I want to make a children’s book!
Getting over my creative fears and getting ready for a new project
As a full time artist, I have very little structure in my life. To help provide structure for myself, I like to pick one big project for the year to work on. My first year of art, I created 100 days of watercolors and published a coffee table book with my favorite paintings. Last year, I published a coloring book about clean energy.
This year my big goal is to create a Climate Art 101 Course. I thought it was going to take most of the year, but I’m wrapping up the curriculum and starting to film next week. My plan is to launch May 1 (you can officially sign up here!).
Since this course is moving along quicker than expected, I think I may take on 2 big projects for the year.
I’ve wanted to make a children’s book for a while but I’ve been telling myself that I’m not ready to yet. I’ve told myself that I’m not talented enough, I hate drawing people, I don’t have an idea, I don't have an agent. TLDR: I’ve got lots of excuses why not to make a book.
The past few weeks I’ve been thinking more about it and I’ve decided to get over these fears to move in the direction of making a children’s book.
Let me preface this with the fact that I don't have a concept yet. But I want to get ready for when an idea comes through. I also have been approached about potentially illustrating a book for some lovely folks.
There are a few things I need to feel comfortable with to be able to make a children’s book, so I’ve decided I’ll actively work on gaining confidence in those areas first.
1. Drawing people and kids.
Problem: I’ve avoided drawing people for my entire life. In art classes growing up we had to do self portraits and mine were not great. It’s been an area I feel really insecure about so I’ve just avoided it. I want to get over this fear and just start practicing.
Solution: I’ve been taking Skillshare classes, cartoon classes, and practicing copying styles from artists I like. I’m giving myself permission to draw people however feels good and develop my own unique style.
What I love about children’s books and New Yorker cartoons is that the interpretations of people don’t need to be realistic. My new favorite thing is to go to a bookstore with a sketchbook, sit down in the children’s book section, and drawing characters from the most popular books. I’ve scheduled 30 minutes in my calendar everyday to practice drawing people.
2. Studying popular children’s books
Problem: I don’t have kids and haven’t worked with kids in quite some time. I’m not sure what is popular these days with little ones so I want to learn what works and how I can create something really special.
Solution: I’ve been scrolling through Amazon bestselling children’s books to see what works, trying to re-read classic children’s books I loved growing up, and going to bookstores to see what is displayed prominently. I’m also asking friends with kids what their favorite children’s books are.
3. I want it to be perfect
Problem: Publishing books is permanent. I love the books I’ve created. For some reason, I have a much higher standard for making a children’s book. I have an idea that I can only do one and if it’s not amazing, then I would be a failure. I love so many of the illustrations from children’s books and feel like I’m not “good enough” to do that.
Solution: I’m a big fan of progress over perfection. I just needed to give myself a little reminder that this doesn't have to be perfect and I don’t have to “get it right” on my first try. Plus if I create a children’s book and illustrate it, that officially makes a children’s book illustrator. That could open up lots of very fun doors of new opportunities!
4. Coming up with an idea
Problem: I have a few inklings of ideas but they are very half baked. I know I want it to be about climate solutions and to be educational in a playful way. I also don’t know what age I would want to target.
Solution: Asking you lovely folks! What kind of children’s book would you like to give to a friend or read to your little one? What age range would you think a book like this could be best for?
These newsletters are often a way for me to hold myself accountable by sharing updates on what I’m working on with you all. I also try to share the way that I think through challenges as an artist/creative. I’ve learned a lot about how to run businesses over my career and I love applying these same frameworks to my art life!
Other updates
Nominations for a woman-owned climate organization close tomorrow! I’m doing a giveaway for Women’s History Month to gift a free custom watercolor infographic to a woman-owned climate organization. Nominate yourself or a friend!
I’m hosting a free climate art workshop on April 5 about electrifying your home. Think Barbie dream house but electrified. RSVP here
Pre-orders are now live for my Climate Art 101 with a big discount before the official launch! Sign up here for 50% before May 1.
Art of the Week
I’m doing a mini-series called Watts and Dots. Imagine if Seurat was into clean energy…
Ways to support me:
I host climate art workshops for teams. I’m doing a bunch for earth day, feel free to reach out if you are interested in one of those for your organization!
Buy yourself something from my shop- a mug, my coloring book, a onesie, a print.
I’m open for commissions. I help climate organizations simplify their complicated messaging into visuals anyone can understand.
Going to a bookstore to read existing children's books is a great idea. There's an animal conservationist and YouTuber/Twitch-streamer named Maya Higa who's also working on a children's book (something about insects) and did the same thing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI7C659HsNY
Cool! Congrats on finishing some big goals! My son (who is now 12 & no longer a little!) loved anything vehicle-related. Richard Scarry (especially Cars and Trucks and Things That Go) was a favorite. And, Goodnight, Goodnight construction site. Polar Express. Might fit well w/a climate theme!