She talked to us about how she had progressed from graduate to children's book illustrator and the difficulties she faced on the way. She also explained exactly how illustrating a children's book work and goes from the idea to the finished thing.
She also showed us some examples of unsuccessful children's books she has illustrated. I didn't understand how they could have been so unsuccessful because the illustrations were so well produced and far superior to the work I have been producing for my children's book.
The talk made me feel much better about my own work because I saw how much progress Nicola had made since graduation. I know that I shouldn't rush to be at the same professional level and should focus on getting my ideas out of my head and onto paper.
She also discussed her regret that she hadn't acted on her ideas more. She said she had wanted to draw little characters and photograph them interacting with objects in city locations. I really liked this idea and had considered something similar myself a while ago.
Another thing we discussed was the Macmillan Children's book competition and how I had been reluctant to enter due to a lack of confidence in my own work. She explained that the judges are looking for something that stands out as an original idea that could work as a book and not a finished piece that could be printed up there and then. I have confidence in my own ideas, just not my ability to produce professional images. The talk has definitely given me the confidence to enter the Macmillan competition this year.
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