Hello hello! Is everyone surviving?! We’ve been living in this surreal dual pandemic for over four months, and I know I’ve had more personal highs and lows than I can remember in my lifetime. The stress is palpable, my jaw feels permanently clenched, and I’m continually reminding myself that just surviving and keeping my kids alive is enough, let alone working, managing a household, and finding social/relaxation outlets.
So where is the drive to create, to produce art? Personally, I’m not finding much to be inspired about. I’m finding more comfort in repetitious, “flow state” creation, like cross stitching. When I’m finished, I’ve got a colorful work of art, but the right side of my brain didn’t do much. I’m following a pattern, letting my brain shut up for a second, and allowing my body to drive the boat.
In some ways, that’s also why I’ve gravitated toward becoming a children’s book illustrator rather than a fine artist. It’s also why I’ve always dubbed myself a “Type A Artist.” I like a plan and a clear direction. I like certain constraints, and I like accommodating authors’ requests — it lets me problem solve and activates the orderly, left side of my brain. Personally, I find it very difficult to create without a concrete assignment.
That’s why I’ve been extremely lucky, as a freelance artist, to receive another book (my SIXTH!) during the pandemic. “The Dark Tunnel Adventure: Quest on the Throne!” by Quinn Schwiesow is a hilarious comedy book for families about, well, journeying into the dark tunnel, as it pertains to bathroom time! The idea is a small bathroom buddy reader that makes light of doing your business in an adventurous way and in a very tasteful manner. Illustrations are set in a Dungeons & Dragons universe, with knights slaying coiled-shaped serpents, melty witches, pebbly rock golems, ooze monsters, and of course, the phantom – combat was certain, but there’s no evidence! Just white sheets.
I hope you’re already giggling, or at least stifling back a smile and shaking your head. That was my reaction when I read the manuscript, thinking “There’s just no way I’m illustrating a potty book,” and then coming back, again and again, to read passages to my family in between laughter and astonishment. This book brings me joy, and I can’t quite explain it. Lightheartedness, fun, levity –experiences we all need so desperately right now.
Just yesterday, I received final approval on the storyboards, which I now complete 100% digitally using my Wacom Cintiq.
I’ve found a few nifty apps to help with the warrior’s poses – check out MagicPoser and Make a Pose on your iPhone. These apps allowed me to create complete positions and then rotate the camera to whatever angle I needed – WOW.
Of course, sometimes, the apps don’t cut it. Like this pose, where I needed to see how a dress would fall. In those rare cases, I dress myself and take photos – how embarrassing.
Now that I’ve got the basic layout of each page stamped down, I get to have some real fun: fleshing out final sketches, complete with D&D gear and clothing!! It’s the perfect book for a nerd like me, who spends most of her free time in video game worlds of fantasy. And I think we could all do for a little fantasy right now.