Art by Marek Halko
Do I need to learn Photoshop? How personal is too personal? Should I take a pseudonym? Jake Parker, Lee White, and Will Terry offer their insights on these questions and more in this episode.
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SHOW LINKS
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Utilize the power of the internet, whether for networking and landing new jobs or learning specific skills.
Rather than trying to learn every Photoshop feature, focus on the tools you’ll use the most. You don’t need to know everything!
Personal work is great, but be respectful of other people’s privacy.
QUESTIONS
Rochelle asks, “As an aspiring concept artist, do I need to learn Photoshop, or can I stick with other software I already know?”
Photoshop is essential! Its image editing and print preparation abilities, textural effects, and compatibility with other software far exceed other programs, and its color adjustment features will add extra polish to your concept art. If you want to turn pro, you’ll need this skill in your toolbelt.
Start by familiarizing yourself with the basics. Rather than trying to learn every feature, focus on your specific needs. With all the resources available online, this won’t take long.
There are several other programs you could use in tandem with Photoshop, including InDesign, Sketchup, and Clip Studio. Each has its benefits, but Photoshop is the most essential to know. Additionally, for concept artists, learning a program like Blender or Maya will allow you to work much faster when doing 3D modeling.
Jason asks, “I illustrated and published my first book last year- an ‘adult’ search and find. It’s not too seedy, just a little cheeky. I want to get into children’s book illustration eventually; should I consider using a pseudonym, and should I mention my previous book to prospecting publishers?”
Taking a pseudonym is not uncommon. If your adult style is only a small sample of your work, it’s unnecessary, but if you’ve identified yourself with that type of work, it’s not a bad idea to go under another name when switching to kid’s books. When talking with prospective publishers, use your real name and show them your past work, but let them know that you’ll be using a pseudonym for children’s books. Come up with a fun name and enjoy using it to brand your work!
Carlianne asks, “When the pandemic hit, I paused sending postcards to editors and art directors because no one was in the office to receive them. However, it’s been a year and I’m pretty sure most of the publishing industry is still working from home. If I want to reach art directors and editors (not agents), what would be the best way to go?”
With so many people still working from home, postcards may not be received right away. That said, someone has to see them eventually, and they are quite effective. Start sending them as usual, or set aside money you can use to send them when more people return to work. Alternately, get online and research art directors (LinkedIn is a great place to start) and email them your online portfolio. Remember to keep your email professional, interesting, and straightforward.
Laura asks, “How personal is too personal? I have an idea for a picture book about grief, but it's informed by my own child's grief, and I don't want to capitalize at her expense. Also, would stakeholders in the industry find deeply personal work indulgent?”
If your book is autobiographical (all about you), you can get as personal as you want. If you want to include others who are key to your story, get their permission to use their name and likeness; without that permission, you’ll need to alter those characters in your story. When it comes to stories about your child, he or she probably isn't old enough to give permission, so don’t write a book specifically about them. Instead, write the book that your child needs to read. This keeps it personal without being too specific. For inspiration, check out Smile by Raina Telgemeier and After the Fall by Dan Santat.
As long as you’re being respectful and tasteful, most publishers should be just fine with personal work.
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 Howell: lilycamille.com
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