Who is the boss?

As an art student, you have the luxury of choosing your own projects. Sure you will be assigned a technique, or be given a model, or be focusing on something, but for the most part it is up to you wether you draw a zombie or a unicorn.

In the world of commercial art, you almost always have somebody telling you what to do. At penguin it is your art director, the editors, or the sales people. I have seen artists and designers handle this in a variety of ways. Some combine several of these approaches.

1. Complain a lot and kind of hate their job.
2. Become content to do exactly what they are told.
3. Develop powers of persuasion and communication skills to make everybody happy.


Some of us do all three. In my opinion, almost any input is good input. There have been times that I develop a concept that I think rocks, and it is shot down. Then lo and behold, I come up with a new concept that is actually better than the first. Sometimes I end up having to do something that I think is not as cool. Sometimes I am able to sweet talk my way into doing what I want to do. I am sure there are other approaches to all of this. I think, however, that complaining and having a bad attitude is the worst thing you can do. The next worst thing is to just become a wrist for somebody else's ideas. I think that a great artist can come up with good ideas and SELL his ideas. Convince others to believe in it. Help others catch the vision. 


A mentor of mine once described graphic designers as "frustrated artists." That does not have to be true! In my short stay at Penguin I have seen a spectrum of attitudes toward being a designer and I have come to believe that it is all in your ability to sell your idea and choose your outlook. (other creative outlets outside of work help also) Get inventive with your processes! Try new approaches to problem solving. Choose to be passionate about your projects. 






Anyway, to step away from that schpeal, I have decided to spotlight some of my favorite picture books from time to time. 

This artist Sebastia Serra has a captivating style and a delicious color palette. I love the textures he is able to achieve with a 100% digital process. He adds great detail for small stories within his illustrations.  He also has developed a great reputation among art directors here at Penguin as someone who really delivers great sketches.  

PS One of my digital comps for a book cover was approved this week by Editorial and is being pitched to sales next week! Boo yeah!