Marsha Riti

It was a great SCBWI conference this year! The amazing SCBWI volunteer staff really went all out, and I commend all of them for their hard work. I also really loved the location (St. Edward’s University). They have such a wonderful space perfectly apt for meeting in small groups, or listening to big talks.

The first topic was “The Author/Illustrator Relationship”, with presenters Arthur Levine (author) and Julian Hector (illustrator). It showcased their very new book “Monday is One Day“. It is a universal experience about parents who work jobs and rear children at the same time, told in a day of the week format.

The talk was about how authors and illustrators come together to create a cohesive vision. Arthur Levine’s idea for his book began in 2003 when Arthur and his partner became parents. They both stayed at home with their baby for the first couple of months. When it came time for Arthur to go back to work the notion for “Monday is One Day” came into being. Years and (I think) two editors later Arthur was at an ALA conference. He saw Julian Hector’s work and knew that he was the illustrator for the book. It was Julian’s charming work for his book “The Little Matador” that caught Arthur’s eye, and that is where their relationship started. The text for “Monday is One Day” was now in Julian’s hands and imagination.  The story’s first visual incarnation was a dream sequence that beautifully illustrated a father’s daydream about his child. The art director and editor wanted it to be more grounded, Julian said. One book dummy down. Julian’s next vision of the story was “more grounded”, featuring a relationship between one father and his son. He was then told that it needed diversity. Second book dummy down. The Final version of “Monday is One Day” brings together an assemblage of families. All of them joyful and caring. This is where Julian felt it worked and so did the art director and editor.

You may be asking where the author is in all this?  Being an experienced editor Arthur wanted to be as hands-off (in regards to the illustrations) as possible. He says: “What the illustrator brings is so much better that what I was thinking [...] I want it to be his (Julian’s) vision”. Arthur and Julian never corresponded during this time. They had the art director and editor who acted as mediators.  The relationship between Arthur and Julian was in a sense a chaperoned date. The author and illustrator, never the twain shall meet. Arthur also noted how important it is to write text that sets the scene without being too elaborate on the details. He went on to say that illustrator notes are only okay in specific instances where it is needed, such as when the text is supposed to be in contrast to the illustration for sarcastic effect.  Arthur’s example was: “The girl was happy” (illustrator’s note: the girl should be frowning). He went on to say about illustrator notes “the more you as an author do that, the more you are making the artist a robot [...] ‘It is not your book’ is a very hard concept.”  Arthur and Julian’s talk emphasized an ideal author/illustrator relationship. Respect one another and the work will shine.

Here are some fun quotes I gleaned from the conference presenters.

• “Could you not have used one of your old-timey sayings?” -Julian Hector
• “When they see the suggestion rather then hear it they are usually more open.” -Julian Hector
• “It is more high-wire to paint.” -David Diaz
• “Allow yourself to grow.” -David Diaz
• “Technique is the death of inspiration.” -David Diaz
• “Focus on content, the medium is gonna move along.” -David Diaz
• “Don’t apologize for a lack of credit.” -Arthur Levine
• “The pile of opportunity” -Emily van Beek
• “For me it’s treasure hunting” -Emily van Beek
• “If you can do anything make yourself findable.” -Gregory Pincus
• “How about Mollusks? Mollusks are the next big trend!” -Elizabeth Law