A Day in the Life of a Picture Book Creator
Being a picture book creator is a journey filled with creativity, deadlines, and the delightful chaos of motherhood. Let me take you through a typical day in my life, where the roles of artist and mum seamlessly intertwine.
Morning Hustle:
My day unfurls with the task of preparing my child for school. The house echoes with the familiar sounds of shouts and pleas, a symphony of parental guidance and youthful exuberance. The football, a tempting diversion, becomes the unwitting antagonist in our daily ritual. Negotiating through this routine, the school bag finally replaces the football, and the day officially begins, setting the tone for the adventures that await.
Silent Canvas:
Once the house is serenely silent, I find solace in front of my computer/creative sanctuary—a place where imagination knows no bounds. With my computer as the portal to a world of endless possibilities, I embark on another day of storytelling and illustration. What's remarkable is the consistent excitement that fuels my work; 99% of these days, the thrill of creation propels me forward, making every moment at my desk a joyous exploration.
Scheduled Creativity:
In my world of creativity, I stick to a plan I made months back. Being my own boss as an independent artist is the best part. No one tells me what to do; I'm the one steering my creative ship. This schedule is like a guiding map, making sure I stay on course. Even though I might feel a bit uneasy if I'm a day or two behind, the structure helps me focus and get the job done. It's like having a friendly captain (me!) leading the way through the seas of art and imagination. So, every day, I sail through my planned schedule, creating art and stories on my own terms.
On certain days, I get lost in making storyboards, turning a written story into a series of pictures for a client's picture book. And then, there are days where I'm caught up creating big, beautiful designs for a mural. No matter what I'm working on, I enjoy every bit of it. It's like a puzzle coming together, and it gives me a warm feeling of achievement.
But you know, creativity isn't just about drawing and painting. Some days, it's about updating my website, making sure everything looks spick and span. Other times, it's handling the business side—creating invoices and even applying for spots at market stalls. It's a different kind of satisfaction, like making sure all the pieces of a puzzle fit in my creative world. 🎨🧩 #CreativityEverywhere #WorkSatisfaction
Imagine this: you've been drawing for a cool four hours, totally lost in your favorite podcasts or audio books. You're loving every bit of it and want to keep going, but, oh no! The clock is ticking, and it's time to scoop up your kiddo from school. Creativity has to take a little break now because parental duties are calling. School pick-up time, here we come! 🕰️🎨
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Pro Tip:
If you're working for a client, ensure you're on the right track with regular check-ins. Waiting until the last minute to align with their needs can result in additional work and time, so stay in tune with their expectations from the beginning.
The Afternoon Drill:
After picking up my 7-year-old from school, our routine begins—it's something all parents know well. There's homework to check, snacks to munch on, and exciting stories about the day. It's a time when the magic of creativity lingers in the air, even in the midst of everyday parental duties. So, while I'm helping with homework, there's a hint of the stories and illustrations I worked on earlier in the day lingering around me. Sometimes, my son and I sit side by side, with him wrapping up his homework while I put the finishing touches on my illustrations and, of course, he's my most trusted critic.
Late Nights:
Occasionally, I get so wrapped up in my work that waiting for the finished results just can't wait. Other times, it's a race against the clock due to tight deadlines.
Sure, it means burning the midnight oil, but when the final stroke is made and the last detail falls into place, there's a sense of accomplishment that's hard to beat. Late nights are my secret weapon for those extra magical touches in my illustrations.
Being both a picture book creator and a mum is a delicate balancing act between deadlines and bedtime stories. It's a journey filled with challenges, excitement, and a profound love for both roles. Join me as I navigate the beautiful chaos of this creative life, one page at a time.
If you enjoyed this glimpse into my daily artistic journey, don't miss out on future tales and creative adventures.
Subscribe to stay connected and be the first to experience the magic. Let's embark on this storytelling journey together!"
