MY TRAVELIN’ EYE :: PROCESS


June 30, 2008

I thought some might be interested in this process…

I first thought of the idea for My Travelin’ Eye one day while looking at my baby picture taken on the day I was born. My right eye was gazing straight at the camera, and my left eye was looking off to the right. What was I looking at? I’ve heard that question so many times throughout my life. It has a mind of its own, I say.

I remember what it was like being an awkward kid with glasses and a patch and the weekly eye-therapy in hopes of fixing my eye. (Note: not all kids feel awkward with glasses and a patch, but I did.) A few years ago, I began to think how I could write or paint about my eye so others might understand. (Yes, even as an adult, my eye wanders, but I’ve come to appreciate the wonder it sees.) At first, I wrote several different versions of my story, but none were right so I put it away for a year. After going on an 8-day creative writing/backpacker’s retreat and feeling renewed, I visited my sister and new baby nephew. While my sister slept, I sat on the floor holding Jake with one arm and writing with my other. That night, I wrote a whole new version of my story which is My Travelin’ Eye. I guess you could say I wrote it in one night, but that one night came after a year of incubation time.

A children’s book author/illustrator once advised me to submit my stories with a dummy of the book (vs. finished illustrations). These are some of the spreads from my book dummy. They are very rough black & white pencil drawings. I wanted a publisher to be able to see my vision even though I knew it would develop more. I also had fun playing with the text layout to show how I’d want it to interact with the illustrations. This process really helped me edit my story. I read it out loud to kids, too, which helped me even more to work out how I wanted it to be read. And, it helped me find my publisher!

Recently, I followed the same process for my next book, which again, helped me to ‘see and hear’ it. Feel free to ask any questions about the process of writing/illustrating children’s books. I’ll share whatever I can, based on my experiences.

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Posted in process | 11 Comments »


11 Responses to “MY TRAVELIN’ EYE :: PROCESS”

  1. Nicola Says:
    July 17th, 2008 at 1:25 am

    Hi, I love your work. It reminds me very much of one of my favourite artist/illustrators Ben Shahn. I am in my first year of an illustration degree and I despair of ever being able to have my own style of work as I just don’t believe anyone would like what I do. So I try and imitate, which never feels natural. Do you have any advice.


  2. coloredsock Says:
    July 19th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    hi Nicola, i don’t think you should fret whatsoever—you are only in your first year! i didn’t really even begin to find my voice until senior year. as far as imitating, when i was in school i imitated some of my teachers (and definitely masters) for learning sake. i gained so much more confidence in handling materials this way. the ‘style’ wasn’t mine (even if i admired it), but the process taught me a lot. if you imitate, do it consciously to learn as much as you can. but don’t only imitate–experiment as much as you can and MOSTLY, draw ALL the time. if you draw everyday and play with your drawings (let your attitude toward the subject influence you), your voice will come out. hope that helps some.

    ps ben shahn has been one of my favorites since i was 15 years old. his images, of course, but everything he has written as well. he was an amazing person and artist.


  3. Susan Says:
    March 3rd, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    Wonderful work! I love the richness of your colours.


  4. Maggie Says:
    August 13th, 2009 at 7:09 pm

    Seeing these dummies is SO helpful — thank you for posting this!


  5. coloredsock Says:
    August 13th, 2009 at 7:31 pm

    I’m so glad maggie! That is good to know. I’ll post a lot of my process from my next book when it comes out…


  6. Maggie Says:
    August 15th, 2009 at 7:04 am

    Awesome! I am kind of just beginning a bookmaking journey of my own, and am completely clueless yet excited about it. I have tons of questions about it, but I think they will mostly show up in the form of an email at some point.


  7. Premjit Says:
    January 26th, 2010 at 9:55 pm

    Your drawings and ideas are so beautiful, so inspiring. Its really refreshing to see stuff like this. So soulful, so heartfelt. I salute you. And thankyou for bringing such beauty into the world. Please add me to your mailing list, I would love to be the quiet observer.


  8. Kajal Says:
    March 23rd, 2010 at 10:14 pm

    jenny your illustrations are beautiful. Have never seen so much sensitivity oozing out of such illustrations..Pls add me to your mailing list.. have become a fan!


  9. coloredsock Says:
    March 24th, 2010 at 7:05 am

    hi Kajal, thank you for your nice words! it makes me happy that you like my art. and i will add you to my mailing list. have a sweet day, jenny


  10. coloredsock Says:
    March 24th, 2010 at 7:07 am

    thanks, Premjit! that is nice to hear. i’m so happy you have enjoyed my art! jenny


  11. kjwdraw Says:
    October 18th, 2011 at 10:15 am

    Jenny, I love your images – particularly your color sense. Please add me to your mailing list as well.

    Sincerely

    Kim Wilson


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