The Low Points

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soaring high before the low - barn owl pin by Jess Racklyeft

Recently, I had the most glorious news--something I've been waiting a career lifetime for. I'm still pinching myself, and the project has deep meaning to me. I might have even leapt in the air. Very soon, I'll be starting work on it, and this will be immensely happy-making.

This kind of news has happened to me before. Then not long after, it's been snatched away (for a variety of reasons), and I've found myself on the floor. This may also have happened to you. The floor is a very supportive place, non?

I have every faith there'll be no snatching, but it's been nevertheless interesting to experience quite the plummet since receiving this news. After discussing with friends, it seems this is a natural phenomenon. Just as we go up, we must come down. And of course, the creative career path is rife with intense highs and crushing lows. The rollercoaster metaphor could never be more apt.

The frustrating thing is, I'm currently working on two illustration commissions that I'm loving to bits, so I should be smiling from ear to ear. What, then, is the issue?

I think part of it may be about our perception of success. To an outside eye, I may seem 'successful' in terms of publishing, but I don't feel I've reached my own definition of success. In fact, I'm falling short. There's still quite a 'gap' (see this brilliant short by Ira Glass called vimeo/85040589" target="_blank">The Gap).

There's something insightful about that good old concept--'success is the journey not the destination'. Each time we achieve something, no matter how big, we simply turn our face to the next thing. It's not that we aren't grateful for, or proud of, what has come before. We simply move ever forward, learning, growing, ever-improving, finding success in the actual journey, not the achievement.

Everyone works hard, but the creative often does so in near-isolation, with little feedback, scant response and countless variables and unknowns. Authors and illustrators spend anything from months to decades working on something they don't even know will come to anything, let alone publication.

Yes, we have peers, but the increasing levels of busyness and overwhelm means most are caught up in their own highs and lows to offer much solace or empathy. So we bear a lot on our own. Especially if you're like me, and you rarely reach out.

I don't know. Perhaps this is seasonal. It's bloody cold right now. It's the end of a long term. My girl is about to get a car and oestrogen is vacating my body so fast, my bones may soon turn to dust. We've had a few illnesses and stressors in our family, and the overseas call sends me into long periods of sitting on the floor like a doll, staring into space. And if I have to vacuum one more floor or swipe one more shower screen...

Yada yada. I know you can relate. Oh the resentment for anything that interferes with the overwhelming desire to create. Showers, especially washing hair--so overrated!

Fear not. This blog post is not one of those God-awful sympathy-seeking public whinefests that some stoop to. I actually cringe from sympathy, and I know This Too Shall Pass. But I did want to share this deep low so others know they're not alone. Lows affect people no matter where they are in their journey. I know emerging creators experience more lows than they deserve! but it happens to all of us, and it may surprise you just how much others struggle in this industry--even those we deem outwardly 'successful'.

Lows are part of the creative process and I think that instead of clawing to get out, we should probably sit with them awhile. Feel them. Move through them and know that their inevitability is what makes the highs so magical.

We should also keep an eye on other friends and colleagues and check in with them, too. More than ever, we are caught up in our own worlds and issues, but reaching out to others is beneficial in so many ways. It helps others but it also lifts ourselves.

If you are in a low, be kind to yourself.

Talk to a good friend.

Bake cookies. With too many choc chips to handle.

Walk. In the sunshine.

Dress in your best frock and go for a coffee or a drink somewhere chic. Sparkly handbag optional. And wear that crazy coat you think only Audrey Tatou should wear. Just do it.

Snuggle up with Netflix (loving Anne with an E right now).

Buy yourself some fluffy socks--you know those ones that feel like walking on marshmallows.

Pick wildflowers and put them in a vessel that's anything but a vase.

Cut out tiny things with scissors. It's remedial but so satisfying. Paste them onto paper to make a picture.

Take a break from your project, even if you're in deadline. Just take some time away from it for a while, and so you can come back refreshed.

Start a new project. Just for fun. It doesn't even have to go anywhere, but starting on a fresh idea can be really inspirational. Jot down picture book ideas if you're not keen to launch into something.

Look around for inspiration, whether it's a Pinterest binge or a visit to an art gallery or immersing in a great book.

One thing I do that really inspires and lifts me, is turn to the famous women I've always admired and enjoyed. I might read an interview or a biography or just read their works or look at their artwork. Their strength and persistence and talent always, always lifts me.

And remember, above all else, This Too Shall Pass. What goes down must come up.

Love,

Tx

My Famous Women Admiration List

{who inspires you? leave a comment below}

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Katharine Hepburn

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Frida Kahlo

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May Gibbs

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Diane von Furstenburg

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Aerin Lauder

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Florence Broadhurst

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Arianna Huffington

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Iris Apfel

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Maya Angelou

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Anna Walker

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Orla Kiely

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Lauren Child

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Elizabeth I

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Liz Gilbert

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Ella Fitzgerald

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Mette Hay

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Caroline Fleming

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Beatrix Potter

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JK Rowling

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Coco Chanel

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Kristina Karlsson

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Florence Nightingale

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Sarah Jessica Parker

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Simone de Beauvoir

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A Dream Project - Australia Map!

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We all have dream projects, do we not? And sometimes they are curious things. For me, it's been a Christmas book, a map, an ABC book, a book about balloons, among others. Don't know why it's been these particular things; it just has.

This year, the magical dream project pixies fluttered in from a nearby wood, and granted two creative wishes--and one of them was a map.

A map! Hyperventilating.

This one is called Australia and it was some delightful journey, traversing--yet again--our big, beautiful land, exploring and learning even more about this incredibly diverse continent. I worked closely with the amazing Emily from Hardie Grant Travel to create this enormous--nearly 1.5 metres wide!--wall map. And I loved each and every minute. Very soon I'll be working on the packaging design, for a December 2017 publication.

Created with ink, watercolour and digital artwork, the map features flora, fauna, icons, sights and sites, along with Indigenous rock art sites and shipwrecks. There's also a key with over 250 labels, and fun facts dotted around in yellow spots.

I'm delighted to share the map with you, starting with our beautiful Sunshine State, Queensland. I'll take you through a peek at a few states, with a jawaban glimpse at the entire map.

Huge thanks to commissioning editor Melissa Kayser for approaching me with this truly divine project. A major tick on the Dream Project list.

See...

importantnutrientsspot/search?q=australia-map-peek-ii" target="_blank">Northern Territory and South Australia
importantnutrientsspot/search?q=australia-map-peek-ii" target="_blank">The entire map!

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Australia Map Peek Ii

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Today I thought we could head over to the Northern Territory, for a peek at my Australia map (Hardie Grant Travel, Dec 2017). From honey ants to dilly bags, bush tomatoes and sacred sites, this is a territory of vast beauty and cultural significance.

Then, I thought we could meander south...

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.. South Australia. From the Painted Desert to vineyards, lofty ranges, the Nullarbor Plain and the vast Southern Ocean, this is yet another state of extremes.

Stay tuned for a peek at the entire thing!

See...
importantnutrientsspot/search?q=" target="_blank">Queensland
" target="_blank">Northern Territory and South Australia
The entire map!

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Australia Map--The Entire Thing!

importantnutrientsspot/search?q=australia-map-peek-ii" target="_blank">

Okay, can't wait a moment longer. Here's the entire Australia map! (Hardie Grant Travel, Dec 2017.)

I hope enjoyed this peek at my latest dream project. It's one of those endeavours I didn't want to end.

Keep an eye out for the map in shops and online, in time for Christmas.

importantnutrientsspot/search?q=australia-map-peek-ii" target="_blank">

If you would like some close-ups, see...

importantnutrientsspot/search?q=australia-map-peek-ii" target="_blank">Queensland
importantnutrientsspot/search?q=australia-map-peek-ii" target="_blank">Northern Territory and South Australia

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Photographing Your Books

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If, like me, you're a bit partial to beautiful imagery, you might be tempted to bypass the standard 'author with cheesy grin and book' photo, and think about ways you can capture your titles in more creative, eye-popping ways.

While flicking through instagram/taniamccartney" target="_blank">my instagram account recently, reminiscing over all the stunning pics talented people have taken of my books, it struck me how droolworthy beautiful book photos can be--both for posterity purposes, and of course--for promo.

Don't be scared--beautiful book pics are not difficult to create. Here are some tips and ideas to get you clicking.

The above pic, by instagram/kidsgiftsandtoys/" target="_blank">@kidsgiftsandtoys is simple but striking in terms of composition and theme. A clean background, retro 'road trip' toys in complementary colours and a little natural light is all it takes. And how refreshing to show a book's spine rather than a typical cover shot. Love it.

My gorgeous friend, author/illustrator Sarah Epstein (importantnutrientsspot/search?q=" target="_blank">Australia Illustrated. And the results are just divine. The following four shots showcase the cover and also internal pages as flat-lay.

Notice how Sarah has also used complementary colours and themed objects in a really brilliant way, to make the cover and pages pop. From foliage to chocolate squares, she's just nailed it when it comes to flat-lay.

She's also used natural light. I almost exclusively use natural light in my pics, but almost always adjust them on my computer, to lighten even further. All PCs and devices have some kind of editing aktivitas that allows you to do this--so experiment. And I highly recommend playing with filters, too, and try lightening highlights and shadows, too, if your aktivitas allows it. Another thing you can do is adjust the colour saturation.

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I really love the look of flat-lay imagery. Make sure you can get high enough to shoot directly downward. I've always found the floor the best bet--to save tumbling from a chair! And it's easier on the back. I usually lay items in front of a large floor-length window, and you may find the use of photographer's lamps really helpful, too (affordable on ebay). Use fabric, papers, wood, metal and other textured items to give yourself a backdrop, or just use white cardboard. Bunnings have enormous sheets of thin plywood that can be used as-is for a Scandi look, or can be spray-painted. I had about 10 sheets of various colours when I was doing photography for magazines and for importantnutrientsspot/search?q=" target="_blank">handmade living. and they were so handy for backdrops.

You can also create angled flat-lay, as Lizzie from KidsGiftsandToys has done below. Play around with angles and positioning... if you do a lot of photography, you'll know that there's a big difference between what the naked eye sees and what the camera lens captures, so moving objects around and positioning them in seemingly awkward spots, can really make for a stunning picture. Just keep playing.

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The incredible Kelly (instagram/thestylingmama/" target="_blank">@thestylingmama) has an infallible eye for both beautiful products and how to put them together in a way that makes you want, literally, every single item in her pictures. Kelly shot Australia Illustrated in a series of shots for her Christmas gift guide last year, and they absolutely blew me away.

Your book cover doesn't always have to be the pahlawan of a shot, front and centre. It can be part of a larger scene that's either thematic (Australiana theme in the shots below) or colour-coordinated.

You can experiment with the book's placement--near, far, front-on, side on, flat-lay or being held and enjoyed by a child (or yourself!). Why not shoot the book with only half your face showing or your eyes peeking over the top? What about lying down, surrounded by your books? For inspiration, look at things from a different angle...

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In the following images, you'll see the book in close-up, then further and further away. Notice the composition and use of natural light. Due to the placement of the book, it still commands attention, no matter how far the camera pulls back.

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My enormously talented friend, Lisa-Marie of bear.sparrow/">@bear.sparrow, is one of the most stylish people you'll ever meet. She photographed Australia Illustrated flat-lay, again, using beautifully-relevant props. Don't you just love her use of background here? The way she's angled and cropped is beautiful, too. Remember, it doesn't always have to be front-on and square.

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One fun thing I've done with my books is add characters to the photo mix. I printed my characters onto card, then stood them up in front of the book. If you're tech-savvy, you can also do this sort of thing digitally.

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For importantnutrientsspot/search?q=" target="_blank">Smile Cry, it was a little challenging because the book actually has two covers, front and back. One of the first shots I took was a flat-lay clutch of the covers, filling the frame. Repeat covers like this look really effective.

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I crocheted the book's characters from Smile Cry, and shot them both on their own and alongside the book (and do you think I can find the latter--no! sorry!). Again, these sorts of props make for gorgeous pics.

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And here is a simple flat-lay.

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Here, the book was used in a picture showcasing my art space. Strategic product placement!

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Here is another shot from Lisa-Marie of Bear and Sparrow, using character props. Lisa actually made and painted these wooden characters from the book--can you believe how gorgeous? They were used at the book launch Jess Racklyeft held in Melbourne (while my crochet versions attended the launch in Canberra!).

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Here, she takes the characters, and the book, to the wall. Literally. With one of her bananas-beautiful products--the wooden camera.

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And now for more from Kelly, The Styling Mama... this time a series of shots with Smile Cry included. Some of these make a feature of the book and some don't, but they're great for styling ideas (and for oggling beautiful kids' rooms). If you have more than one title, you could showcase all of them in a bookcase, as per the image below. Making it angled and subtle is a beautiful way to showcase your work (as opposed to up-close, front-on, in-your-face).

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Another lovely way to showcase your book is to have a child read/play with/enjoy it. The following shots absolutely warm my heart. Be sure to get permission, naturally, for the use of photos of any child online.

First image by gorgeous photographer Christine Pobke (instagram/pobke/" target="_blank">@pobke). Subsequent images from The Styling Mama.

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A teacher in Canada (importantnutrientsspot/search?q=" target="_blank">A Canadian Year, surrounded by Canadian paraphernalia for Canada's 150th birthday celebration. How cool does it look? Colours, themes, natural light and a nice tight crop.

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The following shot of importantnutrientsspot/search?q=" target="_blank">Peas in a Pod included thematic pinks and greens. With lovely natural light.

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And here is a shot of importantnutrientsspot/search?q=" target="_blank">An Aussie Year during its 2013 launch. We printed off speech bubbles for guests to use in photos, and arranged them around the book. Looked kind of cool. Book launches are a great time to get good book shots, because you often have a heap of themed goodies and festive items you can use as props. Get to the venue 30 mins earlier than planned, and take the time to get some photos before guests arrive.

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For importantnutrientsspot/search?q=" target="_blank">Tottie and Dot, I used some shelving in our house, and some Christmas lights (it was Christmas!) to create a 'bookstore' image of the cover.

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And lastly, if you simply, simply must capture the 'author-with-book' photograph (I find them awfully twee), do it in a way that's non-posey, artsy or in some way creative. This shot was taken by Martin Ollman for hercanberra.au/" target="_blank">HerCanberra last year. It was an unplanned shot and is the ONLY shot I'd use of myself with a book.

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I hope this post has inspired you to start snapping and capture some beautiful book imagery of your own. You can use such imagery on your website, blog, on social media, for media outlets, in any promotional material, or even to stick on the fridge! We must, after all, celebrate our hard work.

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