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| King Parrot Acrylic on canvas by Elle Carter Neal Click to enlarge |
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| Artworks by Elle Carter Neal (including Pelican incomplete since 2009) Click to enlarge |
This year I was ready to publish my first picture book, I Own All the Blue. I was after a very particular style for this book and I searched through hundreds of portfolios and websites before I found Bess Harding on Pinterest. Bess was also lovely to work with, and translated my text and illustration notes into darling images that bring the story to life.
I love being able to give work to talented artists. And I really appreciate what I get for my investment.
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| Elle Carter Neal is the author of the picture book I Own All the Blue and teen science-fantasy novel Madison Lane and the Wand of Rasputin. She is based in Melbourne, Australia. Find her at ElleCarterNeal.com or HearWriteNow.com |
I love your King Parrot, Elle. I play with pencil, watercolor and acrylics for relaxation, but I don't turn out work even close to yours. Hiring a pro for cover art and illustrations makes good sense, but never give up your own artistic sideline. I know how well it works to settle the nerves and calm the soul.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat. I'm very out of practice, but when I eventually have a bit more time I do intend to do some daily sketching to improve my skills. I would like to be able to do my own interior line drawings one day - it would save me a lot of money! :-)
DeleteThose drawings are perfect for the book genre. Good for you to employ artists to do them.
ReplyDeleteI was a professional illustrator for 25 years, but I never thought of illustrating my own covers. I do them, but I use others' photos. I enjoy creating the type and the design, but doing the art? I don't think I'd be happy with me. Years ago, I did a bunch of intricate pen and ink drawings for a children's book. I have no idea where they are.
I didn't realise you had illustrated professionally, Polly. You are very talented. I do think you're right to use photos for your covers, as illustrations for thrillers would feel very out of place, no matter how good the artwork may be.
DeleteGreat cover art is worth its weight in gold. But me thinks you discount your own "amateur" skills. Your work is beautiful. I love to dabble in art and crafts. I think it helps "cross-train" your brain.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diana. I enjoy my own art - both creating it and looking at it - but I do see all the flaws ;-)
DeleteLovely drawings, Elle. I admire people who can do such quality artwork.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maryann.
DeleteI so wish I were a better artist. I enjoy it, but devoted ny time to music and writing. No regrets, but I still wish I had spent a little more time on it. Great looking work!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jason. Music practice can take up a lot of time, too. It has been my intention for a while now that when I turn 40 I will begin learning to play the piano. (Though I might have to start with a keyboard if I can't score a cheap-ish secondhand piano on eBay!)
DeleteI've made a living as a professional artist, but would not illustrate my own children's book. Maybe a cover, but not interior shots - trying to depict the same character in different poses and settings take real skill. I admire artists who have developed that ability. I"m not one of them though. You know what, Elle, I didn't connect the artist's name to LPP. Are you tagging her when you share on social media?
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the same character in different poses - if I ever do my own interiors it will probably be different characters each time. I'm thinking along the lines of the Enid Blyton books for young-Middle-Grade readers - some of them only have one or two illustrations per chapter (and my kids seem perfectly happy with that ;-) )
DeleteYes, I follow Sandra (and Bess) on Twitter, in particular, and have @mentioned them there.