Art by Marc Robinson
Can I learn illustration from online courses? How do I keep my creative fire? How do I start making author visits to schools? Jake Parker, Lee White, and Will Terry share the answers in this live episode of Three Point Perspective!
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SHOW LINKS
Power Portfolio Critiques
Foundations Curriculum free trial
Little Bot and Sparrow by Jake Parker
Peter Brown
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Mature artists are grateful for the advances they make while always striving to improve their craft.
Remember to make art you enjoy alongside your skill-building exercises; foster the joy of creating throughout your learning journey.
Considering school visits as an author or illustrator? Make sure you’re prepared for the busy schedule and hectic days that life entails!
QUESTIONS
Jason asks, “Jake, as both the author and illustrator of Little Bot and Sparrow, was there an increase in the advance you received compared to when you were only the illustrator?”
Because Jake was an untested author, the publisher gave him the same advance as they would any other new author. However, his royalty percentage was greater as both the author and illustrator.
Brian asks, “How do I take an SVSLearn online course? Do I watch the whole video, then do the exercise, or do I draw along with the instructor? What level of mastery should I achieve before moving on to the next course?”
Typically, you’ll want to watch the entire demo, then complete the exercise yourself. (You can always rewind if you need help along the way.) Our Foundations curriculum has organized the most essential illustration skills in order, but more advanced artists can jump to specific classes to fill gaps in their knowledge.
Don’t get stuck thinking you need to perfect one skill before moving on. Take a class, complete the assignments, and get feedback in our forum. Then allow yourself to advance to the next class. Every new skill you learn will strengthen the skills that came before, so keep moving and improving!
After you’ve completed our Foundations curriculum, get a professional critique from an artist you trust. They can help you identify your strengths and what to work on next. Our Power Portfolio Critiques are a great place to receive feedback from working illustrators!
Shayna asks, “I'd love to hear some advice for early/mid-career artists. How can we maintain side hustles while working art jobs full-time? How do you refill that creative energy when so much of it goes to work?”
Make your art a priority. Working on your projects early in the morning, before your day job, allows you to give your best creative energy to your work. You can also squeeze in time during lunch breaks or at night. Outside commitments or deadlines can keep you accountable on the days you’d rather hit snooze than ink a page of comics.
Anna asks, “Do you send color palettes and a finished piece or two for your first sketch deadline?”
Sending one or two finished sample paintings is a great practice. You can also include some rough color in your sketches to show your vision. Just be aware that sending work to an art director is the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it, and you may be asked to make color changes before moving forward.
Kirsten asks, “Do all schools pay for author and/or illustrator visits? What rates do they offer? Do you need to be invited, or can you seek them out?”
Schools have different budgets and priorities, but you can solicit them by sending postcards addressed to “Current Media Specialist” or “Librarian.” Rates vary, but Jake recently requested $2K for a visit and was accepted. Keep in mind that while rewarding, these trips are exhausting and involve long, busy days.
Publishers love authors/illustrators who make visits because you can sell many books doing so. In the end, the best reason to visit schools is that you believe kids would benefit from your books. Try it and see if it’s something you’d like to do more of!
Mag asks, “I tend to tighten my illustrations too much and lose all the roughness of my sketches. Any tips for finding the sweet spot?”
Use experimental media (ink, watercolor, collage, etc.) to encourage spontaneity
If you work digitally, don’t zoom in to draw the details.
Adopt the mindset that nothing is “finished art”; each piece is just a test, and you can afford to take risks rather than clamp down on every detail.
Jason asks, “How often have you seen the 'style craze' shift in the industry?”
Styles shift about every decade, but we say don’t overthink it! If your art tells a great story, you can find work whether your style is trendy or not.
Mag asks, “Can I create books in a completely different genre from my previous work?”
Of course! If you can do your new genre well, no one is stopping you from pursuing it!
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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If you want to be a part of the discussion and have your voice heard, join us at forum.svslearn.com.