This is not an aesthetic post. But it is an honest post. I am knee-deep in book sketches right now. The above is the unvarnished state of affairs: half-finished coffee, discarded hair clips and general chaos. Add in some true crime podcasts and the regular swing between jubilation and self-doubt and you have the gist of things here.
Some spreads come easily. Others are more of a push-pull affair. In 32 pages, I tell a story, moving from point A to B with pictures. I’m conscious that in the past I’ve approached this from too linear a perspective. While an illustration might tell the story, does it serve it? Does it really get to the heart of the matter or does it just literally explain the text? Those questions feel like heavy lifting. And wrestling. Cue “Eye of the Tiger.”
Other than book sketches?
When Autumn Falls is an absolute gem of a movie. The trailer gives the appearance of a whodunit, which is unfortunate — the film is so much more than that. There’s quiches and cakes. Graves being carefully tended. An end of season garden being put to bed. It’s quiet and slow. But what won me over was its story of redemption; we’re all works in progress.
The Invincible Brain was a great read. It’s inspired me to queue up foreign language learning podcasts in the car. Also, the memory tips are doable and helpful (I say this as someone who can’t remember names for love or money).
This interview with Erin and Philip Stead on The Illustration Department is gold (you can also find it on iTunes, Spotify, etc.). It’s an honest, hopeful conversation about making books, making mistakes and making art that is decidedly you.
The giveaway is closed and the illustration headed to its home, but thanks to all who commented! I’ll plan to do another one of these in the future, for sure.
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