Tuesday, October 07, 2008

How do you work?

I took this picture of my living room wall when I was working on The Haunted Ghoul Bus.
My work area is also my living room, and I had these sketches on my wall for months. It was driving me crazy that it was up there, but work-wise I needed them up on my wall, especially doing sketches for a book. It was easier to see the flow of the book this way. My "technique" is to pace back and forth, looking at the sketches, noting what adjustments are needed. It works well for me. I'm wondering if anyone else works this way?

Now if only I had a "real" studio with 4 walls and a door. Someday....

26 comments:

ellencrimitrent said...

great! love seeing all the sketches layed out. I would love to know how you do it all in the computer? I am still working on that part of it all!

Becky said...

I do the same thing when I'm working on a big project - I'll throw whatever I need to on the walls and on my desk around my workspace. It gets a little out of hand sometimes. Thanks for the "inside look"!

Spadazzle said...

I have a studio...... but so far just teaching mostly :) Before, I had 40 plus sticky notes on my living room door- I would walk to it and read it over and over, all the things I wanted to do. Also, boxes and boxes of stuff in the living room, things on the tables- all getting ready for the upcoming sales. I am sure everyone is happy to see my stuff contained now!

Unknown said...

Awesome post Jannie....I love the photo and it sure makes sense to see it all laid out and then go back and forth....I have never added my sketches to the wall like this...but I think I may try this for my next book...looks like it is a very successful way to evaluate....

thanks for the great tip!!!

Hugs
Diana

Frank Daenen said...

I'm doing the same as well. But its also driving me nuts. It's like a constant physical deadline hanging on the wall :-) Nice post!

Forrest Illustrations said...

The book "The Haunted Ghoul Bus" looks so cute. You sure have been busy. I'm so excited for you. Your color on your images are wonderful. Great job! You go girl! :)

Debbie Meyer said...

You're technique works really well - the book turned out great! I saw it at Barnes & Noble the other day (and I didn't even have to readjust the display because it was already up front!). Congratulations on a job well done!

jane and the happy crow said...

What a brilliant blog! I am also an illustrator/artist working in the UK. I love that you have all your sketches up on your living room wall! Your new book looks great is it being sold in the UK? Jane

Tracy said...

Thanks for the sneak peek at your work area! Although I have yet to write/illustrate a book, I can see how this layout would be VERY helpful! Right now I use my "Bonus Room" for my school stuff and art stuff...I guess it's a little step toward a "studio" since it's all mine :) I love seeing your process in creating a book.

Anonymous said...

Oh, neat, Jannie! Thanks for showing us a little of how you work!

I have NO blank walls in my studio--or anywhere in the house for that matter. So when I'm working on a book or something in a series, I put the spreads up on my second monitor. It's a 'mini-wall' of sorts, I guess.

Jennifer Thermes said...

Yes, I do the same for big projects! (Though my wall is small and I keep wrecking the paint job with all the smudges of pencil and bits of tape.) ;-)

Love seeing how you work!

Eric Barclay said...

Love seeing how you work... I'm a spreader-outer too.

Congrats on the Ghoul Bus! Love your work.

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

Glad I'm not the only one with this great situation!!!! I have a art room,but the darn thing is so small that I have to extend out of the room into my living room as well. I really appreciate how you share your process for creating your wonderful artwork for books. I love this. Now I shut my husband mouth. He is always asking when will he have his living room back? I told him when you get me a bigger art studio! Some women want diamond, furs and cars. All I want is a room somewhere that's big enough for all my art supplies and children's book collection! Wish me luck!

Zari said...

I love your original living room decoration! it's great to know more about the way you work & all details count!!!! - hope you can have your own studio soon!...you deserve the best!

Luth Textile said...

Good post.. i love it..
if u dont mind, can we exchange link?

Carli said...

hi jannie,
thank you for the comments you left on my blog. i love seeing all your sketches. I have projects scattered throughout everyroom of my house too. I saw your book in Barnes and Nobles the other day. It turned out really good. I love the texture on the pages. I am going to pick up a copy for my boys.

Laura said...

I wandered over here from Roz's blog. Love seeing those pages on the wall!
Did you know you could paint that wall with a magnetic primer (then paint over it) and your wall can hold magnets?!

Diandra Mae said...

oooh. I hope to have the same look one day! hahaha! Actually having it in the living room would probably drive me nuts....it'd have to be in my studio.

Love behind the scenes peeks.

Donna Farrell said...

thanks for sharing, this, nice to know others do the same thing!

Jannie aka Chickengirl said...

Thank you everyone! Its very interesting to know how everyone works.

Laura: I did not know about magnetic primers! I only knew about the chalkboard paint. It sounds so cool! If only I owned my place, I can paint. But right now I am renting :-(

lil kim said...

Congrats again on your book Jannie - I haven't seen it in Australia yet, but am on the loookout :)

I like your spready-outy methods. I tend to keep all of my sketches in a folder because, despite the fact that I do have four walls and a studio door (luxury!) I often find myself sketching in bed, or on the front step, or the kitchen table, depending on my mood. but your way is great for feeling the flow of a book. I may have to try that next time!! xx

ps. your rep's party sounds awesome!

Anonymous said...

So funny you should post this, I just started doing that as well. I'm working on a big project and was feeling a bit... well... er... constipated and then I taped everything up on the wall and things became much clearer and started flowing much better. Always great to see your process.

Rick said...

I love it. No, I don't work like this, but I'm not publishing a book. (Someday) I do though, often take my body of work and just lay it out on the livingroom floor just so I can look at them all at the same time. I guess I'm a bit vain. I like to sit there and admire my own work - eyes going from one piece to the next.

M. Patrizio said...

Maybe when we start making the big bucks we can rent out a big studio space together.

Anonymous said...

Mine are usually laid out on the floor or taped to the whiteboard.

Emily said...

Hihi… so wonderfully familiar!...now just imagine 2 artists in the same living room!