The first image is the final cover and the second 2 are the sketches from the exploration phase. I really liked the black and white one but Love the way the final came out. It’s a lot more colorful and appealing to a young audience.
The Only Woman in the Photo is finally available for purchase! Happy international Women’s history month!
I thought they made a mistake when I got this job offer in my inbox. Maybe my agents showed them someone else’s work by accident? Why did one of the biggest publishers want to work with me, a newbie freelance artist, who doesn’t even have any practice yet? I kept thinking; I’m not ready for this! My illustration skills felt very rusty having worked in graphic design for 2 years after graduation and I couldn’t get over the fact that I was working with one of my dream clients while feeling so under-qualified.
The more I researched Frances Perkins the more I could hear her voice telling me todo my best and stop worrying. I might be scared, but this was my dream, I needed to give it my all no matter what and my best was enough. In the end, I was able to loosen up when I realized the kids wouldn’t care if my illustrations weren’t perfect. They wouldn’t see all the mistakes I made or the fact that I was new to painting; all that matters is that Frances’ inspiring story is told.
An artist’s biggest enemy is ego. We strive for perfection when it’s perfection that kills creativity. Frances used her voice to change the world. This book taught me that, no, I dont know everything and I never will but, that doesn’t make my voice any less valid. I discovered that my voice takes the shape of illustration and I can use it to communicate bravery, kindness, passion, optimism and other inspiring virtues which, are all things that speak louder than perfection ever will.
I hope you are as inspired by Frances’ story too.
Ps: crying happy tears over a positive review from Kirkus!! Feeling like a real illustrator now!