Research is always a very necessary part of my process because all of my books to this point have been historical. Time spent in the library adds to one's wealth as a writer or artist.
In my journey to becoming an artist who writes, I tend to start my idea process with simple, concrete messages that relate to what kids may be experiencing as they navigate through childhood and adolescence putting together building blocks of the foundations on which they will become adults.
My advice to writers is: READ! A lot. Then read some more. read, read, read, read!
My "mission", if you can call it that, is to connect with my readers on an emotional level and have them come away with a stronger impression of the basic message in the story I am illustrating.
I have many who keep me going, I am very fortunate in this sense. There is nothing like a child who knows more about your books than you do!
The approach to "building" a story with words and phrases is no different than "building" a painting with brushes and pigments.
My method is subtraction. I use erasers to make the images in my paintings. You really have to see it to fully get it, but it is basically erasing shapes from a background of paint.
I like people. Humanity. My family is a part of my work. They contribute throughout the process with critiques, advice, opinions, etc.
I try to use models at least for the main characters because of the nature of my art. I tend to focus on the humanity of my subjects, the details of expression that add a certain reality to the work. Real faces = real art. That's the goal anyway.
I will always be an artist first. I see my writing as an extension of my illustrating.
