This is a story about the largest freelance job ever assigned to a single illustrator... me!
Is Debbie Tilley Available?
Is Debbie Tilley available? On June 28, 1995, yes that was 15 years ago, my rep, Richard Salzman received a call from the art director at Gallaudet University Press. Is Debbie Tilley available to do samples for an up coming project? We're going to be publishing a signing dictionary for children, needing around 1000 illustrations.... and that's how it all started....
Fast forward 15 years: On December 4, 2010, Richard, my rep received an email from the Editorial Director of Gallaudet University press, they were ready to get started on the Children's Sign Language Dictionary! I think that is the longest lead time in freelance history! As it turned out, I had been illustrating children's picture books nonstop for a long time. The thought of doing 1,000 individual drawings sounded so great to me, I couldn't wait to get started.......
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Word: DRAW
This drawing was inspired by my friend Tuko who lives in Hawaii.
I took my work to the beach this past Wednesday, as planned. There was only one problem, I took my sketch book out of my bag, looked at the list of words, then put it all back in my bag, rolled over on my towel, and took a nap. So much for my mobile office.
You could show your friend pulling the pencil along (another version of draw, get it, get it?) Making an illustration of some of the various definitions. I know that thing about procrastination (I'm here aren't I?!) but what a great assignment, what a fun thing/ challenge this could be, incorporating as many meanings of a word in an image, talk about specificity! And a TRUE challenge, because though a picture is worth a thousand words, people tend to interpret pictures their own selves! I think you'll be brilliant! Feel free to shout out to the writing/illustrating community! Such a fine project, great good luck, joy and fun to you!
wow, that looks just like me.... :)
ReplyDeleteYou could show your friend pulling the pencil along (another version of draw, get it, get it?) Making an illustration of some of the various definitions. I know that thing about procrastination (I'm here aren't I?!) but what a great assignment, what a fun thing/ challenge this could be, incorporating as many meanings of a word in an image, talk about specificity! And a TRUE challenge, because though a picture is worth a thousand words, people tend to interpret pictures their own selves! I think you'll be brilliant! Feel free to shout out to the writing/illustrating community! Such a fine project, great good luck, joy and fun to you!
ReplyDeleteOh and I think you're fine choice and congratulations on the project finally coming to pass!
ReplyDelete