Do you retain copyright of the book illustrations? If so, pull them apart and make into wall art prints, maybe? Or make into patterns to license? (i.e. reuse and repurpose work you’ve already done to gain extra income from it) I know some people who sign away the copyright, but retain right to sell their own prints of a percentage of the work.
I think the writing is definitely a very good idea, though.
I came across this from notes and mentioned another illustrator Aaron Zonka (can't do mentions in comments, yet...) who started out here a few weeks ago and might be interested in this. As far as ideas go... collaborations spring to mind. I did my part here, you guys figure out the rest. Could be epic! ;) And congrats on the new book deal!
Thanks for sharing! This was really interesting to read. I'm all for trying to write your own stories – I was writing first and am now illustrating (I have an agent but haven't sent out my stories out yet), but I think you need to really want to write your own stories. I love both, and though writing came easier for me, I always wanted to illustrate and have had interest in drawing and art in general for a long time. Do you sell your art somewhere too? That's something else I'd like to do in future, but I'm also a book editor/proofreader, so for me that's where my main source of income comes from.
Excellent news on the new book! Congrats! I bet you could write brilliant books of your own to illustrate. Don't you already have that great critique group? You could bounce ideas off them and get some excellent feedback and inspiration.
I feel like everyone's trying to diversify income streams right now, which might mean it will be a bit of a challenge to expand if we're all fighting for the same money. I'm considering bigger moves, maybe going back to school and pursuing a new area of study. The only thing I know for sure is that we will continue to need to evolve as time passes and the economics of life become more and more challenging for creatives.
Love your work, Adam! I’m on the other side of this: I write stories but would love to illustrate. I’m also looking for additional income streams and will be following the comments for ideas. Congrats on the book!
Do you retain copyright of the book illustrations? If so, pull them apart and make into wall art prints, maybe? Or make into patterns to license? (i.e. reuse and repurpose work you’ve already done to gain extra income from it) I know some people who sign away the copyright, but retain right to sell their own prints of a percentage of the work.
I think the writing is definitely a very good idea, though.
I already said toys, but yeah, maybe toys!
Congrats on signing a new book, Adam!
I came across this from notes and mentioned another illustrator Aaron Zonka (can't do mentions in comments, yet...) who started out here a few weeks ago and might be interested in this. As far as ideas go... collaborations spring to mind. I did my part here, you guys figure out the rest. Could be epic! ;) And congrats on the new book deal!
Thanks for sharing! This was really interesting to read. I'm all for trying to write your own stories – I was writing first and am now illustrating (I have an agent but haven't sent out my stories out yet), but I think you need to really want to write your own stories. I love both, and though writing came easier for me, I always wanted to illustrate and have had interest in drawing and art in general for a long time. Do you sell your art somewhere too? That's something else I'd like to do in future, but I'm also a book editor/proofreader, so for me that's where my main source of income comes from.
Excellent news on the new book! Congrats! I bet you could write brilliant books of your own to illustrate. Don't you already have that great critique group? You could bounce ideas off them and get some excellent feedback and inspiration.
I feel like everyone's trying to diversify income streams right now, which might mean it will be a bit of a challenge to expand if we're all fighting for the same money. I'm considering bigger moves, maybe going back to school and pursuing a new area of study. The only thing I know for sure is that we will continue to need to evolve as time passes and the economics of life become more and more challenging for creatives.
Love your work, Adam! I’m on the other side of this: I write stories but would love to illustrate. I’m also looking for additional income streams and will be following the comments for ideas. Congrats on the book!
Congrats on your new book! Fascinating post! ❤️✨🌈📧