Looking for some holiday inspiration?
Illustration related of course.
Hey there,
Whether you’re taking a snowy break or lounging by the pool with a cocktail (I know I am in spirit!), it’s the perfect season to relax and recharge. While your pencils take a rest, I have some illustration related recommendations to keep you inspired during your downtime.
3 Newsletters to I’m enjoying:
Ten Minute Artist by Adam Ming - “Make Art Daily, Break into Children’s Publishing and Keep Going without Burning Out in as little as 10 minutes a day.”
Katie’s Newsletter by Katie Stak - “One small step every day has helped me grow as an artist and entrepreneur, so I would like to offer tips and start conversations with you as we all follow our creative journeys. Let’s learn together!”
Introvert Drawing Club by Beth Spencer - “ Playful drawing sessions for everyone. 🌻 Weekly art prompts, tips, and illustration techniques from a kind, creative community.“
3 Picture Books I’v recently had the pleasure of reading:
The Lucky Shack Written by Apsara Baldovino and Illustrated by Jennifer Falkner
Down the hole Written by Scott Slater and Illustrated by Adam Ming.
3 Things I’m looking for forward to:
CYA conference on 6 July. I am attending online only though, but should learn a lot. I wish I was going in person - for the warmer weather and also to meet people face to face. Maybe next year!
A Picture Book writing course at the Australian Writers Centre
Character Play with Make Art that Sells starting next week.
(Not too late for you to sign up too!)
And 3 Instagram accounts making me happy:
(for when you need a break from illustration)
Phoodiegram - food and humour
Mitch Tambo - amazing music and a fresh take on many Australian staples.
Lilcully - I love this humour, but you may need to be South African, have grown- up in South Africa or have South African’s close to you to understand.
And here’s an illustration that I had fun with…
Happy Holidays!
Do you have any recommendations for me? I’m always looking for new podcasts 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.
News
The illoguild live session is on 15 June ‘ILLOGUILD Talks Process. Join us for the live chat (register here) or you can sign- up to the illoguild newsletter to watch the replay.
I recently had some assessments booked through the CYA conference. I learnt so many valuable things about writing and storytelling, but sadly I also learned that many Australian publishers are asking for 24 page books (instead of 32 pages) to cut costs. Looks like “shrinkflation” is hitting children’s books too.
I’m almost ready to submit my first author illustrated PB dummy. I can’t believe that I have pulled it off (well almost). I’ll share more in another newsletter.
Thanks for reading!
You can see more of my work on my website or instagram.
Also please check out the Illoguild Newsletter! It comes out next week.
Each month we all answer the same question. It’s so great to see how each person has a different approach. This month all the contributors will share their ‘Top Recommendations for Illustrators!’
My Books
‘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?