Working with a professional illustrator, part 2
Posted By Sue Collier on July 27, 2011
I speak with many authors who are writing children’s books, and questions around the illustrations—who? what? and how?—are usually the most common. This is part two of a series of articles professional illustrator and designer Lisa M. Griffin will be writing for us to try to help clear up some of the confusion. (Read part one here.)
Lisa’s illustrations have been featured in invitations, magazines, and textbooks across the country. Publishing houses such as Brown Publishing and Foundations Publishing have also come to Lisa to create memorable illustrations that make their stories and textbooks come alive. She has also worked with clients such as BankBoston, the Guidance Center, JASON organization, PennWell Publishing, and Stonyfield Farm. Her latest children’s picture book, Applesauce, is due out in August 2011. Lisa lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children.
Visit Lisa’s website http://www.lisamgriffin.com and her blog at http://lisamgriffin.blogspot.com.
Where can I find an illustrator for my project?
Finding an illustrator may take some networking and research on your part, but it will be worth it in the end when you locate an artist you are comfortable with and whose style is perfectly suited to your project.
There are many sites available online that professional illustrators join to showcase their portfolios, as well as most illustrators have their own blogs and websites. A few group sites you could check out are: The Society of Children’s Books Writers & Illustrators (www.scwbi.org), The Graphic Artists Guild (www.graphicartistsguild.org). These are member-based sites and offer loads of information on the field of publishing, as well as contact information, illustrator portfolios and industry links.
Social networking sites are also great places to search. Facebook has plenty of illustrator fan pages; a quick search for an illustrator will pull up many different options. LinkedIn is another good social networking tool to use. And let’s not forget the power of a Google search. I recommend being specific in your searches by typing in exactly what you are looking for, such as “children’s illustrator, watercolors” or “YA illustrator, book design.” Doing so will pull in more tailored results and make your search seem less daunting.
Once you find a few you like, contact them directly. Send a query describing your project and what you are looking for. Ask questions and outline how much creative control you want in the process. I like to work with clients who want to work in a creative partnership. Be respectful and approach the illustrator you would like to work with in a professional manner. Be open to discussion. Have all your information ready, including your budget and deadlines.
Keep in mind that the illustrator could turn you down for any number of reasons—he or she may have a full schedule, may feel the story is not a good fit, or may not be comfortable with your budget. Don’t be discouraged; there are many talented illustrators out there and it is worth your time and effort to find the one who is right for your project.
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