The proof print for “The Island and the Plough” has officially arrived! I must say, it is very exciting to see it in physical print. Regardless of my thoughts on ebooks, and digital media, there is something really great about a book. I am still sorting the official business with copyrights, and the ISBN registry, which will allow some time for the printers of the final version but it is so good to see this in near finished form. I want to thank everyone who helped me along the way and have been so patient as well as those who follow and support the entire process. I can’t wait for this to be a completed project, and then start the next!
Here are six preview images of the book proof. I tried to choose six images that sort of represent something we can learn from this entire process.
1: First Impressions Are Important
The front cover of “The Island and the Plough”:
First impressions certainly aren’t the be-all-end-all, but despite the old saying to not judge a book by its cover, people do. I know I do, but more importantly than judging it is calling attention to and grabbing the eye. Something catchy, simple, and strong is often a great idea for the front, cover, or introduction of any project. A book calls you by its cover.
2: Dot your Is and cross your Ts.
Inner cover pages of “The Island and the Plough”:
The “legal/acknowledgments” section of any project is of the utmost importance. Noting your sources and identifying yourself is crucial, even on a single image. There is nothing I hate more than finding a great image or illustration on the web but there is no identifier as to where it came from, so I can never find more of that goodness! Thank Google for the reverse image look up. Don’t forget to acknowledge those that may have helped. Be gracious, thank those that have honestly helped you, because no project is done alone (even those that physically are done alone, mental, emotional and inspiration support comes from everywhere).
3. Set yourself some rules.
The children play but Papa warns them of the great white sea in “The Island and the Plough”
Like Papa warning the children of rules of the island, be sure to set yourself some basic ground rules. Projects very easily get out of hand, grow larger than expected and veer off into unexpected territories. Be clear with yourself about goals and expectations. Most importantly make sure your project is manageable! It is much easier to grow any project than to trim back an unwieldy beast.
4. Know your strengths and embrace weaknesses.
Papa throws an apple down to Eli in “The Island and the Plough”
Papa has the wonderful idea to throw apples from the tree down to his son Eli who catches them. This works well until he throws an apple too far, setting forth the entire story. Know where your strengths will take you and what weaknesses you have that might hold you back. Focus your strengths to really drive the project and carry the bulk of the work. You may even tailor a project (Like this project I focused on constrast with black and white) to your specific strengths. Work with weaknesses, not against them. Composition, for me, is tricky. To be frank, the children’s books out there have little of it (mostly just an image with text below); finding reference or examples was quite difficult. I needed to be creative and make composition a focus but not let it hold me back as I wanted a very graphic style and include dense typography to help tell the story.
5. Be willing to accept non-perfection.
Mama consoles Papa in “The Island and the Plough”
There are many things, even in this final piece or a feature film I may have worked on of which I still want to change. The viewer almost never notices them, so learn when good is good for the sake of the project, time line, goals, and just over all sanity, to not obsess. Like Papa needing consolation from Mama, don’t be afraid to ask for help, critiques and comments. You are your own worst critic, so fresh eyes that aren’t directly attached to the project are best, but try to make it someone who will be constructive and give reasons to what they think rather than claiming something is not working. Surely, too many comments can lead to a mess, but none is far more dangerous. I suggest getting feedback early on in the process, then work on it a bit for yourself, and then comments near the end (but not so far to the end you can’t take them into account). Try to ask someone other than your mother.
6. Just do what you want.
The reverse/back cover of “The Island and the Plough”
Some of my story ideas are certainly a little “off the beaten path.” An editor I once talked to said my work is wonderfully unique, but impossible to categorize (and therefore, market). I was unsure if I should take that as a compliment or a critique. It may be true, and I might possibly only live in a niche market, but that is all I know; do what you know. I write about what I think about, and things I would enjoy to read or illustrate. Perhaps, this story is a little heavy for children and I wouldn’t even dare to call this book for children, rather an story for those who also like illustrations. If something is deemed “unmarketable,” I always go back to the fact that someone marketed and sells (a lot, mind you) rubber dog poop and plastic vomit. Anything is marketable.
SketchbookJack 