Lisa J. Michaels - Children's Book Illustrator

"Meiling's Dumplings"-2nd place winner of the 2007 ABC Children's Picture Book Competition

Art vs. Illustration:

I take the word "Illustrator" very seriously. I believe there's a huge difference between an Artist and an Illustrator. Art sits on the page. It's pretty to look at and it may move you emotionally, but it seldom portrays actual movement.

It's my job as an illustrator to "walk" your characters through a lively story. Every page needs to have movement, assisting the author in showing the reader what words need not say. I must give your characters the larger-than-life personality that makes your reader want to keep turning the pages and coming back for more! Nothing is more satisfying than to hear a child insist,"READ IT AGAIN MOMMY!"

Experience:

I was illustrating long before I knew what it meant. As a child, I illustrated my favorite poems and created comic strips for friends. As an adult, I've illustrated everything from books and covers, to magazine stories and business logo's. I am a full member of the SCBWI, and a member of "Picturebookies", a group of 50 of the top Children's Picture Book illustrators nationwide. My professional website portfolio can be viewed at www.whimsicalscribbles.com. If you visit, please sign my guest book so I'll know you were there!

Style:

My style is whimsical and very detailed. I like to fill the page with lots of things for a childs eyes to drink in. Every time they look at my images, they see something that they missed before, and children love that!

The medium I prefer is a mix. Sometimes I use watercolor, sometimes colored pencils, but I always use Pen & ink, as well as Photoshop for enhancing color.

I am able to produce illustrations at any dpi, resolution or size that you desire. I can send work in most any format.

Work Ethics:

I prefer good communication with my clients, and provide personal one-on-one attention.

I begin with character development, and submit several samples of each for the authors consideration. Once the characters are approved, I begin the layout, consisting of text placement and scene development. Once completed, page roughs are then sent to the client periodically to mark progress.

I often give advice/suggestions regarding changes in the manuscript if I believe it will affect the illustrations and improve the book over-all. I have extensive critiquing experience, having written and worked with many authors through the SCBWI.

I prefer to do the book cover as well, however, please keep in mind that it is optional and a separate fee.

Fees:

Please keep in mind that all fees are negotiable and I am providing this list for the sole purpose of giving you, the client, an idea of what to expect. Every project is unique, and I take that into consideration.

For full color interior illustrations:

Spot, (single image) - $50
1/2 page - $100
full page - $150
two page spread - $250

For Black & White interior illustrations:

Spot, (single image) - $25
1/2 page - $50
full page - $100
two page spread - $175

Full color cover(front only)- $200 (wrap around - $250)

Contracts:

Upon hiring, I will send a contract that is for our mutual benefit, containing all aspects of the project, specifying time issues as well as copyrights and ownership of the illustrations. If you have a contract that you would prefer, I am open to considering it.

Payment:

Payment will be contracted and shall be paid in thirds.
*1/3 due upon approval of character developement and text/illustration layout.
*1/3 due upon completion of all illustrations.
*1/3 due upon delivery of completed project.

Thank you for considering me for your project. I am confident that together, we can make your book the best that it can be...a dream come true!

Visit Whimsical Scribbles.

Lisa's prices are current as of her posting date, June 11, 2008.