It's time for "You Asked, We Answer!" This week I have had the pleasure of interviewing, illustrator Ryan Shaw to answer some of those questions you may have for professionals in the book industry. Specifically, in the children's book industry, illustrators and artists play a big role in making stories and characters memorable. When the author and illustrator's talents are put together to create a character, it is possible to not only visually represent your idea, but you now are able to brand yourself through characters and even products.
It is always fun to hear how others in this field have started out and continued on their journey, so now it is time to introduce our guest ... RYAN SHAW!
1. Lets start by letting everyone know a bit about your background, inside and outside your artistic endeavors.
Well, despite getting a degree in Business Administration and working in an Accounting / Data Entry position full time, I decided I wanted to turn a hobby I loved into something profitable. My ultimate goal is to do illustrations and other art activities full time.
I initially wanted to get into illustrating in the summer of 2008. I started contacting publishers through the internet and by mail, sending my portfolio to each. I even attempted to tryout for the ABC's Children's Book Competition that year. 2008 and early 2009 were full of rejections, but I kept on submitting my work. I took each criticism, feedback, and advice seriously. I still do, since I am very new at this myself. A lot of research is involved.
I finally started getting my breaks this year starting this spring, when my first published work, "Spider in Our Mailbox," was released by 4RV Publishing. To date, I have illustrated three books with 4RV. I won this year's
ABC's Children's book competition with Eddy Logan who wrote "I Want to Grow Up". I also joined the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and have had the undying support of my friends and family.
I've loved to draw since about the 3rd grade. That was when I first picked up a pencil and discovered I could draw. I never really thought about doing anything with art until last year, though.
3. Who was your biggest inspiration in the world of illustrations and art?
Wow, tough question. There are so many inspirations and influences I have. Here are some of the biggest ones out there that have had huge impact on my own art style and work: My brother, Daniel Shaw, Basil Wolverton, Robert Crumb, Chuck Jones, Will Eisner, Tex Avery and Chester Gould. Those are just a few of the artists that have really impacted and inspired me.
4. What is your favorite type of character to create?
I love drawing cartoony-style characters, but my favorites are animals.
5. What do you look for when deciding to work with an author or publisher?
I look for an author or publisher who has a story that catches my imagination, that I can see my style working with completely, and who gives reasonable deadlines, considering I currently have a day job.
6. Do you do any other type of artwork?
I do freelance graphic design work: creating logo designs, and other branding for small businesses. My cartoony-style illustrations are mainly the type of artwork I am focusing on at the moment. I'd like to get into photography one day. At the moment I am creating pieces just using Photoshop on my Mac, manipulating photos and creating my own art in that way. I am also planning to design T-shirts soon.
7. How often do you use the computer to design your illustration or do you create all your work by hand?
Almost always. First I sketch out in pencil, then I ink them, and after that I scan and drop the pictures into the computer to clean up the lines. I do all my coloring in the computer in Photoshop.
8.If an indie author or publisher wanted to work with you, how might they contact you?
They can contact me by phone at 713-471-3170, email me at ryan@rshawllustrations.com, or my website
rshawillustrations.com and click on the Contact Me tab or contact my girlfriend Maddi
here.
I think I originally assumed the speed in which books are printed and released was much faster than it actually happens. I did not realize all of the editing and changing of the book layouts involved before completion of the final product. Everything else has thus far, fallen to my expectations.
10. Do you find it hard to create characters that will eventually become the work of someone else?
Not really. The writer has such a great role in character creation. They provide me with their descriptions and preferences for the characters. So, really the creation of the physical characters is a joint effort on the part of the writer and I.
11. What is the ideal book illustration project and dream of Ryan Shaw?
The ideal book illustration / project dream of Ryan Shaw is to work with an author to help create and maintain a successful children's franchise or line that is a series of books, has toylines, and other mediums to reach out to youth, and that lasts for many years.
Thank you Ryan for sharing a few pieces of your journey with us. If you would like to hear more about Ryan or have questions for him, be sure to catch his radio interview on the Indie Author Show with host Bobby Ozuna on Monday November 30th at 7:00pm CST!
