Jake Parker, Lee White, and Will Terry discuss how far is too far in children’s books, as well as the upsides of working for a studio or university, and more.

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SHOW LINKS
Children’s Book Pro
Fred Gets Dressed by Peter Brown
Mister Dog by Margaret Wise Brown
Rick Rubin
The Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan
Print Ninja

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Sometimes, to better your skills, you have to get worse. Refining your art can feel like backtracking, but truly it’s fast-tracking you to a higher level of ability. Be humble and teachable and don’t attach your worth to your work.
The gatekeepers may resist, but a little bit of edge in children’s books is what keeps them lively and interesting. Kids are hardier than we give them credit for, and not every book needs to be a reflection of real-world dangers and cautionary tales.
Adults can love picture books too!

QUESTIONS

Robert asks, “There’s no place like a home studio! Are there any tools, programs, or equipment you had working in animation studios or universities that you wish you had at home?”

Aside from the financial benefits of insurance and a steady paycheck, there are several things Jake, Lee, and Will would love to have again. Jake misses print rooms with endless access to laser and risograph printers, large-format printing, and copies to his heart’s content. Lee misses being sent to conferences like SCBWI and receiving educational resources. He also misses the schedule accountability and the ability to learn from students and peers every day.

Kyle asks, “I just released my first children’s book. It has some bits you don’t see much in children’s books: characters die, talk of killing each other, and a few other things. The risque factor was important for me; I loved that kind of thing when I was a kid. What sort of things to you wish you could still get away with in children’s books?”

Jake is a fan of Maurice Sendek- and David Shannon-style butts in children’s books; he appreciates the laughs it gets from his kids.

Lee wishes editors and agents would not impose so much caution onto stories and illustrations. For example, if a child is shown biking, gatekeepers will insist she wears a helmet in the illustration. It’s also discouraged to depict a child exploring without a parent nearby. Lee would like more freedom to create fun stories that don’t always match the level of precaution needed in reality.

Similarly, Will believes kids love getting just a little bit frightened and would enjoy the freedom to add a scare here and there.

Nathan asks, “Is there an industry standard for image and file sizes or will the client inform you of what they need?”

Image sizes vary depending on the needs of your client; ask your art director what they have in mind. However, you should always use at least 300 dpi (original size) to ensure a high-resolution image for printing.

LINKS

Svslearn.com

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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