Today let's give a warm welcome to the talented Ann Pilicer!
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to tell you more about me. My name is Ann Pilicer and I am a freelance Children’s Book illustrator. I recently got accepted and am currently under contract to illustrate two books. One is named So You Want A Puppy by Raven Howell to be published by Handersen Publishing and due to be released in Spring 2019. The other book titled Greetings also by the very talented poet Raven Howell is to be published by Michelkin Publishing and will also have a 2019 release.
These two books although written by the same author will have very different looks. The first book So You Want A Puppy is more of a character driven book. I will be using my technique of using thick gouache as the lead in color. This is a story of a boy who gets a puppy named Murray and learns that puppies are cute but they are quite a challenge! The book will also give advice on how to take care of your new puppy. The book Greetings will have more of a watercolor look using gouache with the movement of color that guides your eye though the pages. This book takes you on a journey through the seasons with fun animals and brilliant colors.
What made you want to be an illustrator?
I was a very shy child and drawing was a comfort. I grew up in Brooklyn and it was my way to take adventures to different places other than our apartment building and concrete playgrounds. Shyness still takes a hold on me. But, at the beginning of this year I decided to show more of my work. I have put my work more onto social media and I’m selling prints through Etsy. This is what I believe got me noticed. Making the effort and coming out of my box.
After graduating from Parsons School of Design in New York for illustration I worked in a New York City studio painting garment designs, then moved onto a textile manufacturing job. Marriage and two kids followed and I continued with the joy of oil painting and creating three dimensional wall art. I will skip ahead here because kids became my world. I then got to illustrate eight books and an EBook. I also did all the design work as well on these. Each author can see exactly how his or her book will look in the end. It gives the author and illustrator freedom to play and work on making the book how they see it. I love my job and am thrilled to be able to do it. I am proud of all that I have accomplished and looking forward to creating these new books. Also, to all of the wonderful possibilities in the future.
Ann, how long does it typically take for you to complete one color illustration of a book?
This definitely depends on the particular style. Since I like to work traditional and work in gouache and follow up with Photoshop and color correcting, this can take up to a week or more. This time frame does not include revisions. The same goes for watercolor. But, if I were to do all digital directly from sketch it would take a little less time. I really do like the traditional way so I can get a chance to see what colors might work and any texture that I can achieve with the paint.
What tips would you give a new illustrator starting out?
Use all the tools available today to grow. By this I mean do your research on many different social media sites and look at different styles. Practice and try new things. Try doing the style you love and then put your own stamp on it. Explore different mediums and find what works for you. You might find that this is your new style. I am always looking, researching and growing.
What warnings could you give an author looking for a new illustrator?
You should always have a contract. Make sure you are able to work together and be open, honest and realistic on time frame and what is expected. This will protect the rights of both the author, as well as illustrator.
Have realistic expectations about how long good illustrations take and how much they cost. I have been lucky to work with authors that understand quality work takes time to produce. Children’s books can take from 8 months to a year to complete. You are putting it out to the world; you want to be proud of your work not rushed.
When an author contracts with you, do they own exclusive rights to the images, or does that have to be purchased separately?
I retain all copyrights to the artwork but I give the author and publisher a written form that releases rights to use all the artwork for promotion, print and online media.
I do not give up the rights to my work; I specifically state that I want my name on the work. I feel that both the author and illustrator should be acknowledged for what we have worked so hard for.
It is a joint venture and one that is equally worked on with zest.
Do Illustrators offer revisions of their work?
Yes, revisions come with it. But, it is less likely there will be a big change if you communicate with each other. Bounce around ideas and be open to each other’s thoughts. For me I work up the sketch of a layout first and make sure it is approved before proceeding.
Any last words?
Contact me if you are interested in working together and see what I can do to create a beautiful book. Thank you!
Thanks so much for sharing with us today Ann. Happy Reading!!
Where can we find out more about you?
Thanks for asking such relevant questions! Couldn't have asked to read a better interview. Ann Pilicer's artwork is not only endearing, but truly unique in her gouache style.
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