do. You are so spot on, in all of your advice, and often times I'll hear you say something and it will just prick my ears, because I recognize it's truth. Thank you so much for sharing and being the generous, talented, truthful person you are!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I try to be transparent because I have a pretty sensitive BS meter and I don't like watching people who I feel are holding back or trying to manipulate. I value straight talk and I know others do too :)...I know you're the kind of person who cares about others too!

      Delete
  8. Good stuff as always. Lately, I have really needed the "Don't give up" mantra. I walked away from my job last week in order to devote myself to making art full time. I published my ebook to Amazon, and opened an Etsy store, all with the absolute belief that I would do well on both fronts. Sadly, I have sold 2 (really 2???) books, and nothing on Etsy. The pressure to go back to work has been intense to say the least. I considered chucking the whole art thing. I tried to imagine what my life would be like if I weren't creating, and I just couldn't. It would leave an enormous hole that nothing would be able to fill. So, I'm trying to pick myself up, and continue on.

    For me, part of the problem comes from the fact that I work across many genres. Well, I don't consider it a problem, but I know a lot of people do. I don't want to be stuck in a particular box. I like children's books, I like fantasy art, and I like portraiture. Not feeling like I should have to choose one over the other.

    Anyway, thanks for the timely video, and for all the advice you have given me personally.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so welcome - I feel such a connection to so many people like you who I've met online and who are out there slugging it out. Just remember to enjoy the journey even though sometimes you feel like you're getting kicked in the teeth. I've been there!

      Delete
    2. Hi Crystal, I curiously clicked on the link that your provided in your name as you mentioned not selling books, or stuff on your etsy site. One thing I noticed is that you don't have any links to facebook or twitter on your webpage. These are huge to have when promoting yourself.

      People like connecting to other people. This is especially true with people we aspire to be like, or who's work we enjoy. With Facebook and Twitter (whether it's a personal or business exclusive site)you can link directly to your etsy store, or your book on amazon. Try to put yourself out there in as many places as you can, and those that do visit one, will be able to visit all of them.

      I hope you don't mind my unsolicited advice. I haven't even started trying to make money off what I make yet, but have already put those things into the works so they're ready when I am.

      Delete
    3. I don't mind at all Monica.

      For whatever reason, google will only allow me to use this log in for responding to blog posts. I am planning to revamp my website in the next week or so, and I'll be sure to add my FB, Twitter and Etsy links there. In general though, I am all over the place as far as social media is concerned. If you check here (http://www.etsy.com/shop/darkkristallized?ref=si_shop) or here (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kristallized/281437785322768?ref=hl), I think you get a better representation of my internet presence. I also started a tumblr account last night, though I don't really know how to use it yet.

      Delete
    4. You are definitely set, I apologize for making the assumption that was your only site. Your artwork is beautiful, I have no doubt you mad the right decision. I hope you're able to reach the audience you want to!!

      Delete
    5. No worries Monica. I appreciate the feedback.

      Delete
  9. Hi Will hope this warms your heart a bit...I downloaded your "I Eat You App" months ago on my parents ipad before I owned one, my little one {2 and a half} wanted to sit on my knee to watch your vid with me and all through the video she shouted out "fishy one Mama" "FISHY ONE" I guess she recognized your app image on the side bar of your blog! WOW! you left a mark on the impressionable...for the good what more could an artist ask!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My heart IS warmed! :) I love hearing these little stories - can't get enough!

      Delete
  10. Will, I really appreciate you taking the time to share our knowledge and experience. Loved the video and its encouragement. I am so excited about your online class, and hoping to participate.

    ReplyDelete
  11. So glad I saw this video! I've been thinking a lot lately about what I want to do with myself as an artist (currently working at a game studio), but I don't know if it's what I want. Freelance intrigues me the most, and I'm about to take the plunge here in a few months. There's some truly great advice in your video and I'm bummed I never found you sooner. Thanks so much and I really love your illustrations.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Awesome advice, Will. I love your tutorials over at Folio Academy, too. So helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Will, thank you for the great video advice! As an artist looking to start writing and illustrating her own children's books, which format is the best way to go: digtal or print? I'm unsure if I should start by following the traditional publishing format (ie 32 pages) and then translate it into digital format (ie Kindle). Or is a digital book the best way to get started?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WOW - so many good questions - so complex - we could talk for hours on this subject - perhaps another video :)

      Delete
  14. Hi will! I love your illustrations and your videos, they're really inspiring. I recently discovered I wanted to be an illustrator and I'm glad I found your site. Thank you for sharing knowledge!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for this video, it was very encouraging. :)

    ReplyDelete

Feel free...