© Copryright Alicia Padrón 2010
I often get asked this question, "What should I include in my children's book portfolio?" and my answer is always the same. Animals, kids, anything else you love to draw... but don't forget to always try tell a story with your art.
But what does that really mean? And why is telling a story so important?
When you illustrate a book you are given a beautiful gift. You have the opportunity to visually tell the story you want to tell. Of course you have to illustrate the writer's words but a great illustrator always finds a way to say more. There has even been cases were the art says something completely different than the text, so there are two parallel stories being told.
The important thing to understand is that, as visual artists, we have the responsibility to take the child into a wonderful world. Remember that some of these kids don't even read yet so they are "reading" the book through your art. The art has to speak to them. Has to spark their imaginations and has to make them curious as to what comes next in the story.
Your portfolio should be no different. You want to tell a story with your art. Even though each page of your portfolio is not linked, you want to individually make a statement with each image. Images that tell stories speak to both young and older audiences. There is something about them that make you wonder and always raises questions:
Why are the characters there? How are they feeling? What will the do next?
Like with the sketch above. I knew I wanted to have a kid and a dog asking for three wishes. There are tons of ways to make that point across, but by
8 Comments on Telling a story, last added: 1/22/2011
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By: Alicia Padrón,
on 1/12/2011
Blog: My place over the hill (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: alicia padron, illustrator tips, pbj's, Add a tag
If you have a blog in blogger, you can do a post via email!
Cool right?
Visit the PBJ's blog today to see my post and learn how. :o)
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By: Alicia Padrón,
on 1/12/2011
Blog: Picture Book Junkies (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: posting, alicia padron, illustrator tips, Add a tag
If you have a blog in blogger then you can take advantage of this easy way of posting. Just send an email and voila you get an instant new post on your blog.
I found about this a few weeks ago when I wasn't home and was at a place with no internet connection. I needed to post that day and only had my handy dandy iphone with me, which is almost as good as a notebook as I'm sure Steve would agree. ;o)
So here is how it's done:
When you are in the dashboard and are able to see all your blogs in blogger, look for a small envelope icon just next to the title of your blog and click on it.
A new window appears that lets you create some secret words which will be added to a new email address you are creating. Make sure not to loose this and not share it. I'm sure you got the point by the term secret words.. You don't want strangers posting as you on your blog. That w
2 Comments on Posting via email, last added: 1/12/2011
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This is great advice. THANK YOU. I am going to print this out! thanks - heather
Great post, Alicia! Your explanations are right on point.
Super advice. Thanks for sharing from your experience and leading me to this really cool blog.
Great post Ali!! (Gorgeous perspective!)
An excellent post! Thanks Alicia! I agree with Michelle, great perspective on the illo!
Thanks a bunch girls! Glad you enjoyed my post. :o)
Ahhh, true words of wisdom. Very well put, Alicia. These are words for childrens illustrators to live by for sure :)
Such insight~thoughtful guidance to all us inspiring story tellers-thank you~