2 . D e t e r m i n e Q u a n t i t y a n d S t y l e

During this step, I determine the style and quantity of illustrations that might be needed by splitting up your text into pages and making notes as to what might be on each page, such as single page illustrations, a vignette or spot illustration, or a double page spread. I might also make notes as to how complex the illustration for that page might be if there would be a unique cost associated with that page. For example, an illustration of a detailed classroom with 20 children will cost considerably more than an illustration of one student sitting at a desk. I use this to estimate the cost of the entire project so that the contract can be written. Keep in mind that any changes to the style, complexity or quantity of illustrations during the project may affect the contract and final amount due, however, no changes will be made without the author’s approval.

5 . C h a r a c t e r D e v e l o p m e n t

Developing the main character is a crucial step to picture book illustration. Sometimes, I will do this before the text layout and storyboard step to make sure that both the author and I are on the same page before we get any farther into the process. I sketch a number of character options using info from the creative brief and manuscript as well as from my own imagination and expertise, refining it with feedback from the author. The character development step allows us to test and establish the personality, look and role of the main character and will create a guideline for any other characters in the book.

8 . C o v e r D e s i g n

I will usually create a few different sketched options for the book cover and/or dust jacket illustration and design, following the same process as outlined above from sketch to final painting.

1 0 . D e l i v e r F i n a l F i l e s

Your final printer-ready PDF files and hi-res illustration images will be sent to you in a Dropbox link for you to download and save. All final payments must be made before any hi-res or final files will be handed over to you.

3 . C o n t r a c t

I use a very thorough and detailed standard legal contract that includes info regarding grant of rights, sale and purchase, royalties, schedule, delivery dates, copyright, credit, promotion, failure to deliver, cancellation, warranty, publication, assignment, and much more. I do not work without a contract, as it protects both the author and the illustrator, and is essential to the success of the project. In general, I require a 20% advance payment to book your project into my schedule, with a payment plan (typically 3-6 additional monthly payments during the project) for the remaining amount due.

6 . B l a c k a n d W h i t e D r a w i n g s

In this stage, I sketch more refined black & white drawings, revising them with feedback from the author. It’s important that the author is happy with every detail prior to the start of the coloring step. Depending on how detailed my initial sketches were in Step 4, occasionally we can skip this step and move right into the final paintings and coloring step. It varies from project to project and page to page.

9 . B o o k D e s i g n

Now we get into the graphic design step of the process. Each page of the book will be designed down to the last pixel, including final the placement of the text on all the pages as well as any extra graphic design that might be necessary to bring it all together. During this step, we get the final book formatted and create the final printerready PDF file of the book, as well as an e-book-ready pdf file.