Helloo again! My self-pub story
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Hi Forum,
It's been some time! I have been with svslearn since 2017 as a subscriber, also did a CBPro session and I wanted to just shout out on here that I've finally finished a children's book. It feels amazing and I wanted to share if you don't mind!
Long story short...my Mom wrote a Christmas poem a long time ago and she wanted me to illustrate it into a children's book. After recent multiple years of "yeah sure mom, one day I will" and "I am working on it! I need more tiime!" and other excuses haha I took this year 2022 to illustrate and finish her poem finally.
I worked with family! somewhat of a No No from professionals but I am very happy I did work with my Mom because it helped me grow as an artist, and frankly the pressure was off. It was freeing.
I started in February and I am picking up our hardcover books tomorrow at the printer.There were ups and downs for sure like with any project, but I am completely proud of this collab and just wanted to say that if if you are considering working with someone you know, and if the words are good enough, it may be a good idea to do it.
I was hesitant for years! While trying to level up and all that stuff.
Luckily I had a story that has been done over and over again, The Christmas Story. A lot you can do the same but a lot you can do different too. Because the typical "Birth of Jesus, Bethlehem story is somewhat boring for kids.
But really it came down to putting in the time and work to create the best possible spreads and making great page turns. That's all I focused on, I kept thinking "make this look great so that little ones force their guardians to reread it to them."
Hopefully I did that! haha.Would love to hear stories of your first book or collabs similar to mine!
If you want to check out our Christmas book "A Wondrous Night" it's on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Wondrous-Night-Christmas-Story-retold/dp/B0BL78CGV1/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1668031496&sr=8-1 -
Congratulations @artbytra! The cover looks great!!
Wishing you continued success!
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@Jeremy-Ross Thanks! I really appreciate that!
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@artbytra that’s great! I love hearing success stories from other students. Looking forward to checking it out, congrats!
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Congratulations on finishing your first book! (And on surviving a collab. with your Mom!
) It must have been so exciting to get the finished product!@artbytra said in Helloo again! My self-pub story:
I worked with family! somewhat of a No No from professionals
I think this is more of a warning, rather than a rule. (Since people can start with good intentions, & forget to evaluate whether it's actually a good decision for them.)
Your project was different.:
- It was something you were interested in doing, not just something a relative or friend wanted you to work on. (If the only incentive is to help them, you'll tire of it before it's finished.)
- You weren't a Pro yet, so you used this project to level up. (And it wasn't taking time away from more lucrative or career promoting projects.)
- Instead of jumping in & making a rash decision, you thought about whether it would be a good collaboration for you. You knew it would be a no-pressure situation, and that you could keep a healthy relationship with your Mom.
- It sounds like it was a joint project, not a job working for someone. (You wouldn't run into issues with them not paying, never-ending art direction, etc. that some have had problems with.)
My mom & I have talked about doing a couple of projects together, and for the same reasons, I think it could be a good thing. (If I am able to improve my art enough, & if we ever get around to it.
)It's good to see that it worked well for someone else! Thanks for sharing your good news. I'll take a look at it!
