How to become a children's book Illustrator, from a passion project with Neil Clark

Creative Ways Podcast

Neil Clark is a children’s book illustrator, he’s just this month completed his 12th book! Neil used to be a designer at Hallmark's Tigerprint studio, but when his first book which was a passion project for his friend's app took off, he got approached by an agent and it sold thousands internationally!

Neil decided to ask to drop a day in his full time day job, which led to two days and now he and his illustrator wife both took the leap to go freelance with a small baby in tow!

We talk about his character designs process, his need for side hustles and the importance of this.

His clients include Crayola publishes, Quartoe publishing, Oxford university press, Usbourne publishing, Walker books igloo publishing and Marks and Spencer

Neil’s Takeaways -

1.If you have a strong desire for change, asking your day job if you can drop one day a week is a great first step.

2. If you learn Better from people and end your freelance maybe a shared studio space would help.

3. It’s great to take on work that you like but it’s important to keep on with self directed briefs to show your agent of boss what other styles, you can do

4. Setting the time for an art date each week which isn’t your working day to try new skills and styles

5. Doodling random ideas in your sketchbook each day really does

6. your ideas come from the doing and keeping on sketching, creating each day.

7. If you have a side project at home you can handle a knock at work if you’ve have another creative outlet. It’s a great coping mechanism. It can give you confidence that you aren’t just relaying on

8. Childhood Stories stay with us forever, so remember the magic and power you have as an illustrator you’re needing motivation

You can find Neil’s book rusty robot and others on Amazon and all good books shops.

Check out him out at-

neilclark.carbonmade.com

Instagram: @neilkiddclarkdesign

Dalia Clark - Instagram @daliaclarkdesign

Books -

The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright and Jim Field

Mini Rabbit Not Lost (Mini Rabbit) by John bond

Fanatical About Frogs (Owen Davey Animals Series)