picture books

Working on 4 books right now…2 more next month!

| deystudio

I am struggling with making deadlines for four books currently. I love what I do…just wish I could clone myself sometimes. Lol

Looking forward to the final color work on this one, “The Christmas Berry” written by Canadian author Lisa Young and illustrated by me. I am currently illustrating her new revised version of this award winning little story.

image

I will keep you posted on progress of all the books! 🙂

Lorraine

http://www.deystudio.com

Illustration Portfolio Workshop

| deystudio

I was able to attend a great workshop this past weekend. NJ SCBWI organized this event with Laurent Linn, (Art Director at Simon & Schuster), and Pat Cummings, (Professor at Pratt Institute and Illustrator of many picture books).

LaurentLinn

Above: Left to right, Beth Bogert, Laurent Linn, Doris Ettlinger
 

My goal in attending this workshop was to try to find out where my work fits in, and how best to market my style. I went into the workshop with all of my work and sketches all put together in my portfolio. I found out so much valuable information from these two very generous professionals. Here is what I wrote to Karen Romagna, who organized this event along with Leeza Hernandez, (NJ SCBWI RA)…

Great event! Thank you so much to everyone!! There was so much information that was gained all day long.

It was a huge benefit to be able to hear feedback and see other portfolios, we definitely gained from being able to do this as a group.

Before this event I was growing more and more confused as to which direction to take my work and portfolio. I have heard from so many professionals, agents, etc. that my style wasn’t what they were looking for.

After spending the day with Pat Cummings and Laurent Linn, I now have a much better understanding of exactly what that means as far as Mass Market vs Trade, and I have a definite direction…AND alot of work ahead of me!! 😉 I now know that I need to stop marketing my mass market style to trade professionals for one thing! Ah-ha moment! 😉

LDey_illustrationstyles

Above: An example of what might show the two styles, mass market on left and a much softer trade style on the right.
 

I also realized that I needed to change my attitude about my website, and quick! I have been leaving my updating as a last resort for the day that i will “have some time”…of course that never happens! After this workshop I am realizing that my website image-updating needs to be my number one priority! The website is basically the sole representation of your work these days. There aren’t many one on one physical portfolio viewings anymore. Great big wake up call for me!! Thanks again for setting up this important event.

Pat suggested purchasing a catalog from the Society of Illustrators children’s book art exhibit, (which i did right away).

CoverWEB

Lorraine Dey

http://www.deystudio.com