So go out there and art note correctly, or not. As an illustrator, I can tell you, it's very annoying. But otherwise, you are trying to micromanage the illustrations and you need to stop. If the reader will need any of these things to understand your story, then you need to art note it. Don't add in art notes with descriptions of the characters, what they are wearing, the setting, etc. Again, only art note if it's imperative to understanding the text. Have you left enough room for them? A truly successful picture book is one that effortlessly marries the art and text together, even if it's done by two different people. If you are an author-only, consider how your text will allow an illustrator to add their mark to the story. You should be doing this regardless, but it will definitely help you understand if you need an art note or not. So what should you keep in mind when including art notes? Here is a few tips that can go a long way: I've done this from time to time when I'm planning to use an art note as a way to clarify what I will be showing in the art, that won't be explicitly said in the text. For example, if you need the art note to set a scene, that either has no text or very minimal text, I would suggest listing it before. It just depends on what the scene requires and why you are using the art note in the first place. Usually, I place my art notes after the scene I'm referring to in the art note. Where should you place an art note within the manuscript? Before or after the scene to which you are referring? Not only do I think this helps anyone who is reading my manuscript for the first time, but it also helps me during the revision process. This is what an art note in one of my manuscripts typically looks like:įor me, using italics and changing the text color to gray, helps the art notes stand out from the body text. Don't give them a reason, like lack of clarity, for them to pass on your manuscript. Editors are not always visual people, and the art director won't be reading your manuscript first, an editor most likely will. I know what I want spreads to look like, so sometimes I will be very specific in my art notes, especially during the submission process. I probably use more art notes that an author-only does. And yes, even as an illustrator I use art notes. So if the manuscript text is in black (which all of yours should be, this isn't fourth grade, and pink isn't an acceptable font color for submission!), then I like to pick a light to medium gray for my art notes. I prefer to italicize and change the text color of my art notes. Now that you know when to art note, what should an art note look like? This means the illustrator will understand your intention, but be able to amplify the sounds you've provided to marry the art and text together fluidly. But it's not necessarily clear what is actually happening in the action. Let's say your story has an action sequence, with a lot of sounds and fun read-aloud bits. But in order to know that the monster exists when reading the manuscript, you need to include an art note. It's about the boy the monster follows around. You never mention the monster in the text. Here's an example: say your story is about a monster that only exists in the art. ONLY INCLUDE AN ART NOTE WHEN IT IS IMPERATIVE TO UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT. So, when should you art note your manuscript? Here is my simplest explanation: So if you're an author only, you have to get creative, and consider the illustrations as you write your text. Most illustrators understand when they do and don't need to art note, especially since they have the advantage of knowing what will or will not be illustrated along with the text. Especially from picture book authors-only. Recently, I was asked a question about the placement and use of art notes in a picture book manuscript.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |