As a sequential artist who is also not really formally trained, this is the most helpful post I’ve ever read. I sometimes feel like my creative process is complete chaos, but it is actually just the act of creating! I love your story and can’t wait to see it out in the world!
LOVE hearing about other artist’s processes, so thanks for sharing! For (maybe?) groovy instrumentals, I LOVE “Piano in the Background” (Duke Ellington) and The Darjeeling Limited soundtrack, both of which I have on records and 10/10 recommend (both have some lyrics/singing). For full instrumentals, my go-tos are random jazz records from the thrift store or the “Many Beautiful Things” soundtrack by Sleeping at Last!
Love this!! As someone who IS formally trained, because I felt like I needed the permission, I think not being formally trained is a strength. It's like you become yourself as an artist sooner.
I have admired your art ever since you did a drawing for us at Saveur (I worked with Marian, hi!) & it's so fun to read about the process. I would love to read about the process of pitching the book too!
Thanks for the look behind your process! My first children’s picture book is about to come out this month but I know little about my illustrator’s side of the project. Very excited for WHATS SO GREAT ABOUT NICHOLAS!!!
Thank you! The indie publishing company, Slant'd is launching a Kickstarter as a kinda pre-order July 27th. You can click "Notify Me" to get, well, notified!
Great tip, I'm going to try having something I know on in the background while drawing, rather than trying to listen to a fresh audio book or podcast. Now I'm bringing in colour, things are probably challenging enough without having something new in my ears!
I love this--thanks for sharing the nitty gritty process bits. I've had children's book aspirations for, oh, 35 or so years now? 🫠 One the way-back burner, but more recently moved forward, so I'm interested in the reality of it. Sending you lots of mojo and back-relaxing vibes!
Thank you so much for sharing this. Your process is so relatable and inspiring. My first picture book is on submission, and it's especially reassuring to know that you also experience many of the same hesitancies/fears of the book-making process. Especially your learn as you go mentality. I love Eggasauras and look forward to seeing your new book - it sounds amazing!
Thank you for this! This is so what I need to read right now. I’m about to start working on my first kids book! Actually, it will be my first BOOK ever! Reading this makes me feel like all the feelings I’ve been feeling about how to prepare for it are not so crazy, and are actually the right way!
As a sequential artist who is also not really formally trained, this is the most helpful post I’ve ever read. I sometimes feel like my creative process is complete chaos, but it is actually just the act of creating! I love your story and can’t wait to see it out in the world!
Wow I’m so glad!!!!! It truly is just chipping away!
LOVE hearing about other artist’s processes, so thanks for sharing! For (maybe?) groovy instrumentals, I LOVE “Piano in the Background” (Duke Ellington) and The Darjeeling Limited soundtrack, both of which I have on records and 10/10 recommend (both have some lyrics/singing). For full instrumentals, my go-tos are random jazz records from the thrift store or the “Many Beautiful Things” soundtrack by Sleeping at Last!
Oooh thank you for these tips!!!
Love this!! As someone who IS formally trained, because I felt like I needed the permission, I think not being formally trained is a strength. It's like you become yourself as an artist sooner.
I have admired your art ever since you did a drawing for us at Saveur (I worked with Marian, hi!) & it's so fun to read about the process. I would love to read about the process of pitching the book too!
omg my darling Marian! Thanks so cool. Thanks for stickin with me :-) I'd totally write about pitching the book!
Helen Oxenbury!! our favorite when my son was a toddler. I bet he can still quote from Tom & Pippo stories, 30 years later.
good luck! can’t wait to see the book
Thanks for the look behind your process! My first children’s picture book is about to come out this month but I know little about my illustrator’s side of the project. Very excited for WHATS SO GREAT ABOUT NICHOLAS!!!
Omg that’s so cool! Drop a pre-order link!!
It’s so funny how separate they keep the artist and writer !
Thank you! The indie publishing company, Slant'd is launching a Kickstarter as a kinda pre-order July 27th. You can click "Notify Me" to get, well, notified!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/slantd/slantd-the-next-chapter?ref=96t7t1
Great tip, I'm going to try having something I know on in the background while drawing, rather than trying to listen to a fresh audio book or podcast. Now I'm bringing in colour, things are probably challenging enough without having something new in my ears!
Oh so cool to read about your process. thanks for sharing
The book sounds wonderful! I’m so excited. Thank you for taking us behind the scenes. ❤️
I love this--thanks for sharing the nitty gritty process bits. I've had children's book aspirations for, oh, 35 or so years now? 🫠 One the way-back burner, but more recently moved forward, so I'm interested in the reality of it. Sending you lots of mojo and back-relaxing vibes!
Thank you so much for sharing this. Your process is so relatable and inspiring. My first picture book is on submission, and it's especially reassuring to know that you also experience many of the same hesitancies/fears of the book-making process. Especially your learn as you go mentality. I love Eggasauras and look forward to seeing your new book - it sounds amazing!
Thinking good thoughts for your book!! That’s so exciting!
Ooh I loved this peek behind the scenes -- what a dream!
This is truly the most honest and real book-making advice I’ve ever come across and it’s so validating and grounding. 😍
Thank you for this! This is so what I need to read right now. I’m about to start working on my first kids book! Actually, it will be my first BOOK ever! Reading this makes me feel like all the feelings I’ve been feeling about how to prepare for it are not so crazy, and are actually the right way!
Lili, that’s so cool! I’m here if you ever want to talk anything out too 💛 I believe in you!
I loved this. Books are magic. Making them is a gift (and also really hard!!!).
But where do Gilmore Girls fit in?
Playing in the background as I paint!