Why do you have a different illustrator for each book?
First graders at Childs Elementary
Each of my books takes several years to make. The editors and art directors at the publishing companies decide who would be best to illustrate each one of my books. Artists vary in their style and the materials they use. Some use pastels. Others use cut paper collage. Some draw or oil paint. Each kind of art and artist lends a feeling to the book. An editor looks for the artist whose work fits the mood of my words. That is why not every book is the same. Each company also works with certain artists. I work with several companies. Finally, an editor may ask an illustrator to do a book. But they may turn down that opportunity. It takes a long time to do the art—6 or more months. If an artist does not absolutely love my words, they may not be able to live with them for so long. They have to feel a spark to jump into illustrating one of my books. Also, they may be busy doing other books and not have time to do my book. So the editor may need to look for a different illustrator.
April Sayre
