The Illustrators Q&A panelists featured Priscilla Burris, Pat Cummings, Dana Carey, TeMika Grooms, Laurent Linn, & Paul Zelinsky. Thanks to ASL interpreters: Genaere and Corinna for their help!
Just a few of the questions covered:
Q. Any advice about changing styles? Or changing media?
Paul: Don't be afraid of changing styles, but do the best for the story that is in front of you. Ask for feedback along the way.
Laurent: As Paul says, keep communication lines open.
Priscilla: Be careful what you put in your portfolio - consider it a promise. If you include a sample of oils in your portfolio, for example, be prepared to do an entire picture book in oils if asked.
Q. How do I improve as an artist?
Priscilla: Find ways to relax while you're making art. Also, challenge yourself to draw things you find difficult. Use a pen, not a pencil...that way you can't erase. Don't be afraid of trying different styles.
Pat: Be willing to try new things. That's how you grow!
Q. How do I get illustration opportunities?
Laurent: Put it on your website. Include the "best of the best." For illustration techniques you're not yet comfortable with, don't include those yet. Include cover mock-ups if you're interested in cover illustration.
Q. How do I get my art noticed? How do I connect with others?
Laurent: If you're on social media, post your art there. Become part of the community. Support other creators and they will be more likely to support you.
TeMika: SCBWI has prompts every month (e.g. "Draw This"). If you submit your work, it is a chance to be seen within SCBWI.
Pat: Make a list of books that you love. Then do your research: who are the people behind these books?
Q. How do inspire myself to draw more frequently?
Paul: Read through art books and think about the art is made. Go to figure drawing workshops.
Priscilla: Keep a pen handy, draw all the time, whatever comes to mind, don't think too much about it. Play music that brings back memories. "It's fun! And it keeps me inspired."
TeMika: Try doing your drawing (even just for a few minutes) first thing in the morning, before anything else.
Pat: Have a SIAM (Stuck In A Meeting) file and use it to store your doodles. 😄
Laurent: Don't feel pressured to sketch every day. Sometimes you need to fill the well.
Q. What final words of wisdom do you have for illustrators?
Priscilla: Connect with fellow book creators. Discuss, critique. Enjoy media that is geared toward kids. Play. Learn.
Paul: Look around, look everywhere. Don't be overly influenced by what is in publisher's catalogs, etc.
TeMika: Embrace the world of children's books. Focus on specific goals (e.g. work on hands for six months, etc.), give yourself time to improve. Learn to love it.
Dana: Learn how to recognize burnout, especially if you have a day job. Take care of yourself. Do things that are completely unrelated to work.
Paul: Find a way to love drawing.
Pat: If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right. Be willing to self-critique. This includes knowing whether a piece of work should or shouldn't be included in your portfolio.
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