Can You Write and Illustrate Too?

[Loveabull]

I've always been interested in getting some children's book proposals sent out there. I'm not a professional artist but can do fanciful cartoons. One of the central characters I would like to include would be a pit bull type dog...sort of an advocacy for the breed. I'd feel bad if an editor turned the dog into a retriever or all purpose cute little mutt.

Perhaps in a cover letter I could explain that a bit? I understand that editors will often team an illustrator with a writer to produce picture books. Just wonder how professional the illustrations have to be? I'm thinking of a character like the Nerdy kid or even Captain Underpants and Dav Pilkey...basically line drawn cartoons. Suggestions?

[Dream Catcher]

I like your idea. And if you're adamant about keeping your dog, I'd suggest trying as many publishers as you can until you find one that will let you.

[Carla Hurst-Chandler]

I wish I had that much talent. I do write and do my own photography. My best friend is an artist and illlustrated (...brought to life...) a childrens book I wrote. It wa marvelous to see my characters come alive!

[TrishaAnn92]

I really like that idea. I am working on two books and wish I could illustrate the cover of my own books but I unfortunately have no artistic talent at all!

[WriterBLAlley]

The nice thing about creating your own artwork is the personality it possesses. It isn't some random 'hired-gun' graphic, it's you.

I have little artistic talent, but I crated the covers and graphics for my first two novels, as well as my web site, Facebook, twitter, YouTube, and other promotional materials. I simply had to approach them mechanically, rather than artistically, but I feel great satisfaction knowing they were part of the creative process, rather than just contracted work.

[ALynnPowers]

I am so envious of anyone who can illustrate. If I had any kind of artistic ability (outside of writing, as many people that an art in itself), I would make manga versions of all my stories.

But I'm terrible at drawing in any form, so that's never going to happen.

[stoppoppingtheP]

I am so envious of anyone who can illustrate. If I had any kind of artistic ability (outside of writing, as many people that an art in itself), I would make manga versions of all my stories.

But I'm terrible at drawing in any form, so that's never going to happen.

theres a Manga drawing program that you can download. I've forgotten what its called (sorry ) but you can even use your photo as a layer and draw over it, thereby making great manga pictures.

[ALynnPowers]

I am so envious of anyone who can illustrate. If I had any kind of artistic ability (outside of writing, as many people that an art in itself), I would make manga versions of all my stories.

But I'm terrible at drawing in any form, so that's never going to happen.

theres a Manga drawing program that you can download. I've forgotten what its called (sorry ) but you can even use your photo as a layer and draw over it, thereby making great manga pictures.

That actually sounds really awesome. I live in the manga capital of the world, so I am sure I can find something in app form. Sweet.

Actually, once I remember having a manga photo app. You took a picture, and it made it look like a drawing. You could add "sound effects" or hearts/flowers/whatever to the photo. They always turned out hilarious.

[MaryMathis]

I really like you idea, I was very interesting in reading picture book. I am new in writing, so I would not have so much idea about how to write, but I really like your idea beneficial for me.

[H0LD0Nthere]

Listen everybody. You can learn to draw. There is a terrific book called Drawing With Children, but it works for adults too. It will take you step by step and help you slowly acquire the skills you need to draw. The very first thing it works on is the attitude that only a few people can draw, and other people "can't."

[ALynnPowers]

Listen everybody. You can learn to draw. There is a terrific book called Drawing With Children, but it works for adults too. It will take you step by step and help you slowly acquire the skills you need to draw. The very first thing it works on is the attitude that only a few people can draw, and other people "can't."

That's good to know. At least there is hope. I would still be a little skeptical though. Maybe I am horrible, but I kind of believe that not everyone should be a writer.... so following the same line of thought, maybe not everyone should be an artist. Maybe they can do it, but they shouldn't. Yes, I am horrible. Sorry!

[H0LD0Nthere]

Hey, ALynnPowers, I think you are right that some people have natural inclinations that make it much easier and more pleasant for them to learn a skill like drawing, or writing. For me, it's music. I love it, but I am practically tone-deaf and have no natural rhythm. I did learn to read music and to "count," but it takes me about twice as long to learn anything musical, as it would an average person.

So what you say is probably true of drawing too.

However, I think that for some reason in the case of drawing, many people think that anyone who "can draw" should be able to pick up a pen and draw exactly what's in their mind, without any practice or training. So, the first time they draw something they don't like, they are horribly embarrassed and don't go on trying to learn to draw, though they badly want to be able to. That's too bad. After all, we don't expect that kind of instant expertise in sports, or music, or writing.

So, for those on this list who wish they could draw, and can even imagine how they would illustrate their books if they could, that tells me they have some inclination that way, and thus probably some talent too.

[ALynnPowers]

Hey, ALynnPowers, I think you are right that some people have natural inclinations that make it much easier and more pleasant for them to learn a skill like drawing, or writing. For me, it's music. I love it, but I am practically tone-deaf and have no natural rhythm. I did learn to read music and to "count," but it takes me about twice as long to learn anything musical, as it would an average person.

So what you say is probably true of drawing too.

However, I think that for some reason in the case of drawing, many people think that anyone who "can draw" should be able to pick up a pen and draw exactly what's in their mind, without any practice or training. So, the first time they draw something they don't like, they are horribly embarrassed and don't go on trying to learn to draw, though they badly want to be able to. That's too bad. After all, we don't expect that kind of instant expertise in sports, or music, or writing.

So, for those on this list who wish they could draw, and can even imagine how they would illustrate their books if they could, that tells me they have some inclination that way, and thus probably some talent too.

Thumbs up! Okay, now I get what you are saying! True dat.

I have no idea why I just wrote those words....

[H0LD0Nthere]

True dat. I love it. No need to blush.

[Wendy 1122]

I'm wildly jealous of those with artistic talent. Unfortunately, though I can see the images quite clearly in my mind when I write, I can't wrestle them down onto paper.