Got a good eye for drawings?

Question

I really need to know if my drawings are ok for publishing. Actually, I better rehearse the whole story: I'm a sophomore, going to publish a book. (lulu.com/juliaspence) I just finished the drawings for the inside and now I'm working on designing my very own book cover.

I just want to know if my drawings are suitable...I mean, do they look realistic enough? Please be honest, I really want to know!

Here's the link: http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1187741

Thanks!

Answer 1

Are you self publishing this? In that case you can use whatever you want. But if you are submitting text and pictures to a publisher, then the pictures will kill the deal. To be painfully honest, the pictures are amaturish and black and white are no longer favored. Furthermore, most publishers prefer to have their own artists illustrate the work. You attaching any artwork even if it was pretty darn good would be enough to make them turn you down.

Of course if you are using a vanity press to slef publish, you can do whatever you want, but you'll have a rough time unloading the product. Good luck with your efforts and keep at it.

Answer 2

I have done work with a publisher that matches my illustration style up with a story. A typical children's book will contain 10-15 illustrations. I estimate the time it will take me to complete the drawings then bid on the job. The more I have to rework the art the less money I'm making per hour. So I always try to be perfect first time out. I submit sketches of ideas first then do finished colored pencil drawings of the ones selected. A typical 12" X 12" drawing can take me 5-10 hours, depending on how complicated it is.
Your drawings would be considered more like thumbnail sketches, quick gesture drawings trying to firm up ideas.
Go to the library or bookstore and browse through the children's books and check out the different styles of illustrations. This will give you a good idea of what's in demand and what you should strive for. Then practice, practice, practice.

Answer 3

Hello. Are you a sophomore in college or in High School? Only wondering who the audience would be for your book. That may help determine at what the level of illustration needs to be.

I would suggest taking a few 'figure study' classes in college (or in H.S. if they provide it.) It'll help you improve your skills for drawing people. It helps to establish proportions and how the body 'moves' by observing many different poses. Hands and arms are notoriously hard to draw, and do look a bit out of proportion in some of the drawings on your site.

I might also suggest not using crayon for color. See if you can try some watercolor -- might look great with the theme of the drawings ... just a splash of color here and there!

I think it's great you are publishing your own book, either way. Keep at the drawing -- you are already ahead of the crowd and very creative!!

Answer 4

I think you really have a nice style building, but you're not quite there yet.

Please do not be discouraged - I see a LOT of good things about your work. Do not cringe (as you've probably heard this before), but take more life drawing classes - you can never have too much! Even professionals still take them - they're an excellent tool to keep building your craft.

You should be very proud of the level you have achieved; but you need a bit more polish. The hardest part of "getting there" is done -- just don't settle for "almost" when you definitely were meant to finish the last few hundred yards of the marathon (so to speak).

Answer 5

Maybe I can help you answer your question.

Illustrated books use drawings and pictures to help tell the story.

Do your pictures do that?

OK.

Let's talk about what's "suitable".

Do these pictures fit your book like a "suit"; are they just right? (Is there enough realism?)

Realism can be lots of things.

Spiderman is a "realistic" comic. Superman is too.

Norman Rockwell is a "realistic" illustrator. Mad magazine has "realistic" cartoons.

But each one is different too; each is special.

Different people will say this one, or that, is their favorite.

Even artists who've worked for decades can't please everyone.

You asked me to be honest, so I will.

When I was 10, Superman was it. But a few years later, when Spiderman first came out; I tried to draw like that.

Then I found a book about Van Gogh...

Rembrandt, Rubens, Degas, Latrec....

They were all way beyond what I could do yet.

They were "Masters".

But I kept drawing, and I've never stopped.

Those guys are all still way beyond me.

But... I'm still me. And I love drawing in my own special style.

It's great to be YOURSELF.

Answer 6

I will be honest with you.

Your drawings look good but you still need some work, with proportions, linearts and colors. In your art, you look unsure and the creations I saw on your webpage were closer to doodles and sketches than real quality drawings. I think you have potential, but if you ever were to draw your cover, I'd advice you to practice a little bit more before, if you wish to have something very neat. On Deviantart.com you can find a couple of turorials to improve your skills and become better.

Practice is the key. Never stop.
Good luck in your work :)

Answer 7

I like the colored ones. They would be suitable for a children's book (for REALLY young ones). Honestly, the other ones can be done better by the child READING the book, but if that's what you're aiming for, best luck to you!

Answer 8

they are very nice, but to be honest with you, i don't think they are really publishing-quality yet. being a budding artist myself, i know how frustrating it can be. maybe take a few more art classes and work a little more before you aspire for something that big. don't get me wrong, you're great, but you could be better.

Answer 9

it look slik eyou ron the right track but you should slow down when draw, pre sketch the shapes and include more proportions, Nice job all on the horses

Answer 10

for a children's book not to bad however for adult book you need to work more on realism study more of how thing move if you are going to draw thing that move but good effort anyway