Debbie your posts are wonderful, I just came across them and am up after midnight rather than going to bed.
A question I had as someone who enjoys art but doesn't have formal training - are there any illustration or art courses you or your community can recommend for amateur artists who want to make the switch to drawing and illustrating for a younger audience? I'm having a hard time finding classes specifically designed to improve skills in kidlit illustration
As a regular reader of Letters from an American a substack by a US historian commenting on important developments in that sphere and how they relate to US history and politics I stumbled on this Substack randomly looking for some relief from its often depressing atmosphere. I rarely post but am delighted with its contents so far. I am
Not an artist but am actively involved in photography as an enthusiastic amateur and want to say what you advise in this post seems completely appropriate for photographers too.
I have one question. Assuming I'm capable of regularity when drawing daily and I have it somewhere in my schedule? What would you suggest as a minimum daily practice? When is/is not enough drawing?
Hi Mariusz - I'd say it's entirely up to you and your life. I try to practice every day, but sometimes I only have a few extra minutes to doodle. I used to try to stick to a timed session, but some days are more challenging than others. I do think it important that you not push yourself so hard that you dislike drawing - do what you need to to make it enjoyable. I know this answer probably isn't what you were hoping for, but so much depends on each of our own life situations.
What I do know: the more I draw, the more I improve.
Wonderful that you love to draw and paint, Nalini! It's never too late to explore different professional paths. My first children's book came out the year I turned 50.
"Try drawing memories from your head" .. I do sometimes quickly picture out a scene from my dream i had last night. Also brief note underneath. Some day later I get surprised when it replicates in reality.
This is great! I always struggle with colour - not just choosing them per image, but also how they work together/progress over the course of the full story. I feel like there's lots to consider and I always get intimidated
YES, I agree! I get overwhelmed by colour choices as well.
What I've been doing: come up with my initial palette but then run a sample full colour illustration by my art director at Simon & Schuster, to see what he thinks. He has far more experience at knowing how different colours will print, for example.
Also so aware that the colour scheme I choose will heavily influence the cover colours, which will heavily influence marketing/promo colours.
Thank you for this advice! When I started out, I remember feeling like every drawing I made needed to be good enough to share. Somehow I made a mindset shift and started just drawing for fun and sharing bits I find interesting. It’s much less stressful!
I also appreciate how you wrote "develop" instead of "find" a style. Because it really does unfold through making tons of work, instead of something we find through searching!
Thanks for the shout, Debbie! You knocked it out of the park. I’ll be giving this post some love in part 3 😉
Debbie your posts are wonderful, I just came across them and am up after midnight rather than going to bed.
A question I had as someone who enjoys art but doesn't have formal training - are there any illustration or art courses you or your community can recommend for amateur artists who want to make the switch to drawing and illustrating for a younger audience? I'm having a hard time finding classes specifically designed to improve skills in kidlit illustration
Wonderful tips, Debbie! Love your work! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us.
As a regular reader of Letters from an American a substack by a US historian commenting on important developments in that sphere and how they relate to US history and politics I stumbled on this Substack randomly looking for some relief from its often depressing atmosphere. I rarely post but am delighted with its contents so far. I am
Not an artist but am actively involved in photography as an enthusiastic amateur and want to say what you advise in this post seems completely appropriate for photographers too.
Excellent point, Marian! Thank you for the kind words.
I have one question. Assuming I'm capable of regularity when drawing daily and I have it somewhere in my schedule? What would you suggest as a minimum daily practice? When is/is not enough drawing?
Hi Mariusz - I'd say it's entirely up to you and your life. I try to practice every day, but sometimes I only have a few extra minutes to doodle. I used to try to stick to a timed session, but some days are more challenging than others. I do think it important that you not push yourself so hard that you dislike drawing - do what you need to to make it enjoyable. I know this answer probably isn't what you were hoping for, but so much depends on each of our own life situations.
What I do know: the more I draw, the more I improve.
Your post is encouraging !
I'm so glad to hear you found my post encouraging, Nalini!
Thank you. I’m 60. I love to draw and paint. Feel unprofessional but your posy is enc
Wonderful that you love to draw and paint, Nalini! It's never too late to explore different professional paths. My first children's book came out the year I turned 50.
I love hear this!
"Try drawing memories from your head" .. I do sometimes quickly picture out a scene from my dream i had last night. Also brief note underneath. Some day later I get surprised when it replicates in reality.
Nice! Do you keep a paper or digital notebook for your dream sketches?
Your talent is so inspiring!! 💖
Thanks so much, Susy!
Great post, Debbie! It's incredibly helpful for me, a somewhat newbie illustrator, still finding my feet when it comes to illustration.
Rooting for you, Melissa-Jane!
Awww thanks, Debbie! <3
Thank you for answering my question! I will take your suggestions. I love this article.
So happy you liked the article! And thank you for asking questions. :-)
I LOVE this, Debbie!
Thank you, Sandra!
This is great! I always struggle with colour - not just choosing them per image, but also how they work together/progress over the course of the full story. I feel like there's lots to consider and I always get intimidated
YES, I agree! I get overwhelmed by colour choices as well.
What I've been doing: come up with my initial palette but then run a sample full colour illustration by my art director at Simon & Schuster, to see what he thinks. He has far more experience at knowing how different colours will print, for example.
Also so aware that the colour scheme I choose will heavily influence the cover colours, which will heavily influence marketing/promo colours.
I like reading about your process and think color choices would make a great topic for you to discuss in a future post.
Thank you for this advice! When I started out, I remember feeling like every drawing I made needed to be good enough to share. Somehow I made a mindset shift and started just drawing for fun and sharing bits I find interesting. It’s much less stressful!
YES, exactly! Also, thanks for commenting. Just explored your wonderful Substack and am now subscribed.
Oh, thank you so much!
I also appreciate how you wrote "develop" instead of "find" a style. Because it really does unfold through making tons of work, instead of something we find through searching!