I went ahead and interviewed myself 🙂
What gave you the inspiration to make this book?
I love dreaming up stories and we have had a lot of animals on my farm that inspire silly stories in my brain, including a Vincent van Goat! You can read about my pet here.
I also have always loved art and wanted to make a book that captures the process of creativity. Just like Vincent, I am inspired when I care for others and learn to see beauty in the big and little things all around me.
How long did it take you to write and illustrate this picture book?
It took me about 18 months to create this book from start to finish. The sketching phase took the longest, because this was the phase I spent a lot of time learning how to make a picture book layout and illustrations. I was very blessed to have a mentor during that time who taught and encouraged me so much! I spent 6 months working with Dow Phumiruk and it changed everything for me.Â
Another reason it took me so long is because I strictly used traditional methods of drawing and painting. As I finished my paintings, it became clear that combining what I could do with watercolor with digital would make a much better book. My husband recognized this and purchased an iPad Pro for me while he worked a second job. It took several months of learning, but I love what I can do combining traditional and digital methods!
Why do you make picture books?
I make picture books because I LOVE picture books. I’m a very visual person and I love the combination of language and pictures. I also love sharing stories with my children. I want to make a picture book for them that reflect our faith and light we love.
Why did you decide to be your own publisher?
I have submitted other picture books to literary agents and traditional publishers and never received much interest. I know I still have a lot to learn, and what I’m making might not be something a big publisher would be interested in. I believe in these stories and see their value as more than just monetary profits. I also chose to be my own publisher because I want my books to be books while my children are little and can enjoy them.
How did you learn how to make A Picture Book?
It all started in a creative writing class with Rick Walton many years ago, and my writing has grown the most while participating in a writing group with amazing local writers. I had a wonderful mentorship with Dow Phumiruk which was an honor from a contest through SCBWI. When it came to piecing the book together and self publishing, I found a lot of help from Heather Cash Art on YouTube. She has excellent tutorials on how to make a picture book in the ProCreate App!
Did you have help making this Picture book?
I had so much help. A lot of it was heavenly help, but I’m also so grateful for the many mentors and friends who have helped me grow as a creative person. I am especially grateful for my family and their support.
What advice do you have for children or adults who want to Make Picture books?
You don’t have to have fancy equipment to start creating a book. It was hard work, drawing and redrawing all my initial sketches to make the changes my mentor suggested, but it also helped me grow as an artist. It would have been much easier on an iPad! But I had to prove to myself that I was dedicated to learning, and that determination helped me when it felt like a baby learning everything anew on the iPad.
Are you making more Picture books about Vincent van Goat?
Yes! My next book is not Vincent van Goat, but it will be amazing and I am so excited about it. However, I am planning on another Vincent book in 2024 🙂 Would you like more Vincent van Goat in your life?
What is your favorite thing about illustrating?
I LOVE painting with watercolor. Swishing my brush. Mixing colors. It all makes me so happy and the reason I’ll keep working traditionally. That part of the process fuels my heart.
The timeline for this Picture Book project:
February 2022: I wrote and revised the first draft of Vincent van Goat and His Starry Night
March 2022: Created my first sample illustrations for the illustrations. Then I found out as a runner up in an illustration competition, I was chosen to finish the mentorship that the winner was unable to complete.
April 2022: I began working with Dow Phumiruk, an amazing author, illustrator and mentor.
May-August 2022: I drafted the dummy sketches for each page layout and met with Dow for feedback. I learned so much from her and she gave me such good direction. It was no coincidence that I had that opportunity.
November- December 2022: After a break, I dove into creating the actual paintings.
The next several months I spent scanning my paintings, learning to use ProCreate on the iPad and making my Cover design.
May 2023- after several revisions, I sent the completed illustrations and manuscript to my copy editor.
June 2023: I set up all the back end registration with KDP and Ingram Spark and ordered proofs
July 2023: Final revisions after the proofs, website adjustments, and marketing preparations
August 2023: Vincent van Goat and His Starry Night will be available for purchase!
