Creative Collaboration

Long, long ago, I wrote numerous children’s stories, which I tried unsuccessfully to sell to publishers. Fortunately, it is possible now to engage children’s book illustrators, editors and proofreaders directly and work with them in close collaboration and then self-publish the books. So, I decided it was time to give one of my old stories another chance.

To this end, I started working with Josi, a children’s book illustrator. We are working together on one of my stories, Tornado Tilly. A tale of a lively, curious girl who is a master of chaos in her parents’ lives.

Since Josi has never worked with an engineer-at-heart author, we spent time building a framework for our collaboration. We discussed how we wanted to find the balance between structure and freedom. First, we talked about our expectations: the when, where, who, what, why and how of our working process.

Then we discussed her past collaborations, highlighting what had run smoothly, what had not gone well and what had been missing.

Fortunately, the collaborations had been pleasant experiences for her. Her input was asked for right from the beginning of each project, and she felt her artistic talent was valued. If there was anything that made the collaborations difficult for her, it was lack of qualitative feedback throughout the projects. She was more or less left alone with all her creative decisions. This meant that the momentum on the projects did not organically grow from a garden of lively exchange, as much as it was her throwing ideas into an echo chamber and running against time to meet deadlines. (To make it clear, these are my interpretations derived from our conversations, and not any complaints coming from her side.)

We realised that gathering and sustaining momentum would be a key contributing factor to bringing our project to a successful close. This potentially could be a problem since we both wanted to work on other projects at the same time as Tornado Tilly. These other projects had priority, though we were clear that Tilly was important. We knew that we needed to find time and creative space for Tilly and not let our other projects overshadow the work on the book.

So, right from the beginning we met online or at the fabulous central library in Hamburg every few weeks to look at what Josi had completed since the last time. The progress has not been linear or steady, but more like how a child grows, in short spurts and unexpected leaps. It really does not matter how much or how little Josi has done; our meetings rekindle the fire under the project. This is the first of hopefully further collaborations, so there is a tenderness, a kindness in the way we work together that we want to protect.

The first thing we did was to create a style guide. Together, we defined a colour palette, perspectives of the illustrations, and the styles of the characters and backgrounds. For this, we looked at various children’s books we adore. Analysing what sort of styles produced what sort of emotions.

Next, we created an initial storyboard. I’ve worked with storyboards the past as a content developer of e-learning modules and instructional videos. Yet, making the one for Tilly was the most fun. Josi originally drew the double-page spreads on paper the size of what the book is to be. She then digitised the drawings, so it was possible to iterate on it as we became clearer about how to visually tell the story. Ideas danced onto the storyboard as lines scribbled over on top of each other.

Before actually making any sketches, Josi needed time to understand what Tilly looked like and how she moved. She decided she wanted to experiment with a more abstract style, so it took a while before Tilly found her form. In my mind, Tilly resembles my adopted granddaughter, Wian. I told Josi stories of Wian and funny anecdotes about her when she was the age of Tilly.

Tilly was not to look like my granddaughter; she just needed her spark. A child filled with unrestrained curiosity and energy. I loved seeing how Josi was able to bring to life a character who, even when sitting, vibrates with vivaciousness.

Over the last months, Josi has completed black-and-white sketches of all the spreads and has started colouring a few. It is quite miraculous how she has taken over the telling of Tilly. Her drawings tell a grander tale than is possible through words. Her work has changed how I understand the story.

What I appreciate is the fact that she uses me as a sounding board at various stages along the way.

As mentioned, one of the things she missed in her previous collaborations was qualitative feedback. For this reason, we have made our approach intentionally specific. When she uploads new drawings, she tells me what she wants me to concentrate on. Not “Do you like it?” but more “Is her movement playful?” or “Could her facial expression be more abstract?” Pinpointing what to focus on emboldens me to freely tell her what hits and what confuses.

We are far enough into the book that Josi wants to start designing the cover. Yesterday, we met at Hamburg’s central library and perused their children’s literature department. I had this idea to get inspired about covers by making it into a game. We wandered through the bookshelves and found book covers we loved, as well as a slew we felt were awful.

We went with our stack of books and in the library’s café with our treasures, discussing what we liked or disliked about each book. We had a ranking system, as well as wrote down comments on each. I was able to put all the information into a document for Josi to use in the next while.

We have agreed that she will make three possible cover sketches, which I will send to various friends for their opinion. I am also considering making a poll for those of you who read my Substack. Whether this will help or hinder the process remains to be seen. Undoubtedly, receiving input will be fun.

If all goes well, sometime towards the end of this year or the beginning of the next, Josi will finish the first draft. We will send this version to a cackle of beta readers, both children and adults alike. If any of you would enjoy giving us feedback, or you have children or grandchildren who would give us their opinion on the book, please put your hand up. The more people we can involve, the more joy we will infuse into the book.

There is still a long way to go before we set the book out into the world, but I know it will happen and the book will be a delight to read. Somehow, all the joy and fun of Josi’s and my collaboration is bound to shine through in the illustrations and the story. While working on Tornado Tilly we have also created a bond that is special to us both, which is a precious gift indeed.