How I Illustrate a Book as a Full-Time Mom
If it weren't for my three young children, I would not have half of the books that I have written. Watching them play and pretend to be in other worlds far away is what gives me inspiration. Their purposeful play becomes my next literary gem!
The easiest part of writing a book is, well, writing the book! Words come naturally as I put together lyrical verses that eventually come together to tell the tale of a brave girl who never gives up, or a cheetah that discovers he is beautiful the way he is. Yes, the words are simple and perhaps fun. Finding the ideal word, in the perfect combination, mixed together with the right tone is much like a puzzle. Moving words around until it gives you the feeling for which you were aiming. I suppose you have just learned that I love a good puzzle!
The challenging part for me is illustrating the book. The artwork itself is not difficult, but finding the time! Oh, the time!
My day with three children (ages 7, 5, and 3.) consists of snacks every twenty minutes, laundry, cleaning the same mess for the fifth time, and dishes. So how can I fit in time for my art?
Well, sometimes I don't. Motherhood calls.
But, I know the importance of doing something for yourself that makes you happy. For me, one of those things is art. You know who else got that gene? Yep! All three of my children!
My favorite style of illustrating happens to be when my kids are helping out. I have been loving the illustrations and feelings in my next book, "Never Cheetah Zebra", for this very reason. I have been doing a paint collage. I use all white paper. If I need a certain color, I give the kids the correct colors, and tell them that there can't be ANY white left on the paper. Mixed with shades of the same color, it achieves a look that's not too blended, a little "impasto" if you will. In the end, I have beautifully colored paper that is perfect for cutting and ripping.
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