why do i design books?
Oh boy…
Another minute, another month…
I know I’ve been quite absent over here and on my instagram for awhile now. But there’s a very good reason for it!
During the winter holidays, I was working on my next book and also transitioning to a new job. Things have… sort of quieted down? Err… work life balance is for another post.
Anyways, if you didn’t know, I’m a children’s book designer during the day, and for 5 years, I was at Walker Books US (Candlewick Press) designing everything from novel covers, graphic novels, and licensed picture books.
Then an opportunity came to return to my roots at Dial Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House) that I just couldn’t turn down.
But some of you might be wondering, “Why do I want to design books when I make my own?” “Don’t I want to do something different so I don’t exhaust my creative energy?” “I‘ve made it as a published picture book creator!* I can just live off that.”
Well, one of the biggest reasons is… HEALTH INSURANCE! It helps keep some of my anxieties at bay not having to figure all that out as a full time freelancer. Maybe if I had a partner to depend on, I would reconsider… except I actually really enjoy designing books and being on both sides of publishing! I missed it a lot when I had a brief hiatus for 2 years, and now that I’m back, it’s hard to imagine leaving again.
I love knowing what books will be coming out in the next 2-3 years, being surrounded by people who are just as obsessed with discussing all things books, and most of all supporting creators in turning their stories into a physical object! It’s also fun discovering new artists and finding opportunities to work with them.
And on that note, I want to share 2 forms I’ve created with book designer colleagues to help expand our database of talent. Please spread the word!
Graphic Novel Talent
Traditional publishing houses are acquiring more GNs! And we’re always on the lookout for colorists, flatters, letters, etc. If you have experience and are looking for work, please add your info!Illustrator Talent
I know there’s always more talented illustrators out there than who I stumble across on the internet! If you’re interested in illustrating children’s books (anything from picture books, chapter books, fiction covers, or graphic novels), please add your info!
* I don’t think I’ve “made it” as an author/illustrator AT ALL. I still feel like I’m constantly hustling. Imposter syndrome/lack of self confidence is its own story, and it’s always surprising to hear anyone knows who I am… but I’m very grateful for anyone who reads my books :)