So, you've got a story bubbling inside you, but if you're a first-time author, the idea of illustrating it might feel a little daunting, right? Perhaps you're feeling a bit nervous or unsure about the whole process. Don't worry, you're not alone, and I'm here to show you just how gentle and collaborative this creative journey can be. In fact, many of my wonderful collaborations, like working with first-time author Cecelia Oliver on her book, Fannie Sinclair and the Fiddle Named Finn, began with these very feelings!
Think of me as your creative partner, here to guide you every step of the way. Let's explore how we can work together, no matter where in the world you are!
Step 1: Let's Connect & Dream Together!
Our journey always begins with a friendly chat. Whether it's a video call or a voice call – whatever suits you best – this is our chance to say hello and get to know each other. This initial connection is so important to me; it helps us build a connection before we begin illustrating your vision.
In this first conversation, we'll discuss all the exciting possibilities for your book! We can explore:
Your Vision: Any initial ideas or styles you might have in mind for the illustrations.
The Story: A little bit about your tale and its heart.
Practical Details: Things like your desired timeline, the size of your book, how many illustrations you're envisioning, and your budget for the project.
This chat is all about understanding your dreams for the book and ensuring we're a great fit.
Step 2: Formalities & Deep Dive into Your Vision
After our initial connection, I'll send over a few things to make sure you feel completely at ease:
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Your story is precious, and I want you to feel fully protected. I'll email an NDA for us to sign, ensuring your beautiful words are safe.
Creative Questionnaire: To truly capture your vision, I'll send a detailed questionnaire. This helps me understand more about your story, characters, and the overall feel you're aiming for.
Custom Quotation: Once I have all the details from our chat and your questionnaire, I'll put together a clear, comprehensive quotation for your project. To help with budgeting, I'm happy to offer flexible monthly payment instalments.
I welcome all forms of communication! While email is great for formal documents like NDAs and questionnaires, I'm also happy to connect more deeply via WhatsApp if you prefer sending voice notes or quick messages with your ideas. My aim is always to make communication easy and comfortable for you.
Step 3: The Illustration Process Begins – You're My Creative Partner!
Once everything is aligned, the real fun begins! I'll provide you with a clear timeline, so you'll know exactly what to expect and when. As I create the artwork, I'll send you drafts in PDF format for your review and feedback.
Your input is incredibly valuable to me! Seriously, I welcome every thought and suggestion. Feedback isn't just about tweaking; it's a blessing that helps the art evolve and truly makes the work better. While I'm drawing, you are also involved in the creative process, shaping the visuals with your thoughts and insights. We're a team!
Step 4: The Final Polish & Preparing for Publication
As the illustrations near completion, we'll shift focus to preparing your book for the world:
Proofreading: I always recommend that the writer seeks a proofreader for their text. This ensures your story is flawless.
Final Art Tweaks: Once your text is finalised by a proofreader, I'll make any last tweaks to ensure everything aligns perfectly with the final manuscript.
Publication Planning: It's important to remember that while I bring your story to life visually, publishing the book itself is a separate step that you, the author, will manage. I don't handle the publishing process directly.
Test Print is Key: Before you commit to a large print run, I strongly recommend doing one test print of your book. We can sometimes get "tunnel vision" when we're so close to a project, and holding a physical copy, showing it to friends and family, can reveal small details we might have missed. It's a wonderful way to ensure everything is perfect before a big batch print.
Budgeting for Print: Also, it's really helpful to discuss print costs with your chosen printer before we start the illustration process, especially if budget is a concern. The book's size can significantly affect printing costs, so clarity here from the outset can save you stress down the line.
Ready to take the first step and discuss your book?
Feeling a little less nervous about the process now? My passion is helping authors like you navigate the journey of illustrating your children's book with ease and joy.
