Finding an Illustrator: The Moogy Roo Series.
Post 4 / Posted February 25th 2020
This Blog is a retrospective look back on my self publishing journey which took just on 12 months from the day I decided to publish my first story, mid January 2019 to finally collecting my first 534 copies from customs at Brisbane Wharf late January 2020.
Date in History: March 2019
Now that I have decided to self publish, my first task was to find an illustrator, but where do I start? Two websites I highly recommend to anyone researching for illustrators are:-
- Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
- Illustrators Australia
There is no shortage of talented illustrators promoting their portfolio of works on these sites with an abundence of varying styles from which to choose, however I soon found trying to narrow down a shortlist of illustrators so difficult that I felt it was easier to throw a dart at my computer screen in order to choose one, but macs are expensive, so I didn't.
As my search continued for an illustrator, I was also continuing to broaden my research into pretty much everything else to do with self-publishing and this is when I serendipitously came across the Live Worm Programme run by the Qld College of Art, Griffith University, who happen to run a programme giving their final year art students real world experience in a mentored studio environment by teachers who know just about, actually everything you need to know about book design and publishing which was extactly the same guidance I needed to help me on my journey in order bring this book to life.
And with that, decision made and I reached out to the talented people at the Qld College of Arts.
1st April
Dear Dominique,
I am self-publishing my first illustrated children’s book, unfortunately I was not blessed with the necessary artistic skills, so I am looking for an illustrator to help me on my journey, including a graphic designer for final layout and design ready for print.
If this is something that the Queensland College of Arts can help facilitate via a program with its students, I would be grateful to learn more, as well as commercial terms required by QCA.
REPLY
1st April 2019
Hi DG
Allow me to connect you with the studio manager at Liveworm. Sharon can discuss the logistics of having final year students work on your project in our commercial work integrated learning studio.
Kind Regards
Associate Professor
Dr Dominique Falla
REPLY
1st April 2019
Thanks Dominique, look forward to hearing from Sharon.
Kind Regards
DG Stott
REPLY 2nd April 2019
Dear DG
Thank you for your email enquiry regarding the illustration project of your children's book. We have some experience in similar projects and it is definitely something Liveworm Studio can help you with.
If you are based on the Gold Coast we would love to meet to discuss your project and show you around our studio, where design students gain valuable work-integrated-learning experience interacting with live design projects in a mentored studio environment. With studios based in South Bank and the Gold Coast, Liveworm has been providing a successful bridge between the Queensland College of Art and the design industry for over thirty years. Liveworm is one of the longest running design studios in Australia, and a flagship experience for multiple generations of QCA design graduates.
I can also show you some examples of other illustration projects we have completed and provide a design quote after we discuss your project in more detail. Feel free to email anything to me if you prefer to get a quote before you come into the studio or if you are not located in the region.
Also visit our website liveworm.com.au for further information.
Regards Sharon Searle
REPLY
2nd April 2019
Hi Sharon,
Thank you so much for your reply and info. I do live on the coast and free anytime next Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, whichever day and time works best for you, just let me know.
Kind Regards DG Stott
REPLY
3rd April 2019
Dear Darren
Wednesday 10 April would suit us, as we are both in the Studio on that day.
Please let me know what time would suit you and if you are driving I am happy to book a visitor carpark for you - will just need rego number. Otherwise, the trams drop you close by and I can give you a map of the campus to find our building.
I look forward to your reply.
Regards Sharon Searle
REPLY
3rd April 2019
Wednesday 10th is great and say 10am. I will drive over and my rego is 100 SDA. Map would also be very handy thanks Sharon.
Look forward to meeting you.
Kind Regards
DG Stott
And with that! My journey officially starts Thursday's blog.
I will be posting twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursdays and would love your feedback, comments and questions along the way. Thanks for your support.
