Drawing up a dream job
by Charlotte Knottenbelt
When
asked to rate occupations on a scale of desirability it's a fair bet that
'children's book illustrator' would come close to the top of many people's
lists. Working creatively from home, using your imagination and your hands,
and bringing smiles to the faces of thousands of young readers are just some
of the perks of the job.
However illustration is also one of the toughest jobs out there – with
intense competition, regular rejection, and modest remuneration all par for
the course for those working to establish themselves in the field.
The challenges are worth it for UniSA graduates Sascha Hutchinson and Adele
Jaunn. Both studied illustration and graphic design at UniSA and both are
now living their dream as freelance illustrators.
Hutchinson's big break came in her final year at university when she started
illustrating SNAP!, a story written by Marcia Vaughan about a young
kangaroo's adventures and eventual altercation with a crocodile. The
collage-based illustrations were a hit and the book was short listed for the
Crichton Award for Book Illustration and re-published in the US.
“SNAP was my ticket to get work and the fact that it happened so
early in my career was a surprise to me – I thought it would take 10 years
to get that sort of recognition,“ says Hutchinson.
She went on to write and illustrate Little Duck and Pig Out
and illustrated Mr Green's Garden (written by Betty Zed), and has
also designed and illustrated other titles. Over the years she's
complemented her freelancing with stints working for Era Publications, and
as a children's library assistant. Hutchinson has also been back to study,
completing several short courses to update her computer skills.
“My degree was my passport because its quality is well-recognised, but I
graduated at a time when computers were only really just starting to make
their presence in the industry felt, and a few years on I knew I needed to
top up my skills,“ she says.
“Initially the computer wasn't something I felt very excited about but now
it's integral to everything I do, and I find it's a good creative tool.“
Adele
Jaunn, an Adelaide-based Norwegian who graduated from UniSA in 2000, has
recently launched her second picture book, Caruso's Song to the Moon.
Her first picture book, The Escape from Kettle Island was published
in Norway.
Jaunn says that despite the competition, there are opportunities out there
for illustrators who are prepared to stick at it. “I work in solitude so I
don't notice the competition that much,“ she says. “Although there are a lot
of illustrators out there we all have different styles, so it's impossible
to compare one illustrator to another. It's just a matter of finding the
right illustrator for the right project.“
And as for rejection, Jaunn sees it as an essential part of the publishing
process. “I've experienced rejection and I don't think it's a bad thing,“
she says. “It makes you strive harder for a higher quality of work. If it
gets too easy then your standard drops.“
Her advice for anyone starting out is to work hard and keep an open mind.
“It helps to be flexible and to master a few different skills … work really
hard and get yourself out there – visit as many publishers as you can and
show them a strong portfolio of work. Keep in touch with people in the
industry and don't get discouraged if you don't get an immediate response.“
Hutchinson agrees, saying that despite increased pressure on the children's
book market thanks to toys and computer games, there will always be a place
for talented and dedicated illustrators – no matter where you may be based.
“As a graduate a lot of people would say you've got to move to Sydney or
Melbourne to get work but I've had great opportunities here in South
Australia. With email and the internet it's just a matter of keeping in
touch with publishers interstate – they don't mind where you live.“
To view work by Sascha Hutchinson and Adele Jaunn, visit their websites
at
http://users.senet.com.au/~saschah/ and
www.storymouse.com