by Jo Swartz
The expression “A picture is worth a thousand words” for me, is very true. Sometimes inspiration comes from an idea, sometimes the words just come, but mostly the idea creeps up on me and surprises me when I least expect it out of something else. The only scary feeling accompanying it is “can I pull it off?”. Will the finished product turn out as fabulous as I imagine it?
Lately I have been quite surprised by the source of 3 of my newest picture books—all ‘works in progress’. They each began as a simple, single drawing. One was for a licensing line I am hoping to develop, another was just a portfolio sketch based on a fairy tale, and my shiniest new idea began while trying to think of a single picture to show my illustrative abilities for the upcoming SCBWI conference in New York. Aaack! Since, only one picture is allowed. I had to create one that would encapsulate my style and ability which for me meant I needed to create a concept where I showed beautifully costumed people, and talking animals. (At least I think so…who knows if this will be the image I use).
As I was working out what the picture should look like, my family became the source of inspiration for the theme, and suddenly there it was—the whole picture book. Right now, it is just all pictures in my head and very few words…but they are on their way. And I hope I can ‘pull it off’.
I don’t know how authors who don’t draw plan out a picture book. I don’t think I could without pictures early on in the process, even sketching out a rough stick figure dummy about what is going on in each page really helps me.
Even if you don’t draw—collage can do the trick. Just one picture can give you so much. Setting, characters, emotions.
This post is pretty late in the PiBoIdMo challenge, and if you are doing well with it—you have probably found that the more ideas you get, the more ideas you get! I think the challenge is great for training the mind to see opportunities for a story. Suddenly you find something humorous—whether it is a picture or a comment you heard while eavesdropping, the juxtaposition of something, irony, all these things can create a wonderfully original story, and sometimes something you never thought or intended to become a story—suddenly does.
I would also like to add for the illustrators out there—that not all picture books need to have words, either.
The story idea that I got while working on the licensing project has no words. I think of it like a silent movie. I just found that the illustrations told it all and words added nothing.
So, whether you draw, write, or both, don’t wait for your muse. If the one for writing isn’t showing up that day for work, try calling on one that handles the pictures to guide you. And if you are too scared to work with her—try the one for song, history, and so on. Or, do something completely different…but keep your mind ready for when the idea pops in. Mine likes to wake me in the middle of the night—so it is a good idea to always have a pen and notebook nearby!
The thing with inspiration is you never know what you’re going to get. None of the stories I am most pleased with, I intended, or planned, or saw coming. And whatever you do…have fun with the whole process—it will show in the work.
Jo Swartz is a writer/illustrator in Toronto. She works with both traditional media (mainly watercolor & ink) and digitally. She has several WIPs at various stages of completion. Jo is a former fashion designer, and has worked internationally in ready-to-wear and haute-couture in Paris, and a former creative director/graphic artist. This is her 3rd career. Jo’s work can be found at www.littlejolit.com and you can follow her on twitter http://www.twitter.com/littlejolit. She has recently been featured at Smith Micro’s Manga Studio site.
16 comments
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November 20, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Catherine Johnson
Ooh have fun and it will show in your work are two comments that stick with me. And if you have fun that will show in your work too! Nice post
November 20, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Dana Carey
I really like your suggestion to writers to use collage. I can draw but I might try this anyway… could be a fun way to come up with today’s idea.
Thanks for sharing your work and your process. The iilustratons are wonderful.
See you on twitter, Jo!
@danaFR
November 20, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Catherine Denton
I love collage but I’ve never done it for a picture book idea. Sounds fun!
Catherine Denton
November 20, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Jean Reidy
Great post, Jo. I love the collage idea. Another idea for folks who don’t draw is to explore the portfolios of illustrators on line. I’m not suggesting that a story be written to go along with a particular illustration – after all, that’s probably already been done – but instead to use the “feeling” or “emotion” of the art as inspiration for story ideas. Of course this takes a bit of daydreaming, but hey, that’s the fun part.
November 20, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Lynne Marie
Enjoyed your post, and appreciate the illustrator tips that writers can put to use!
November 20, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Megan K. Bickel
Great post! I also love the collage idea. I’ve always had serious illustrator-envy, so that gives me a way to play with pictures. Thanks!
November 20, 2010 at 6:51 pm
kathy stemke
I’m a very visual person. Pictures often inspire stories for me. Thanks for your tips.
November 20, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Bonnie Adamson
Always nice to see your lovely work!
I needed the nudge your post provided today. Story idea #20 is just too vague; I’m going to go work on some character sketches and see if anything takes shape.
Thanks!!
November 20, 2010 at 11:36 pm
ccgevry
Fabulous post, Jo. I totally agree that picture books don’t need words, though since I can’t draw anything more complex than a stick figure, mine better have words. 🙂
I’m a very visual learner, so it’s actually easy for me to see a book idea in my mind before writing it. I just wish I had the talent to draw what my mind sees.
Best of luck with your books.
Cheryl
November 21, 2010 at 12:04 am
Marcy Pusey
Thanks, Jo! I suddenly am inspired to go collage! 🙂 P.S. SEE YOU IN NEW YORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 21, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Ishta Mercurio-Wentworth
Hey – I’ll see you in New York!
Thanks for this post; it’s interesting to see inside the mind of an author/illustrator. I may try your suggestion of making a collage – although, even though I’m not an illustrator, I still write picture book manuscripts with pictures in mind. I just do it with the understanding that the editor will have his or her own take in my manuscript, and that the things I imagine aren’t necessarily what the illustrator will come up with, and I’m okay with that. It’s part of being an author for me; I have to “let go” of my work very early in the process.
November 21, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Loni Edwards
Hi Jo! Thanks for the post, it was very inspirational! 🙂
November 21, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Heather Kephart
Thanks for the tips. LOVE your art!
November 22, 2010 at 11:26 am
jo
Thanks everyone for the comments! I am really pleased that you find this helpful. Happy creating and I can’t wait to meet some of you in New York! Be sure to say hi!
jo
November 23, 2010 at 8:25 am
Linda
Beautiful work! During school visits I show students how to make collages for story ideas. Maybe I’ll try one myself as ideas get thin at the end of the month!
November 28, 2014 at 8:11 pm
Laurie J. Edwards
Your art is an inspiration.