We start the next project which is promotion which includes website, postcards and client list.

For graduating illustrators as you enter the field you have to approach it as a business and promotion is key to generating people towards your business. Over the next few weeks you'll be designing a website through the help of a website builder,  designing a 4x6 postcard and researching a client list.

Website builders are quick and easy ways to create a website without coding. All you have to do is select a template and upload information and the images. When deciding which site builder to use consider what best suits your preferences whether it's pricing, features and functionality.

Requirements for the website should include:

Splash page - The first thing visitors see, it's like a welcome to my site. It usually includes a sample of your artwork.
Scroll bar - usually on top of page and includes links to other pages
Bio/About Me - Brief explanation of who you are, work history, clients
Portfolio - 8 to 12 of your strongest artwork
Sketchbook - drawings, useful in showing your creative side. *optional
Blog - Blogs are great because it allows the visitor into your world. Whether you share your creative process, any artwork your might be currently working on, upcoming events/shows your participating in or just want to talk. * optional
Store/Shop - Where you sell artwork *optional
Contact - Very important because its the way someone will be able to reach you.

Things to avoid:
Long bio
Photos of yourself
Don't oversaturate with lots of images. Pick your strongest artwork.

For the purposes of the class only focus on splash page, bio, portfolio, contact page

Great samples of illustrator website courtesy of wix.com https://www.wix.com/blog/2015/12/15-magnificent-websites-created-by-artists-and-illustrators/


 Reviews of top rated website builder in 2017.
https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2484510,00.asp
https://websitesetup.org/website-builders/
http://www.top10bestwebsitebuilders.com

Start researching which site builder you want to use. Due next class will be your first draft of your bio, jpegs of your artwork on thumbnail or cloud. You can bring in sketchbooks as well.

Tips for writing your bio
http://www.theinformedillustrator.com/2014/01/writing-illustration-bio.html
https://www.guelpharts.ca/how-to-write-your-artist-s-bio-in-5-easy-steps

We are approaching the end of September and everyone is progressing nicely with character and background studies.  Some are further allow than others but all in all everyone is doing well so far.   Now we start towards the next phase of the picture book process.  This step is generally called the "dummy book" (I didn't name it, the industry did).  It's the sequential layout of the interior pages done with loose thumbnail sketches.  This helps get an idea of how the book may look.  Some ideas may work, other may have to be reworked but the purpose is to create the best picture book possible.


For Monday's class - 9/25

Bring in your loose thumbnail sketches of the interior pages only.  You should have 6 thumbnail drawings for each page.  Really push yourself to do six for each page - The more ideas you put on paper the more you can choose from.  Ideas for some pages will be easier than other. If you're hitting a creative wall go to a bookstore, library, comic book store,  wherever you can find picture books.  Maybe you can see an idea that inspires you, maybe pick up ideas from other artists.   No cover or spot art, just interior images.

Your drawings don't have to be overly detailed, highly rendered.  Write down notes, any interesting thoughts that pop into your head.  Right now focus on interesting compositions.  Stay loose and relaxed.


Here are some good examples of thumbnail sketches.

Time management is very important so please be prepared with all the work required.  Being absent is not an excuse either, you can email your work by 5pm Monday.

Due for Sept. 13 class:

• New sketchbook for journaling - the most important thing you have should now!!!  Going forward everything pertaining to this project will be documented in your sketchbook.  It large be 9x12 or larger with at least 100 pages.  I strongly suggest drawing on the front and back of each page.

• The final pagination layout, any notes about the direction might want to go.  

• Character design & ideas sketches

• Any rough thumbnails of any pages

• At least two picture book/graphic novels that interest and inspire you. It can be any type of picture books. They don't have to be the same subject matter/genre

Have your materials and be prepared to talk.  If I suggest you change something, start over and show me more work it's nothing personal I just want to make sure your doing your best work possible.  When working in a field like illustration its about working together to produce something excellent for the viewer to enjoy.


Below are links for tips on character design.  I'll be adding soon.  Any question/concerns don't hesitate to contact me.

Dan Santat - award winning children's book illustrator
https://penandoink.com/2014/08/25/a-pen-oink-interview-with-dan-santat-the-making-of-beekle/

http://www.creativebloq.com/illustration/5-tips-illustrating-childrens-book-5132983

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWxdLNLKJvk

Pagination

Welcome back Daemen illustration seniors. Looking forward to a great semester together.

Tomorrow we will review your pagination for the manuscripts you chose.  If you're still undecided you have until Wednesday September 13th to make a decision so you can proceed.


Here are links for some helpful tips on the picture book process.  From the pagination and pacing to sketching down ideas, composition, design and narration


http://www.meghan-mccarthy.com/illustratorsguide.html

http://www.wordsandpics.org/2013/08/picture-book-basics-sketches-and-layout.html

https://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/how-to/family-art/281/how-to-illustrate-a-childrens-book

Video by illustrator Lynne Chapman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5DQXg86luA