As I was perusing Substack the other day, I did notice how nice your illustrations were! I've heard a couple people now mention that they're creating images so that their newsletter has a more recognizable brand/feel. What a wonderfully complicated world of writing, publishing, and marketing we live in. Good luck with your submissions!
Thank you, Claire! It's definitely easier and more enjoyable to just focus on the writing, but I understand in the long run the additional effort helps. Many writers end up asking a friend to help who is a graphic designer or illustrator, which I think is a great way to approach it as well. Thanks for your support!
Good idea on the illustrations--even a good stock image generally can’t match up to a custom illustration, in my book. Now, the images themselves--I like Michigan DogMan and the one below that (both darker in tone); the other two don’t do much for me. What are you using to create them? I’ve got an old buddy who’s a good illustrator who is doing a couple for me ... for free, so who knows how long it will take! I too am rooting for you on the publication chase.
Yeah, if you can throw in some illustrations, I think it adds a nice personal touch. I'm interested to see what your buddy comes up with -- the Caribunkle style. Art is so subjective, so I'm sure there are some who would still prefer the stock images 😂 Thanks for the encouragement!
you bet. how are you creating those illustrations? This buddy and I used to create fun little "animations" to go alongside our security awareness training. Check one out here if you like: https://youtu.be/a_ce5K3ITNg
Totally forgot to answer. I use a program called Clip Studio Paint EX, which has animation capabilities as well. It's a one time license purchase, unlike Photoshop, and is pretty amazing. It has a steeper learning curve, though. I use Inkscape if I need full vector, which is free and open source.
Thanks so much, Mark! I'm definitely learning a lot about the editorial and publishing process myself, so I figure why not spread that knowledge around! I love reading your interviews on How About This. Your growing by leaps and bounds!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and ongoing experiences regarding publishing with us, Brian!
Thanks Jessica! Hopefully one day I'll have good news to share about a success or two 😁
Your illustrations look great, Brian. Thanks for including the list of publications, and best wishes with your submissions!
Thanks Justin! I look forward to seeing your work in one of those publications some day 👍
Thanks so much! Likewise! I think you’ll land one sooner than you think. Rooting for you!
As I was perusing Substack the other day, I did notice how nice your illustrations were! I've heard a couple people now mention that they're creating images so that their newsletter has a more recognizable brand/feel. What a wonderfully complicated world of writing, publishing, and marketing we live in. Good luck with your submissions!
Thank you, Claire! It's definitely easier and more enjoyable to just focus on the writing, but I understand in the long run the additional effort helps. Many writers end up asking a friend to help who is a graphic designer or illustrator, which I think is a great way to approach it as well. Thanks for your support!
Thank you!
Good idea on the illustrations--even a good stock image generally can’t match up to a custom illustration, in my book. Now, the images themselves--I like Michigan DogMan and the one below that (both darker in tone); the other two don’t do much for me. What are you using to create them? I’ve got an old buddy who’s a good illustrator who is doing a couple for me ... for free, so who knows how long it will take! I too am rooting for you on the publication chase.
Yeah, if you can throw in some illustrations, I think it adds a nice personal touch. I'm interested to see what your buddy comes up with -- the Caribunkle style. Art is so subjective, so I'm sure there are some who would still prefer the stock images 😂 Thanks for the encouragement!
you bet. how are you creating those illustrations? This buddy and I used to create fun little "animations" to go alongside our security awareness training. Check one out here if you like: https://youtu.be/a_ce5K3ITNg
Totally forgot to answer. I use a program called Clip Studio Paint EX, which has animation capabilities as well. It's a one time license purchase, unlike Photoshop, and is pretty amazing. It has a steeper learning curve, though. I use Inkscape if I need full vector, which is free and open source.
Hi Brian, really great issue, I found The Waiting Game section really informative! Good luck with your submissions and other outreach!
Thanks so much, Mark! I'm definitely learning a lot about the editorial and publishing process myself, so I figure why not spread that knowledge around! I love reading your interviews on How About This. Your growing by leaps and bounds!