My Work in Women of Type
There’s always a big reward when you see your work published or shared online as an inspiration cue. I have not been looking much for achievements like this to be honest for most of my creative years (maybe when I started yes) but it does get to your heart I have to say when it happens.
When Jess from @womenoftype announced her plans to curate and launch an inspirational book with work mainly from women around the world I jumped right in. And that’s not because I am a radical feminist but because I always salute niche ideas like these. When people are gathering /working for a common cause always innovative things happen.
I put my trust in Jess and so she chose my “Persistence” lettering piece. I accepted and the rest is history. :)
I created this piece as a personal initiative and at the time, I couldn’t decide between Perseverance and Persistence. I chose Persistence for visual and practical reasons. Perseverance would have fit in the design concept just as well as this one but the layout/word size not so much. The word is larger and the display of it would have been compromised - a bit too small in comparison to the surrounding flourishes.
The initial piece was analogue, watercolour on paper. I created a digital version of it afterwards, as this piece was getting more and more popular.
I want to add something here because as I said a little above, these situations make you feel very fuzzy, but I suggest holding your horses and thinking through when you get any collaboration offers like this.
Think about these 2 things before accepting or applying to have your work published:
what is the book about (subject/who will sign its release)
will you get paid for it (or anything similar that you think is worth it - this will depend on the above topic)
I have got my hands on the book “Contact Illustration” - it’s mainly a catalogue of illustrator names where you can get to have a look at some beautiful compositions, styles, and themes (portfolio/contact type of publications) and by checking these books you can choose who you want to work with. These are the type of books you want your work in (for free) because they are made for professionals and it has a definite purpose - these books don’t really get outdated (they do though but that is when illustrators change their contact details, they get represented or when they even change their work profile if that can be the case) rather they get extra value in time.
Now there are all these platforms like Behance, My Portfolio, illustration associations etc and somehow there’s not much need for “physical catalogues” anymore for presentation purposes but still, there are professionals who like to own these materials as a great source not for contact only but for inspiration as well. And what compares to that moment when a novice approaches or speaks up somewhere on the internet about how amazing was your work and helped him thrive and find his artistic voice?
The reason I accepted my work to be published is the inspiration bit :) I love seeing people enjoying my work keeping it as a source of inspiration and when I see them smile or react just by looking at some of my pieces, really brings me so much fulfilment and joy. I have also gathered many books over the years on typography topics and I keep them dearly close to my desk every time I feel the need for a bit of inspiration so I do understand and very much value my viewers.
In other words, shorter ones :) don’t strike for published work but if it happens to you, be happy about it and even brag about it :D as long as you know to whom you are giving the green light. Published work means efforts acknowledged and rewarded. Respect your clients/viewers and do your best work above anything else.
PS: I have another contract for some published work in the near future, with a European publication so stay tuned. I will reveal everything once all is ready and the book is launched.