Month: October 2009

Thomas Nelson adds self-publishing division

This article caught my eye today. The largest Christian publisher in the United States announced they are starting a self-publishing division called WestBow Press.


Is this technology that’s changing the landscape or economics? I see it as a little of both.

Technology has enabled self-publishing to be more affordable and easier to use. After all, I can comment on an article just a day old and it becomes published in the blog world.

Economics is also driving this. Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson, had this quote: “Publishers aren’t omniscient. “We miss numerous opportunities every year. Finding the next best-seller is like searching for a needle in a haystack. WestBow Press provides us with a kind of ‘farm team.’ We intend to watch the sales of these titles carefully.”

One one hand, it’s never been easier to get your book published. On the other hand, you will be expected to make more of an investment in the future. Self-publishing means you invest your money in your book. This may weed out people who are not committed to their manuscript. However, the haves will have an advantage over the have-nots. No money, no book.

What do you think?

Here’s the link to the article: “Thomas Nelson adds self-publishing division”
And here’s Michael Hyatt’s blog.
Speartoons are examples of my sketches and cartoons Please respect my copyright and ask first before you would use them.
All art copyright 2008 Kevin Spear. Use of graphics is prohibited without prior written consent.
Categories
Illustration Friday Illustrators peer artists

Cartoonist/Illustrator Ricco Schacherl

Today, I discovered the work of Ricco Schacherl of Johannesburg, South Africa. He had a delightful cartoon for Illustration Friday’s word, “flying.”


I like how the cartoon shows the tension and hope in spreading your wings and flying. At the same time, the “kick me” sign shows it’s not easy spreading your wings.

Here’s the link to the site.

http://dogatesketchbook.blogspot.com/2009/10/illustration-friday-flying.html
Speartoons are examples of my sketches and cartoons Please respect my copyright and ask first before you would use them.
All art copyright 2008 Kevin Spear. Use of graphics is prohibited without prior written consent.
Categories
cartoon children cartoons webcomic

Webcomic: Soccer to Me


Cartoon of soccer boy and girl. Boy says, “We play the game. Next week we’ll just do it all over again. What’s the point?”

What’s my motivation, coach? It must be a challenge to keep early elementary kids into a game. Attention spans can’t be as long as the game. That’s what makes watching the games fun. I can relate to the kid out in the field who is picking dandelions instead of paying attention to the game. No need to have playoff pressure when you are six years old.

I drew this comic in Adobe Illustrator CS2

Speartoons are examples of my sketches and cartoons Please respect my copyright and ask first before you would use them.
All art copyright 2008 Kevin Spear. Use of graphics is prohibited without prior written consent.
Categories
illustration business

Maurice Sendak Video

The Drawn blog has a post about a Maurice Sendak video.

http://drawn.ca/2009/10/14/maurice-sendak-on-what-being-an-illustrator-means/

I found it interesting he didn’t know how his illustrations work. He said the only thing he has control over is his graphics. It led me to realize when you think too hard about the arts, it can cripple you. The key isn’t to spend so much studying that you never actually draw. The key is to do the dirty work day in and day out.
If I’m not plugging away each day, I get rusty and cranky. If you love to draw and write, do it every day no matter how you find the time. Five minutes in a day is better than none at all.
Speartoons are examples of my sketches and cartoons Please respect my copyright and ask first before you would use them.
All art copyright 2008 Kevin Spear. Use of graphics is prohibited without prior written consent.
Categories
illustration illustration business peer artists

The Business of Children’s Illustration

Paige Keiser at the Fox in Socks blog has an interesting post on the business of children’s illustration. http://paigekeiser.blogspot.com/2009/10/5-quick-tips-to-getting-published-in.html

Not only is it her professional advice, but the advice of other pro illustrators. Illustration is a business. Sure, the artsy part of us loves to be free and unfettered. But if someone wants to make a living in the field, they have to put in the hard work just like any other business.
The post is chocked full of practical advice. I recommend checking it out.
Speartoons are examples of my sketches and cartoons Please respect my copyright and ask first before you would use them.
All art copyright 2008 Kevin Spear. Use of graphics is prohibited without prior written consent.