Tips For Getting Published in the Field of Children's Illustration

**If you have any new tips to add, post them in comments below --I'll delete the comment and add them to the article with a link to your site. Thank you! I guess you could say this is a community project. When it's done I'll add it to my tool bar at the top :0) So here we go:
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This is written for people just starting out in the business. Everyone's been there, you have a dream but have no idea where to start. I've written some quick, simple, to the point steps to guide you in the right direction. Following these steps are more helpful tips and comments added by fellow illustrators: Ginger Nielson, Kim Fleming, Phyllis Harris, June Goulding, Alicia Padron, Mai Kemble, and Woody Miller! Many thanks to these wonderful artists for taking the time out of their busy schedules to participate!
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Paige Keiser:


1. Practice a lot and study illustrators you admire

2. Create a strong portfolio of 8 - 10 pieces (kids, animals, and family scenes are typical subjects, but whatever inspires you is what you should draw!)

3. Create a website with your portfolio and contact information. A lot of people pay a professional web designer for this. I simply used iweb because I like to update my portfolio a lot and it would get expensive paying someone to do that each time.

4. Create a postcard with your website address, contact info and your best image and send it out to publishers who publish books similar to your art style (2010 Writers and Illustrators Market book is a must--contains detailed publisher's contact information and articles about getting started.)

5. (optional) submit printed samples of your portfolio to an agent. Agents do all that 'businessey' stuff (that I'm not only bad at, but fact of the matter is I would rather be drawing than printing out invoices, making calls, etc etc). They also go to bat for you if a deal turns bad or someone doesn't pay. And if you're lucky, they turn out to be really great friends as well :0) Typical cut that an agent takes is 25%. This is all personal decision of course, some people enjoy the business side of things and like being in complete control of every detail. There's no right or wrong decision!

There are lots of other things you can do, but the above is where you should start. Portfolio portfolio portfolio - you can't repeat that enough to yourself because it's everything--it's what represents you. Once you have a good one, promote till your computer fries--blogging, childrensillustrators.com, picturebook.com, vistaprints.com. Also go to the local SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) conferences and meet those publishers face to face!

Good luck, it's a jungle out there!

And now to continue, here are some extra tips from a few pros in the field:
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Phyllis Harris:


Gosh, where do I begin?

First, do a lot of seat time on the internet. It has been the root of my education on the whole business of children's book illustration.

Second, always work on your craft. Draw, draw, draw. Paint, paint, paint. I continue to learn and grow daily. I look back on my first projects/jobs and wonder how I ever got hired?! But this is where persistence and patience also paid off. Gotta have those... persistence and patience!

Get a copy of the 2010 Children Writer's and Illustrator's Market published by Writer's Digest Books. Send your art samples out to art buyers via mail(postcards and mailers) and direct them to your online portfolio on your website. Website...gotta have one to promote yourself with an online portfolio and contact info.

For those who are still in school--take every opportunity available to network with editors and art buyers at publishing houses and magazines. Getting on as an intern is probably the best opportunity out there!!!
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Ginger Nielson on Digital Illustration Tips:



1.) My transition from traditional art to digital art was one that took a good deal of time and choosing the right program for me. Many have asked which or how many digital art programs they might need to learn.
I believe that if you find ONE program that you are comfortable with you should take the time to learn it and learn it well. The time you spend becoming proficient in your chosen software will pay you back. There is a great deal of depth to the high end programs,(Photoshop, Illustrator, Painter) and if you are an illustrator, you really only need one that 'fits' you.
Common sense dictates that you need a good working digital tablet and pen if you plan to create digital images. Wacom is the best and there is a whole range to fit almost any budget.

2.) On a merely practical note.... if you are a digital illustrator you MUST constantly "Save" the piece you are working on. A power outage, or program crash can wipe out hours of work. As many times as I say this, I have still suffered the loss of huge chunks of work because I forgot to save, save, save.

3.) Digital artists who work in layers in photoshop or painter should also save at least one version of their artwork as a full set of separate layers. You can drop the layers , give the piece an alternate name and save that as well. But, the fact that you still have a file with all the various layers separated will make any editorial changes much less stressful.

4.) I keep a digital file folder of the sketches, layered files and any reference material for any assignment I am given. When the assignment is turned in and the contract has been fufilled, I move the entire folder to an external hard drive for future reference.

5.) I also maintain a Digital File Cabinet. It is set up as if it were in my desk drawer, with categories for all the sketches, reference materials and finished artwork I have created. This is also kept on an external hard drive with a huge amount of storage space. It frees up my main computer and allows me to work faster and more efficiently.
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Kim Fleming:


I guess I would say “put yourself out there” because that’s the only way you will get out of your living room. So make a blog, a website, get involved with group projects, call publishers and set up appointments to view your folio (it’s not as scary as you think). Some illustration portfolio websites can be really good, but do your research. I’ve found that the majority of my work has come from meeting face-to-face with a publisher, and then word of mouth from there.

Some tips for a good folio: less is more. Don’t think that because you have 30 average pieces in your folio that that is impressive – it is much better to have 15 strong pieces than 30 mediocre ones. Start strong and finish stronger. Don’t put anything in your folio that you don’t actually enjoy doing – even if you are good at it – because that is most likely going to be the chosen style for you to do 398 illustrations. But something editors do like to see is that you can draw characters consistently, so one character in several different poses can be really good. You may also like to like about showing movement, perspective and emotion in your characters and scenes.

Also I would say “be true to yourself” in what you do. This can be really difficult when you don’t know what that is! But if you practice, and experiment, and do what you really love, then that will be your best work in the end anyway, and you will find your voice along the way.

Good luck!
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Mai S Kemble:

1. Repeat: perfect your craft- define a style or two (at most) that you love to work in...

2. Website- use blogger if you have to, but you must have something on the internet that has your portfolio

3. Join jacketflap, scbwi, and try to use other sites to network and gain insight/advie/critique from others in the field

4. Always compare yourself to professionals that already are published-don't stay in a hole or you will never improve- (and always try to improve)

5. You must submit your stuff- that said- do your research!! (internet, book stores have sections on publishers- get the CWIM!!!!! every year!!!! read the whole thing and study it!!!)

6. Submitting- make sure you look professional! try to create an overall look for your work. :)

7. Read and love children's books! collect them, study them, and cherish them- they will save you at times you wouldn't expect or realize!

8. Believe in yourself!! good luck!!!
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June Goulding talks about portfolio specifics:


I agree with all that has already been covered, but I would like to add...

...Practice creating a character and showing them sequentially in different situations, as you would find in a picture book. You need to reassure a publisher that you can draw a character in many poses and perspectives, not just from a front or side view.

You will need to be able to convey movement and emotions through a character's body posture and expressions.

You also need to show that your 'style' will remain constant throughout the book, even though you may not paint the pages in sequential order. Some pages may use spot illustrations whilst others will fill with colour right up to the trimmed edges. All of the illustrations need to work together to create a smooth story-flow through the book.

And remember, if you enjoy what you are doing, it will show in the final art.

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Alicia Padron:


I want to take this opportunity to thank Paige Keiser for all the help she has given me. I also really thank Roz Fulcher and especially Laura Logan for this. It is very hard to break into this business and these wonderful people make all the difference with their help. Thank you!

I don't have the experience of many years in this career, but I can add my 2 cents :o)


Do

* Believe in yourself and your art. If you don't like it people won't either. Trust what you do and try your best at it.

* Practice, practice and did I say.. practice? Draw a lot. From real life, from references in books, from your imagination.

* Try to find a style. This is not easy, I know. I'm sure people say it all the time like everybody knows a magic formula as to how to get one. There is no formula, but what I think is the best way to approach it is by practicing so much and closing your eyes and thinking what it is you REALLY want to draw. Is it animals? Kids? Pirates? Then do it... and after a while a pattern will appear. You'll see some similarities to them and that is the style emerging. Also I think that style is linked to what you enjoy the most doing.. Usually you have more confidence and a looser hand at that so the style will come easier through this.

* Read all you can about it. The art side and the business side too. Buy books and read articles in the internet.

* Subscribe to the SCBWI. It is a great way to learn about this business. Read the forums and ask questions. Try to attend conferences, you get to meet many interesting people in the field and learn from all the wonderful speakers.

* Work on a portfolio. When you "find" your style, work on having 10 to 15 really good pieces for your portfolio. Since this is a Children's Book Portfolio try to include children in it. No still life or anything like that. Try to tell a story with your illustrations and always include whatever it is that you want to be drawing because ultimately, you will be hired to do what ever to have in your portfolio.

* Take advantage of the internet. This is an amazing way to learn, meet people and be seen! I can't tell you the importance of this. Open a blog, make a website, take advantage of portfolio sites (free: Coroflot, portfolios.com Paid: ChildrensIllustrators, Picturebook etc... ) and post your work there.

* When you have done all from above, then research in bookstores, libraries and the Children's Market Guide for publishers that meet your style. Look for books that speak to you, that you think have similar feeling or style as yours then find out what the submission requirements are for them and then send out samples of your work. Now don't SIT and wait after this because it will be a LOOOOONG wait. Instead keep reading, learning, drawing, making new pieces for your portfolio, blogging, practicing, experimenting and dreaming... never stop dreaming. I know this is what keeps me going :o)

Don't

* Don't skip ANY of the important steps in the "Do" section!
Just do it! ;o)
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Woody Miller:

I would also just add this: Keep sending samples at least 3 times a year. Don't send out postcards once and expect to hear back right away. I once got contacted from a postcard I'd sent out almost two years earlier! So just keep at it.

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Tim Davis

1. As long as there are artists out there who are better than you, work on getting better.

2. Make sure sure the people who need to see your work see it often.

3. Be a complete professional when you get a job.

4. Repeat

Always Have An Ace in the Hole

My secret weapon for tough contract negotiations...

*Thank you to Risky the Studio Assistant for posing for this important photo. You earned your doggy snack.

Trick or Treat

Duck Duck's Short Guide to the Common Cold

1. Realize as soon as possible that it's not "just allergies".




2. Feel sorry for yourself a little.




3. Get lots of rest, spoil yourself, drink plenty of fluids.




4. Whine to friends--the good ones will listen.




5. When you feel a little better, go out and get some fresh air, do a jig.

Thank you for reading Duck Duck's guide to the common cold.

Illustration Friday: Germs

It's considered polite to hand someone a handkerchief when they sneeze or have a cold...even if it is to an alligator.

p.s. I updated this image with a much better scan. The other was devoid of color - the lid of the scanner probably wasn't shut all the way.

More Experimenting

I'd like to have two styles in my portfolio. A pen and ink style, and pencil/watercolor style.

Character Sketch

This is for another story I've written. I sketch little ideas in between my hired projects.

Aw, Darn it

I stayed up until 4am again. Maybe one day I'll wake up at the crack of dawn and fall blissfully asleep at 11 pm on a regular basis......(I've been saying that to myself for years now, yet I still want to believe.....).

Creative energy: alive during the night, and non-existent during the day/slowly starts to show itself early evening. Why? Why??

Ok must sleep.

Wah.

Jay Asher's Blog and also Stitches by David Small

Jay Asher (if you don't already know) is the extremely talented author of Thirteen Reasons Why. He has a blog - read it! Great posts, videos and information about his award winning teen novel.

I'm headed to amazon.com to buy it myself.



In other news, I saw one of David Small's recent picture books in Barnes and Noble. This led me to his site to see what he was up to, which led me to information about his new release, Stiches. I don't want to give away too much, but it's a graphic novel, autobiographical, and NOT for kids. This is one for the adults. Let's just say I was so engrossed that I stopped hearing the bubbling of my fish tanks, the blaring fan of my space heater and I can't even remember turning pages. It is a work of art and something to behold. It felt less like reading and more like watching a film. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.

One more thing--the whole book is dark and tragic. Be ready for a heavy heart after you've closed the back cover.

Illustration Friday: Pattern 3

This fall season, be cautious of sudden changes in wind patterns. Especially if you're a squirrel.

Raj Sneak Peak II

Here's another image from Raj The Bookstore Tiger! Mean ol' Snowball is informing Raj that he's not an ACTUAL tiger, but a mere kitty cat. Poor Raj.

Illustration Friday: Pattern 2

Pig and Cow talked late into the night while patterns of moon-cast shadows overlapped and blanketed the empty barn.

Another Raj Sketch

You can tell I adjusted the size of the kitties via Photoshop. Have I sung the praises of Photoshop enough on my blog? I think not.

Puddle

Character Sketch

Illustration Friday: Pattern

Bernice was very jealous of Margaret's patterned hat.

Courage Color Study Via Photoshop

Courage

This is my possible illustration Friday idea - for the theme pattern (or patterns--too lazy to double check). I'll see how it develops. I want to keep working on it tonight but am just way too tired! :-P

Raj in Progress

This yet another Raj spread, but unfinished. I LOVE painting closeups like this and spending hours on the details of the fur and face. Here I just established the basic colors. Over the next day or so I'll keep layering thin washes of paint until it has a nice, rich textured look.

Also I really love orangish yellows and greens together. Most of my work seems to have that color combo in one way or another.

Raj the Bookstore Tiger: Sneak Peak

I've been given permission by the kind folks at Charlesbridge to post a sample spread from the upcoming book "Raj the Bookstore Tiger" written by Kathleen T Pelley. Publishing date is set for Fall of 2010.

Click to enlarge! Lots of details to see.

*edit - added the bat to the cover of the Great Batsby!

Illustration Friday: Infinite

Strong

This was actually for illustration Friday, but I was so busy this week I didn't get it posted in time.

Vitamin D Deficiency

This past summer I began to grow more and more tired and under the weather. I thought perhaps it was my late hours, but the worse it got I realized it had to be something beyond that. I made an appointment for a checkup and got a load of blood tests. Surprisingly, they included a Vitamin D level test. I didn't think a thing of this until the nurse called several days later to inform me I had a severe Vitamin D deficiency. She added that a lot of people have this and don't know it - it's a new wide-spread issue, especially in people who stay inside and out of the sun a lot for their jobs (myself and fellow artists), work on the computer a great deal or play video games. I started a vitamin D supplement and am slowly getting my energy back. What a lucky find - I could have spent years searching for the cause of my fatigue. But thankfully my doctor keeps up with recent medical articles and findings.

Anyways, I thought I would post this for other artists who might be having the same issues and bring some more awareness to Vitamin D deficiency. Maybe even help someone else avoid wasting a season or even years being tired with no explanation. It's a quick and easy test and an even easier problem to treat.

Stay healthy :0)

Illustration Friday: Impatience

James was too impatient to wait for his 13th birthday--the day his parents promised to get him a brand new Yamaha drum set.

Since there has been some concern for kitty I thought I would include a sequel. Kitty later joins the band, becomes the lead singer/songwriter (a.k.a. Bono II) and creates a mega hit gold record.

There's a New Blog in Town: Planet Markix!

I have been a fan of Mark Hicks' art work for many years, and now he has started a blog for everyone's enjoyment! Check out his whimsical and charming ink and watercolor illustrations--welcome him to the blogging universe too if you have an extra moment :-D

Unwelcome Guest

Sketched this idea while waiting for an appointment.

Down at the Pond

Pig in the Garden

Illustration Friday 2: Idle

Detective Rhino Continued

I love you Photoshop...

Detective Rhino and his Partner Featherbrain

Illustration Friday: Idle

He won't be idle for long! This is one of those pictures where I just started drawing on a piece of watercolor paper and adding things as I went along. I don't know the story behind this, why the cat is there, or where this mouse lives, it's just an image I had in my mind. It was fun to draw that way, very unrestrictive.

In Color

Illustration Friday: Tango

If you can't make it out in the scan, there's a couple dancing the tango in the house window.

Antonio Revamped

This is Antonio in my watercolor/colored pencil style - a bit more rotund, more depth and shading.

Raj's Softer Side

I'm considering going back to my softer style for Raj as opposed to the pen and ink pieces earlier. I'll see what the Charlebridge folks think. One of the curses of having multiple styles I'm afraid..that constant worry of: did I choose the right one for the story?

Come to think of it, I might resketch some of my Antonio images in this style as well, just to make sure I'm going in the right direction for my dummy book.

And We're Off

First spread of the book...actually totally redone after spending three hours on another version and completely scrapping it after looking at it in the mirror. Those mirrors are the worst critics aren't they? They show you every mistake within seconds.

The lines are basically marks of where the text will be. I'll be adding the text later via Photoshop.

Dav Pilkey Book Dummies!

If you need some inspiration while you're working hard on your own book dummies, check out Dav Pilkey's site. He has posted the full mock-ups of some of his books along with stories about how he got them published! Great stuff from a great author/illustrator. Enjoy!

Dav Pilkey

My favorite posting is "Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving" because he struggled so hard to get that one published and finally found a publisher (the 26th one I think?) who had some sense! Look out how detailed it is - he almost didn't need to paint it in the end, it would have been great in black and white as well.

Who knows how long these treasures will stay online, but I intend to download each book onto my hard drive :-D

***Edit: another link added by the very talented Woody Miller. Thanks Woody!

Click Here

Antonio

This is my little side project: a character study for another story I've written. I've decided never to submit a manuscript without a full dummy/mock-up ever again. I dare say I think I lost out on getting one published because of not doing so. I should always present my work under the best light possible, don't you agree? Ah well, lesson learned.

It's 1am.... time to get some book dummy work done :-)

I'm not giving up!

Raj the Bookstore Tiger

I'm sorry I've been away for so long, I've had some "life" things come up that have been time consuming--some difficult and some (such as my recent book projects) very wonderful and enjoyable. Raj (star of the book: Raj the Bookstore Tiger, written by Kathleen T Pelley) has been keeping me company. Always purring and jumping in my lap, wanting attention. He's such a charming kitty I can't wait for everyone else to meet him. I'm now getting to my favorite part of the book-making process...the painting!!! It's where the magic really starts to happen. I created my wall of art, where I hang wires across the walls and hang the book art in order to see how it's all coming together. I then put up the two color pieces shown in the photo below, and while I was talking on the phone the wire came undone. Argh! Down came the two spot pieces! It was not far off the ground, but still, it startled me lol. I'll be using nails for the wire this time instead of tape! I'll also post photos of the wall as I progress through the book.

The bw ink drawing is unfinished - still need to add more books, and of course the watercolors after that!

The Quest for Inspiration

Edward Degas

Inspiration is a tricky little bugger. It plays hide and seek, arrives when you least expect it, and leaves without a trace.....sometimes for weeks at a time. If you think your job as an artist is just to paint, draw, and create then boy are you in for a surprise.

Many artists feel alone when they're uninspired. They wonder if others go through the same thing (yes we do) and wonder if other artist's slumps have lasted as long as their own (yes they have). But please take comfort in this fact: losing and gaining inspiration is part of being an artist. It is the ebb and flow of creativity; a natural swing of things that you will continually try to weather and work with.

It's careful balance. Don't push too hard when you're just not inspired, but also take responsibility and try to gain that inspiration back. Reading books about your favorite artists, visiting museums, going for a long walk on a beautiful day, whatever works for you. Sometimes the best thing to do is take a break from drawing and do something completely different for a while. That way you'll return to your desk feeling refreshed (of course don't do that sort of thing when you're on a tight deadline!).

The main point is this: don't let it get you down or scare you. It's just the wave pulling back from the sand for a bit. It always comes back. Believe me, I have to remind myself of that many many times.

My First Teddy Bear

My first attempt at 3d needle felting. He will look much happier when my niece Emma adopts him--she's visiting today :)