Wake Up and smell the coffee - it's Groundhog's Day!
Staten Island Chuck has reported that he didn't see his shadow, which means an early spring. Hope he's right. Just the thought of an early spring warms me up.
All it takes is a few errant carrot peels and one clumsy bunny for a kitchen calamity when the bunnies make a carrot cake. Here's an oldie from my portfolio for this week's Illustration Friday prompt - CLUMSY.
Attended the 1st CBIG meeting of the year. The speaker, SM, an executive editor, from 1 of the Big NYC pubs, was very upbeat and optimistic and gave a lot of really good advice. Here's just a sampling.
1 - Seasonal ideas sell. Book stores do seasonal promos - publishers like that a book can get this boost. As the artist/writer we should just submit the seasonal ideas anytime as publishers sign up the projects way in advance. Show that you can do seasonal art.
2- Strong, quirky, independent, character based stories sell. Think Fancy Nancy, Harry Potter
3 - He's personally not into anthropomorhic animal stories .
4 - 2012 will be a big year for picture books - his opinion based on demographics. Get your manuscripts/dummies submitted now!
5 - Sharpen the text. Keep your picture book word counts around 500. Less is more.
What a great meeting to start off 2010. Now to use that positive energy to keep me moving though the months ahead! Quick send that tailored art sample pack ASAP.