Creative presence Presentation Script Drafts

Slide 1

My practice has changed considerably over the last year concentrating more and more on book illustration specifically children's books. I have changed the way I think about my work, simplifying my illustrations and focussing on communicating emotions and themes successfully. I want to create work that helps people to understand the world around them. I want to make work that tackles unusual but important issues that are often overlooked. I would like to learn more about the processes involved in publishing from creating a professionally finished product to pitching my work to a publisher.

Slide 2

I have chosen a variety of practitioners from the creative industries that all have links to children's book publishing or publishing in general. I have tried to chose people that work in different roles or approach their work in a variety of ways, I think each of them could provide a different but equally useful insight into the creative industries. The two illustrators I chose were Chris Haughton and Keith Negley because their work stands out both visually and conceptually. Chris Haughton's work is beautifully made and uses simple shapes to create immersive landscapes and appealing characters, he has been a big influence on my work over the last year. Keith Negley's books use humour and subject matter that children and parents will relate to. I have also included publishers and writers in my list that could help me to understand the industry and how I could become part of it.

Slide 3

I have been struggling to chose one person out of my list but I think the practitioner that could help me the most is Keith Negley. He has a diverse portfolio and manages to tailor his work to suite its purpose. I would like to ask him about his transition to children's book illustration, if it has changed his creative practice and where he draws inspiration from. He lives in Washington, USA so I would have to interview him via skype or email. The postal address of his studio is listed on his website so I could write to him and possibly send some of my work.