Re: A Question for BIPOC Illustrators
I hope it is okay to chip in. I usually read the posts on this forum but never commented on them before 🙂
@Catherine, first of all, thank you for sharing that question openly. I know it comes from a place of discomfort and caution but well done on biting the bullet and keep asking those questions.
A bit of my background, I am Chinese-Malaysian, born in the Netherlands, raised in Belgium and now living in the UK, so my life has always been...for the lack of better word 'multicultural'. In my professional daytime job, I am also very much involved with topics like equality, diversity and inclusion and trying to embed it in organisations. Seeing how it plays out in the publishing world really intrigues me.
From my observation, it really depends on the school of thought. Some ppl would think it should be by BIPOC or other minortised groups (e.g. people with disability or from the LGBTQ+, or class), some ppl are okay with it, some people also don't want to be pigeon-holed and be knowm to illustrate certain type of stories too. I would be a bit frustrated if I were to illustrate just Chinese stories.
So here are my observations:
a) Research, research, research! (Doing Due Diligence)
Whatever story or subject you do, my opinion is that illustrators or writers should do their due diligence and research on their subject. Whether it is a BIPOC character or animals or space ships, good illustrators always do their research and use references of real life. That is what set them apart!
It frustrates me when people would, for example, create an 'African' pattern/illustration, but Africa is a heterogenous continent with diverse population and rich flora and fauna, so which part of Africa are we talking about? I also cringe when I see people mix with 'Chinese', 'Japanese' or other Asian visual elements like landscapes, traditional wear, (e.g. putting chopsticks in their hair, wearing a Vietnamese conical hats on a Chinese character who carries a Japanese katana, bad calligraphy,...). If they did proper research (and not let their biased imagination lead their work), you dont need BIPOC people to do this.
References and research shouldn't just include visual reference of the subject (like if you never draw kangeroos before, now is it the time to look into it), but also including interviewing people of the minoritised communities and consulting with them regularly. Asking about their lived experience is a must. Like how they navigate through stereotypes or a system that is not built for them? And how does it translate in everyday life (like not getting certain hair products or glasses not fitting on my nose... a real struggle for me 🙂 !) Really seek out those people who can share their experience with you and give you honest feedback.
I think it is the lack of research and involving the right people where most people fail.
Having said that, if I were asked to work on a Chinese fairy tale (like based in Mainland China), I would still have to do research and I cant go on the assumption that I 'know' and rely on my visual library I have stored in my head, because my version of 'Chineseness' comes from me being Chinese-Malaysian living in Europe (and Chinese is a very heterogeneous community).
b) Opportunity
@B-rex hit the nail with this one. It is not just about what is on paper, but also who is holding the pencil drawing it on the paper.
In the UK, there aren't enough Black, Asian and Miniority Ethnic (BAME) illustrators (BAME is the UK 'version'). Not because they aren't around or have good skills, but they are not given the opportunity to illustrate, while this piece of work could earn them a commission or could be included in the portfolio to attract future clients. It could be an important stepping stone in their career.
Illustrating is a hard and competitive business for sure and it is challenging to make ends meet if you are just relying on illustrations, but people from minoritised communities are most likely to come from a disadvantegeous background, have less access to support and are therefore more likely to have additional challenges and are likely to give up on their illustration career.
Anyway, just sharing my two cents here 🙂
PS first time posting, really confusing format to submit replies 😃
