Art by Jake Parker
What’s the best illustration advice you’ve received? In this episode, Jake Parker, Lee White, and Will Terry share their answers, plus tips for marketing children’s books, developing new ideas, and more.
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SHOW LINKS
Little Bot and Sparrow by Jake Parker
Santa Pups by Jerry Pallotta and Will Terry
David Biedrzycki
Dan Santat
Brandon Mull
Cartoonist Kayfabe
Rebelle
Adobe Fresco
Kyle Webster
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Students try to prove they can draw; artists use their abilities to make statements and tell stories. Be an artist.
Quit worrying about finding your style. Focus on developing fundamental skills and pursuing your interests, and your style will emerge naturally.
Every great project is preceded by a hundred bad ideas. Keep sifting through the coal until you find your diamond.
QUESTIONS
Luiza asks, “How many bad ideas do you have before you have something really good to show?”
Many! For example, Lee is writing a book and has tested multiple ideas while searching for the best one. Most projects go through several iterations before you reach the final concept, so don’t worry if it takes a while to pull everything together.
Anka asks, “I have illustrated a few children's books so far and will be publishing my first author-illustrator picture book in July. Other books are already under contract. What steps can you recommend for marketing my books?”
You have a few options: you can allow your publisher to do all the marketing, or you can take time away from illustrating to add your efforts. Publishers have a wider reach, and your voice will be a drop in the bucket compared to what they share. However, if you want to spread the word about your books, here are some things you can try:
Create a digital book tour: ask related YouTube channels and podcasts to interview you about your book
Post about the process of making your book on social media and direct people to preorder on Amazon for higher ranking
Give talks in schools
Do in-store book signings (ask stores to champion your event so the crowds show up!)
Remember, you have a lifetime of bookmaking ahead, and each new book helps sell the others. This takes the pressure off of any one book to be an instant home run.
Brian asks, “Lee, what do you think of Rebelle?”
Lee loves Rebelle, a digital painting software, for its realistic watercolor and oil effects. Unlike other digital programs, Rebelle allows the paint to act as traditional media does: the watercolors mix and create new colors when they touch, and the oils can blend without looking like you’ve applied a digital smudge effect. If you love the look of physical media but need to save time, Rebelle is a great option. Sign up for a free trial to give it a shot!
Jessica asks, “Can you recommend a query letter format for illustrators?”
Query letters for illustrators are similar to query letters for authors. You can find examples online, but generally, you approach an agent by telling them who you are, what you’re working on, and where you’re aiming your career. This helps the agent see if you are a good fit for them.
Mark asks, “Big or small agencies? I sent out my first batch of postcards and got a nibble from a big agency. They have loads of artists so I’m worried I’ll get lost in the mix. Should I hold out for a smaller, more dedicated agency, or jump at the first sign of interest (this would be my first rep)?”
The barrier to entry is lower with big agencies, but because they represent so many artists, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. If you’re just starting and need work immediately, sign on with them for a limited amount of time (one to two years). Keep your feelers out for smaller agencies to move to at the end of that time.
If you’re not urgent, hang tight for a smaller agency; they are more likely to invest in your career and help you find work. Remember that your agent is only part of your marketing strategy. Develop your own methods to get your work out there.
Watch the YouTube video to see Andrew’s portfolio review!
Tina asks, “What were the best pieces of advice you received as students or otherwise? What’s one thing you wish you’d been advised on?”
Jake: Style comes by learning the fundamentals; it’s not something you deliberately impose upon yourself.
Lee: Pay attention to your intuition about what you like and what you don’t. Pursue what you like and your style will begin to emerge.
Will: Your career has three phases: developing your craft, getting hired, and creating your own product. Phase three is where the biggest potential earnings are.
Jeshua asks, “What music are you listening to?”
Will: Empire of the Sun
Lee: Local Natives
Jake: A Japanese jazz and bossa nova playlist
LINKS
Jake Parker: mrjakeparker.com. Instagram: @jakeparker, Youtube: JakeParker44
Will Terry: willterry.com. Instagram: @willterryart, Youtube: WillTerryArt
Lee White: leewhiteillustration.com. Instagram: @leewhiteillo
Daniel Tu: danieltu.co.
Lily Camille Howell: lilycamille.com
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