So, You Want to Write and Illustrate Picturebooks?
Where to Start and Helpful Tips for Seasoned Artists
You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great. - Les Brown
The Ah-Ha! Moment
Does this sound familiar? You just had your “ah ha!” moment after reading an absolutely stunning Picturebook. “I want to write and illustrate Picturebooks!” Perhaps you were more drawn to the illustrations (see what I did there?), or perhaps you were captivated by the writing, or more importantly, you noticed the beautiful harmonic dance between words and pictures? Regardless, you were bit by the Picturebook-bug!
You’ve Been Bitten, Now What?
Okay, so you realize you’ve been bitten; now what? You are filled with inspiration and start buying Children’s Books as if there’s no tomorrow. You know who you are! You go to bookstore simply for kid’s books. That’s right, you pretend to look at a few business books, then historical fiction, but slowly inch your way to the children’s area…
You might even look around to see if anyone notices you don’t have any children accompanying you. “Damn it! Why didn’t I bring my daughter?!” you say to yourself out loud but in a whispering voice with one closed fist. Nevertheless, you finally make your way to the children’s section and - Wow! The bug, it’s the bug I tell you! Every single book is a masterpiece! You are standing next to a 4 year old girl who glances over with questioning eyes. You cough, then clear your throat to ask her if you think your daughter would like this book, Chloe and the Lion, written by Mac Barnett and Illustrated by Adam Rex? She takes it from your hand and says, “Are those clay dolls?” If you didn’t feel silly before, you are definitely failing the red-face test now!
I quickly say thanks, snatch the book from her tiny hands and run to the register. Yep, this is what the bug does to you ladies and gentlemen.
I highly recommend Adam’s Substack titled, Picture Day. Check it out below.
Guidance Needed on Isle 4
So, you’re buying kid’s books now like they’re going out of style and wondering where to start? You want to write, but not sure how to begin. You want to draw, but not sure what, when, where to draw, or even start a creative practice for that matter.
Step 1: Go Buy Two (2) Notebooks
Notebook #1 is for Notes and Writing.
On Page 1, write down your “Reason” and then your “Why”?
For example, you might first write that you want to write and/or illustrate graphic novels because you like comics. Go further and ask why, again.
Keep going until you find the root of your Why. Let’s try some examples, shall we?
Reason: I want to be an author/illustrator of children’s literature.
Why?
Because I want to be a published author/illustrator.
Why?
Because I want to express my creativity in books.
Why?
Because I want kids to read and enjoy my books.
Why?
Because I want to make a difference and inspire children to read and make their own stories through my writing and artwork.
You see, this exercise can help you understand your purpose for wanting to write and illustrate for kids. Go as deep into the “Why-Weeds” as you need to find your Why. You might just surprise yourself.
Notebook #2 is for Sketching (i.e., commonly referred to as a “Sketchbook”)
Your first inclination is to probably go out and get a beautiful moleskin sketchbook, which you have eloquently named, “My Precious”. Let me stop you here and say, “DON’T DO IT!”
Rather, get the cheapest sketchbook you can find, or just use cheap paper. Personally, I love the $3.99 Drawing Sketch Pad which is only 4”x6” (10.16cm X 15.24cm). It comes with 50 sheets, 95lb (145gsm) and capable of handling all dry media. Did I mention it’s only $3.99?
Your sketchbook is for play, exploration, drawing everyday household items. Of course, if you want to create a 4x6 masterpiece, go for it! You might even just meet people throwing money at you wanting to purchase your beautiful 4x6 works of art!
Establish a daily habit to put pencil to your sketchbook for only five (5) minutes. Tell yourself, you are allowed to stop drawing after 5 minutes. Once the 5 minute timer expires, you may walk away or continue. The choice is yours. Oddly enough, you will likely find yourself continuing to draw as you enter the spacetime continuum known as, “Flow State”. More on this topic in another publication.
Sharing your artwork is completely optional. Personally, I didn’t share any of my sketches for years because I never felt good enough. More on this topic in future publications.
I promise to delve deeper into Habit formation and consistency in another publication; but for now, I encourage you to visit Pro Illustrator, Adam Ming’s Substack Publication titled, 10 Minute Artist, where he focuses on three (3) primary objectives:
Helping you build Daily Creative Habits.
Trailblazing paths to help you break into the industry and get work.
Helping you stay motivated and keep going without burning out.
Final Thoughts
Because you’re reading, Just One Thing!, we will only focus on Step #1 - Get yourself a Notebook and a Sketchbook. In further publications, we will discuss additional topics for each book, but for now - I’ll leave you with a small exercise:
Find your “Why”.
Start a daily sketchbook practice for only 5 minutes. Anything further is a bonus.
Feel free to share your “Ah ha!” moment and any funny bookstore/library moments in the comments below. I will continue this miniseries on Where to Start in the next post.
Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your subscription and reading of Just One Thing! I’ll be seeing you in the comments.
Ross