But not everyone's voice is confident and clear, especially when you're having to prove yourself, do a test piece for a competition or hook a publisher.
It's just like walking onto a stage. You become self-conscious and then shaky.
It's only when you forget about yourself and you think of the message you want to get across, then your voice takes off.
The metaphor works for me, at least, especially as I've often played with styles - and worried in the past, about having different styles. It wasn't until Bayard Jeunesse 'found me out' a few years ago, that I started to relax about my different styles. Bayard had used my bold graphic style in games for their magazines and posters for toddlers, which culminated in this, the Big Book for Little Hands....
which was first published in France in 2006 and then in the UK and elsewhere (and was one of the first 'doodle books' of many following in the wake of Taro Gomi's books for older children)
By that time, they had already tumbled other styles I used for other books in other countries, discovering this
"But my Kiss, kiss! style is so different from what you know of me! " I told my Bayard art director. "Yes is it", she said, "but it has the same voice".
Funny thing is, you can't quite hear your own voice as it sounds to others. And most people, including me, don't like listening to their own recorded voices. So you can't be self-conscious about it. It just IS!
And here today is Anthony Browne, master of the picture book and British Children's Laureate saying the same thing about voice, at the end of this video. What a wide variety of voices were chosen for this years UK Best New Illustrators awards!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/audioslideshow/2011/mar/22/best-new-illustrators-awards-audio-slideshow?CMP=twt_gu
3 comments:
Bridget,
My girls were talking about BIG BOOK and KISS KISS the other day. Sama was saying that they "fit" and Alexandria that she could "picture you" making the art.
I think your voice can be seen and felt!!!
:)
Great post, Bridget. You make a lot of good points and what you say is very freeing. The idea of having a style can be very confining. When I'm working, I can still hear you telling me to HAVE FUN. Very important! Thanks!!
Hi B,
Your voice is heard loud and clear! I like what you have to say about style. To me voice has always to do with your innate individuality and the search for a recognizable style should never restrict your sense of adventure and play. Let's keep changing and growing with every new project, whether it's paper, touch screen or inflatable bath book. :-)
Congrats on your Crystal Kite nomination! x Ra
Post a Comment