How to level up

(And what I learned from Mario Odyssey)

Aug 08, 2024

Hey there,

As an 80s kid, I grew up playing Super Mario Bros. The game was very linear and it was easy to figure out what needed to be done next to rescue Princess Peach and advance to the next level. Now, playing Super Mario Odyssey with my kids, I find the game is still fun but also infinitely more complex, with many pathways to level up.

Here are some ways Mario Odyssey has taught me to level up my illustrations:

- Non-linear growth: Just like in the game, the twists and turns in our journey help us grow our skills.

- Fun and exploration: There's always time to have fun and play side games. If you’re not enjoying it, what’s the point?

- Goal setting: Always have a clear goal, whether it’s rescuing Princess Peach from Bowser or writing and illustrating a children’s book.

I’ll break this down further, but first…. 🥁🥁🥁🥁

COVER REVEAL

My new book, “Boldilocks” will be out in July 2025. It’s written by Deborah Frankel and published by EK Books. Click on the link to find out more. I will share more about the book and my process over the coming months… but just wanted to share a little something now… I am so excited about this it!!! 🎉

So back to Levelling Up and Super Mario Odyssey

1. Kingdoms/ Your Illustrative Realms

In "Odyssey," Mario travels through various kingdoms, each with unique themes and challenges. For illustrators, these kingdoms symbolize different styles and areas of illustration to explore - children’s books, surface pattern design, editorial and many more. Each new project (be it a book or a drawing for an instagram challenge) is a kingdom to conquer, full of opportunities for growth.

2. Collecting Power Moons/ Gaining New Skills

As Mario collects Power Moons, illustrators gather new skills. Online courses, YouTube videos, classes, tutorials, and collaborations are like collecting Power Moons, adding to your artistic toolkit. These skills boost your confidence and help you progress in your artistic journey.

3. Cappy/ Your Support System

Mario's companion, Cappy, helps him by capturing new abilities. For illustrators, your support system—family, friends, or fellow artists—acts as your Cappy. This network offers assistance, motivation, and collaboration opportunities, helping you succeed. For me it’s the illoguild, who are truly my support team. I lean on them every step of the way.

4. Refueling After Each Level/ Embracing Creative Breaks

After completing a kingdom, Mario needs to refuel. For illustrators, taking break after a book project or even finishing one illustration is just as important. Relax and recharge to renew your energy for the next project.

5. Collecting Collectibles/ Exploring New Techniques

Mario collects various items and completes side quests, encouraging exploration. For illustrators, this means trying new techniques or styles. This diversity enriches your skills and opens up new opportunities in different areas of illustration.

6. Boss Battles/ Completing Major Projects

Mario faces boss battles to progress. For illustrators, major projects are like these battles. Completing big tasks like a book dummy or a fully illustrated book can be challenging but rewarding, unlocking new creative potential. When I am done with a project I always do a little assessment of what I learned that I can apply to the next project.

7. Unlocking the Next Kingdom/ Moving to the next level

Each completed project opens the door to new opportunities, just like Mario unlocking a new kingdom. A new book deal or project allows you to showcase your skills and take on greater adventures ahead.

Just like Mario collecting moons and battling bosses, our illustration journey is filled with exploration, skill-building, support, and accomplishments. Embrace each kingdom, gather your Power Moons, lean on your Cappy, and remember to refuel after every level. Every step contributes to your growth as an artist, opening doors to exciting new opportunities.

If you've read this far, thanks for indulging me on this adventure. Here are two books I've recently enjoyed that revolve around video games and have given me a new appreciation for the art form: *Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow* and *All Your Base Are Belong to Us*.

Do you have any recommendations for me? I’m always looking for new books (normally audiobooks to have on in the background while I draw).

And most importantly, this newsletter is a platform for us to connect, share experiences, and continue building friendships in the world of illustration.

Feel free to leave a comment, ask questions, and share your own stories.

I would love this to be a community that uplifts and inspires us all.

The illoguild live session is on 19 August ‘ILLOGUILD Talks Levelling up Our Craft. Join us for the live chat (register here) or you can sign- up to the illoguild newsletter to watch the replay.
I recently finished illustrating all the internal pages for ‘Boldilocks’. It was a mammoth task and took many hours and late nights, but I thoroughly enjoyed the process and I’m so grateful that I get to draw everyday.
I’ve also been working on a few projects that are on submission. I can’t share anything yet, but hopefully I will have one or two signed contracts soon. 🤞

My Books

‘Boldilocks’ (out 2025). “Boldilocks is a boy with hair so spectacular and shimmering that everyone looks at him, embarrassing him wherever he goes. But when Pa takes him to the hairdresser to do something about it, something unexpected happens. With a little salon magic and a whole lot of love, much more than hair is transformed. Boldilocks celebrates the power of community and being confident in your skin (and hair), and will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt a little bit embarrassed about how they look.”
‘Our Australian Heart’ is an anthology celebrating Australia, featuring my illustration “New Life at The Great Barrier Reef”. Sale proceeds are to be donated to The Indigenous Literary Foundation.
Mia’s grandma is no ordinary grandmother. She is a very busy grandmother who is curious, fashionable and adventurous. Glamma always has time to share her love of the world with her granddaughter Mia, so is she just like any other grandmother?
Little Shark Lulu is Sleeping Little Shark Lulu is trying very hard to go to sleeeep…
But, all around her, lots of sea life are wide awake and busily hunting, eating or playing. How can Lulu nod off with all that underwater fun and games?

Carla’s Crowd

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