Debbie, I have been reading and rereading PB 101. And following the recommended links. I’m enjoying my deep dive into current picture books as wll as revisiting “the classics". The local children’s librarians have been so helpful. They are great resources. I’m also fortunate to have an active SCBWI group for support and helpful critiques.
This is such a fun find — thank you for sharing so openly and generously! I'm the person who thought short = easy, and one year after coming up with my brilliant 32-page picture book idea, I still haven't nailed it. The most humbling experience! :)
I, too, first became acquainted with you when I searched online for a thumbnail template! Thank you for you all you share! Any nuggets on getting from Idea to Concept? I love learning about others' lifestyles, rituals, and exercises to coax out their story concepts. Hardest part for me.
Thanks for sharing your quest to publication. I'm looking forward to the next posts. I've been dooddling since I was 6, and I'm trying to find my style to hopefully illustrate my own picture books. You have fun vignettes.
Thank you for this series, Debbie. I will definitely be following it. I especially look forward to seeing your thoughts on how an illustrator develops a style. How do you get good enough at art to qualify yourself to illustrate children's books?
I never felt qualified enough to illustrate children's books. But I did keep drawing every day, for the fun and also to improve my craft. I was honestly shocked when my S&S editor offered me a book contract after seeing my (first) portfolio. Your comment/question makes me think I should (between my regular 101 posts) post an updated story of how I got my first book illustration contract, with updated thoughts on why I believe my portfolio was picked. Thanks for the nudge!
Your teachings are always fun, entertaining and informative! I loved the comics! So funny and so true! Thank you for your InkyGirl wisdom. Would love to see suggestions for how to learn to illustrate (what programs to use) since so many publishers and agents are looking for author/illustrators. Thank you, Debbie! All my best,
I'm not sure I'm the best to ask about how to illustrate, since I have no format art training and am self-taught. I just draw a LOT. As for digital programs, I mainly use Photoshop on my desktop Mac and Procreate on my iPad.
This is great. Thank you for your wisdom on children’s books. I am glad I found your newsletter. I will be forever grateful for the picture book thumbnail layout template you developed and made available on the internet. I use it all the time. It’s been so helpful. Thanks again and I look forward to your next newsletter. Keep ‘em coming!
Debbie, I have been reading and rereading PB 101. And following the recommended links. I’m enjoying my deep dive into current picture books as wll as revisiting “the classics". The local children’s librarians have been so helpful. They are great resources. I’m also fortunate to have an active SCBWI group for support and helpful critiques.
This is such a fun find — thank you for sharing so openly and generously! I'm the person who thought short = easy, and one year after coming up with my brilliant 32-page picture book idea, I still haven't nailed it. The most humbling experience! :)
Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge, really enjoying reading your posts, so much wonderful and useful information! 😊
Today is fantastic day for me , because I meet you Instagram page. I am so happy if you visit my Instagram page. fatima.rashidi8
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I'm so glad you enjoyed my post, Christine!
Fun post, Inkygirl! Love your comics!
Thanks, Krister!
I, too, first became acquainted with you when I searched online for a thumbnail template! Thank you for you all you share! Any nuggets on getting from Idea to Concept? I love learning about others' lifestyles, rituals, and exercises to coax out their story concepts. Hardest part for me.
Thanks for the kind words! And thanks for the suggestion re: getting the idea to concept etc. I should cover this in an upcoming issue!
Thanks for sharing your quest to publication. I'm looking forward to the next posts. I've been dooddling since I was 6, and I'm trying to find my style to hopefully illustrate my own picture books. You have fun vignettes.
Thanks for the kind words about my post, Eleanor! Good luck with finding your style!
Thank you for this series, Debbie. I will definitely be following it. I especially look forward to seeing your thoughts on how an illustrator develops a style. How do you get good enough at art to qualify yourself to illustrate children's books?
I never felt qualified enough to illustrate children's books. But I did keep drawing every day, for the fun and also to improve my craft. I was honestly shocked when my S&S editor offered me a book contract after seeing my (first) portfolio. Your comment/question makes me think I should (between my regular 101 posts) post an updated story of how I got my first book illustration contract, with updated thoughts on why I believe my portfolio was picked. Thanks for the nudge!
Yes, I would read that story!
I've posted it at https://debbieohi.substack.com/p/how-a-rejection-helped-get-me-my
Your teachings are always fun, entertaining and informative! I loved the comics! So funny and so true! Thank you for your InkyGirl wisdom. Would love to see suggestions for how to learn to illustrate (what programs to use) since so many publishers and agents are looking for author/illustrators. Thank you, Debbie! All my best,
Holland :)
I'm not sure I'm the best to ask about how to illustrate, since I have no format art training and am self-taught. I just draw a LOT. As for digital programs, I mainly use Photoshop on my desktop Mac and Procreate on my iPad.
This is a GREAT resource, Debbie! Thank you for sharing it!
Thanks so much, Scott!
This is great. Thank you for your wisdom on children’s books. I am glad I found your newsletter. I will be forever grateful for the picture book thumbnail layout template you developed and made available on the internet. I use it all the time. It’s been so helpful. Thanks again and I look forward to your next newsletter. Keep ‘em coming!
Alis, thank you so much for the kind words! And I'm so glad you found my picture book thumbnail layout template handy.
I could not remember the word - storyboard! That’s what I meant but you knew what I was talking about! lol