Velez

illustrator: George Velez

Spawn of SVA:

relationships beyond time

space ‘n human heart

Writing and Illustrating

Spine Poem of Jeanne’s Poetry Books

Comment to Laura Purdie Salas:
I find your descriptions so refreshing!
I’ve been tight-rope-walk-ing the last 3 years between writing and illustrating. Writers have very distinct tastes in illustrations, sometimes detailed visions of the image to accompany their words.
They have little experience with the techniques for illustrating, and can’t relate to the technique, but only the finished image. I heard one editor say she waited 2 years for a chosen illustrator to become available for a book. No wonder publishing takes 4 years or more.
Meanwhile, e-publishing can be a blip.
Over the last 3 years I’ve found most of my revelations unfolding when we present at a poetry reading: aloud brings perspective.
Jeanne Poland

Reply from Laura Purdie Salas:
Interesting observations, Jeanne! That’s one thing about self-publishing–most people, even most traditionally published writers like me, have little real insight into the processes of visual arts. Even though I appreciate that illustrating a picture book, for instance, is every bit as demanding and time-consuming as writing one, I really don’t know much about the ins and outs. It’s always a revelation when I get to hear an illustrator speak at a conference and see their process. Or even just revealing blog posts, like the one at 7-Imp with Erin Stead showing some of her linoleum blocks from if you want to see a whale. (http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=2562) Amazing.

It’s hard just keeping track of my writing career and all its variations and fluctuations. I can’t even imagine throwing illustration into the mix. That’s the silver lining, I guess, of my having absolutely no artistic talent:>)

Thanks for sharing!