Make it Evergreen

Make something that was fresh by today’s standards but didn’t loose certain nostalgic elements.

Over the past 3 Days I’ve been sharing my takes or 3 insights that will account for 85% of your creative success according to Boey

1. Use a Catchphrase

2. Simple Characters

3. And now…. Make it Evergreen

An Old Fashioned Word

Evergreen sounds like such an old fashioned word.

The word is a direct reference to trees that stay green throughout the year, un bothered by the Seasons. Living in Malaysia, the trees are always green, but that’s just because it’s always hot here.

When developing my illustration style, I drew inspiration from evergreen illustrators like Eric Carle and Quintin Blake, while also keeping one eye on the contemporary scene.

I wanted to make something that was fresh by today’s standards but didn’t lose certain elements that I am nostalgic for. I’m coming to believe that nostalgia is an important element in books that are chosen by parents and grandparents parents

Picturebooks are a way to share the childhood of one generation with the next generation, and because of that there will always be the appeal of some old fashioned elements.

PS:

Andy J. Pizza

just dropped a great episode that digs deep into this idea of ‘evergreen’ by making a core values delist.

TenMinuteArtist Prompt:

Old Fashioned

You can do this as either a drawing or a writing prompt or both

Pick 2 objects, something a 3 year old kid (or any age) today might find interesting, and the equivalent thing from when you were the same age.

Set a timer for 10 minutes.

Draw/Write until the timer ends.

Anyone can share their prose or drawings in this chat

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You’re reading, Ten Minute Artists, a page-a-day guide that offers prompts, encouragement, and thoughtful perspective for every stage of the creative journey to help new and experienced creators alike advance their quest in 10 minute increments.

Award winning illustrator Adam Ming draws lessons from creative legends, industry experts, and his own experience of rapidly breaking into international publishing from a third world country.

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