SATURDAYS ARE FOR STELLA News

[Nyrryl Cadiz]

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan that's really smart. I'm also currently trying my hand at writing children's book. I have so much stories in head but not enough time and not enough writing skills to actually get them on paper. Hopefully, i'll improve as I continue.

[Charlie Eve Ryan]

@Nyrryl-Cadiz That is great, keep writing. It is a great skill to add and thanks!!

For the board book I did, I had an offer from the publisher for a 4 book deal that I did not take due to mostly deadline issues but they also offered me a contract to illustrate Who is Making A Mess and I really wanted to work with them but already had Blue Cat and Saturdays Are For Stella on my plate and could not say yes to the other project. There is no way I would have made all the deadlines.

Blue Cat is my first author/illustrator picture book and I pitched through the online sub guidelines Boyds Mill Kane to the editor who happens to love cats. So that worked our well!!

I found over the years to never give up your ability to market and talk directly to editors and art directors. Many agents are busy with several clients and just don't have time to pitch multiple projects. Some will try to control your every move. It is just not realistic and I find having that freedom really helps build relationships professionally.

[Nyrryl Cadiz]

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan That's a very wise advice. I currently have an agent but I feel like I'm getting drowned out by all of the other illustrators they're representing. it's neither their faults. The agents are just managing a business as best they can and the illustrators are also just trying to make a living like me. I think it's very vital to still try and find work for yourself even if you're already represented. That's something I'm learning just now. When I got my agent, I thought that things would be better. Though they did get me a couple of jobs, things have slowed down because of covid which means that I need to hustle harder to get myself out there.

[Charlie Eve Ryan]

@Jeremy-Ross Thank you!!

[Charlie Eve Ryan]

@Kevin-Longueil Thanks so much!

[Mara Price]

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan Congratulations!

[Neha Rawat]

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan This is so amazing! Congratulations!

[Coley]

Congratulations 🥳 that is wonderful

[LauraA]

Wow, fantastic! And good advice about working with art directors. Thank you!

[Jacy13]

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan Congratulations! That is awesome news

[Lorna H]

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan - Congratulations! That's a fantastic achievement.

[holleywilliamson]

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan congrats! So exciting! You have a lovely style

[ina]

Amazing work, big congrats!

[TessaW]

Oh my gosh, that's amazing news! Congratulations!

[Charlie Eve Ryan]

@Mara-Price Thanks

[Charlie Eve Ryan]

@Neha-Rawat Thank you so much!

[Charlie Eve Ryan]

@Coley Thanks!:D