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| The award-winning books Joan illustrated! |
Q: As Illustrators we are often encouraged to
steer clear of self-published projects, but your first book, the highly
successful Lost in Lexicon, began as a self-published project. Can you share
your thoughts on the pros and cons of working on self-published projects? (You can purchase Joan's books here!)
A: Lost
in Lexicon was a little unusual for a self-published book. Author Penny Noyce started
her own publishing house, Tumblehome Press, where she assembled a professional
team that included an editor, art director, and book designer. The book is a
middle grade novel that incorporates math and language concepts, so the editor
and author both thought it should be leavened with a lot of illustrations. There
were some bumps in the road, since this was the first self-published project
for everyone involved and we were all learning along the way.
When I was first
hired, I think we were talking 50–75 illustrations. As we progressed through
the process, the project kind of grew and took on a life of its own. There ended
up being something like 165 illustrations in the final book. So, my advice to
illustrators contemplating working on a self-publishing project: be prepared
for it to take more time than you anticipate! Also, make sure you spell out
clearly in your contract the number of illustrations and the number of
revisions you’ll do for your original fee.
The perception of self-publishing has changed a
lot in the three years since I illustrated that book. I know several experienced
illustrators who are turning their expertise into a mini business—hooking up
authors with book designers and helping them through the self-publishing
process. It’s one way for an illustrator to survive the rapid changes in the current
publishing world.
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| Winter Sonata by Joan Charles |
Q: You sell Giclee prints of your
artwork in your Etsy shop, Raven & Renn. Can you talk about what Giclee prints are as well as how you have yours
printed and priced? (Shop Joan's artwork here!)
A: Giclees are high quality digital reproductions
printed on archival paper with archival inks. The original art is scanned using
a hi-res scanner, then color corrected before printing. The result is a
reproduction that is as close to my original painting in color and value as
possible.
I have my prints made at Graphic Factor Studio in Silver Lake, which
is run by my friend and fellow illustrator, Mary Peterson, and her husband, Jonathan
Kawaye. They are meticulous in their attention to detail and the resulting
prints are beautifully made and are of very high quality. My goal is to offer
affordable art at an affordable price. The cost of a print varies, depending if
the print run is a limited edition or an open edition.
Q: Although you are well versed in traditional
media, you now work primarily digitally. Tell us about your artistic process
from idea thru sketches and final artwork.
A: I start by making several sketches, exploring
different ways I might approach illustrating a particular scene. Sometimes I
make a very detailed sketch and sometimes just a “sketchy” sketch. Once I’ve
finalized the concept, I scan the drawing and then paint the final illustration
in Photoshop. I’ve built a library of textures and patterns that I use in my
finished artwork in order to give it more texture and to counteract the flat
look that digital art can have. With color work, I tend to work in a
traditional painting manner, using layers to create “glazes”, the same way I do
went I paint with oils or acrylics. I’m also trying something new—painting
the under painting with traditional media, scanning that partial painting and
finishing the final illustration in Photoshop. I like the combination of “real”
and digital painting. I think it makes for a richer illustration.
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| Isn't this lovely? I wonder what quest the Elephant and Rider are on... |
Q: Your artwork has a mysteriously ethereal
quality. Who and/or what has inspired your artwork the most?
A: When I was very young I was fascinated with a book my
parents had: an illustrated edition of Wuthering Heights with the most
amazing (and frightening) woodcuts by Fritz Eichenberg. I often liked pictures
that sort of scared me, like Tenniel’s illustrations in Alice in Wonderland (I guess I was always a weird kid!). Growing up, I was a complete comic book
fan and usually spent most of my allowance on the latest Superman and Archie
comics. I love Arthur Rackham, Edward Gorey, Gahan Wilson, Ezra Jack Keats,
Quentin Blake, and William Joyce.
Q: Describe your perfect Sunday.
A: As a freelancer, it’s a rare and wondrous day
when I get some time off! So, on those days, I leaf through the Sunday paper and
work on the Times crossword while I sip my morning tea. I love to walk, so my
husband, Kelly, and I often take urban hikes and explore different neighborhoods
in LA. When we’re tired and footsore, we find a café, settle back with a huge
pot of tea and spend the rest of the afternoon people watching.
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| Vampire Love by Joan Charles |
Q: What are you working on now? And what can we
look forward to from you in the future?
A: I recently set up my shop, Raven and Renn, on Etsy. Right now I’m concentrating on creating original cards and prints for the
site. It’s been fun, because it allows me to just let myself go artistically
and explore different styles. I like the direct feedback I get from customers. For
the past couple of years I’ve also been working a lot in traditional media and
showing in galleries. At the moment I’m working on a picture book dummy. The
art is a much simpler than my usual style and I’m having a lot of fun with it.
Thanks so much for inviting me to visit you on “Bird
Meets Worm." It’s been a great pleasure talking to you!
Thank you, Joan! I always love catching with you, and I absolutely adore your latest work!