"Could do better"
A few years ago, I did these illustrations for a 32-page picture book for a self-publishing author in Florida. (Obviously just showing a couple here). They are done in cheap, watery acrylics - you know the crafty acrylics. The entire book took me about 18 months from sketches to finished product. The turning point for me wasn't neccessarily a positive one. It taught me about what I wanted my style to be. And this wasn't it. I thought the illos were cute but extremely mainstream and I went through a tough time trying to figure out a style that I could define as my own. I doubt that I am there yet. I've loosened up a lot with my use of acrylics, and experimented more with mediums as well as invested in some good-quality supplies.
It was this image that
became a positive step
forward and is a style
that continues to
intrigue ADs and editors,
each saying I should do
more in this style. So
that's what I am trying.
It's hard but I am riding
the wave to see where I wash up...
3 Comments:
Great post Leeza! I'm kind of where you were then. The style I've been working with I feel is too bland and I'm trying to figure out a way to show ME. I agree with you, I think experimenation is key. ~~Fellow surfer
(Oh, and the second image is one of my favorites of yours as well. I have it up on my inspiration board from when we swapped cards in NY!)
Hey Leezy
Although I find all of these samples amazing (!) I agree that you should follow your heart. And even better, if that goes along with what editors say - maybe they felt that your heart was in the second directon more?
I'd love to hear more about the collaboration with a self-published author. Would you do that again? Was it profitable for you? Any tips you'd give a newcomer here? I've got such a request on my desk, and am not so sure whether to pursue it or not, at this time. (Sooo much work, an entire book!)
Hugs
Astrid
Leezy-
Thanks for your encouragement. I will make cards soon.
These pieces are so different. I thinks it's kind of neat that one person can be so versatile. It shows you have a big imagination and that you could do work for just about anyone. I like them both in different ways.
I guess the question is do we make art for other's approval or do we do it to make our souls happy? I would like to think that we make ourselves happy first and it's so genuine that everyone else will love it to. Do you think that it can work that way in the publishing field?
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