Friday, August 5, 2022

Art Directors Panel: Sharismar Rodriguez

 

Sharismar Rodriguez is a senior art director at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, where she designs and art directs creative picture books and graphic novels with her team for Feiwel & Friends, FSG Books for Young Readers, Henry Holt BYR, and Roaring Book Press imprints. 

Her first day at Macmillan was the first day they were all set to work from home, so she started her job remotely. But the pandemic taught her how to adapt. Streamlining has become a keyword in the industry. 

Sharismar shares Outside, Inside by Leuyen Pham, a moving picture book celebrating the central workers and the community that came together. Sharismar says it was an interesting project to work with, because it was produced in such a short timeline, because they were so eager to get it out to the world. It is a reflection of how our industry has shifted with timelines and the way it's been adapting. The industry has been resilient in bouncing back.


Especially since the pandemic, how and where are you finding new people?

"I love seeing work of students that are about to jump into the world."

Have you notice any change in illustration style? 

Digital art has evolved so much, and Sharismar has seen a lot of artists who have worked traditionally move to digital art. A lot of people are experimenting more and getting out of their comfort zones. 

Are there particular elements you're looking for when viewing a portfolio? 

A lot of times they are looking for someone/something that fits a specific book, but there are times it's just the opposite. They just see a sample and love it, then save or bookmark it in some way with hope they'll find a place for it. 

How much control does an artist have a choice over the cover?

The cover is the  main marketing tool. Sharismar says to all illustrators to please come with flexibility. There is a lot that needs to be considered. 



No comments:

Post a Comment