Crafting ‘Once Upon A Claim’ was more than just weaving words and morals together. To truly bring the tales to life and create a visual experience for readers, the illustrations had to be just right. Today, I’ll delve into the art behind the tales and share the fascinating journey of the book’s illustrations, offering insights from both my perspective and that of our talented illustrator, Clint Lander De Jose.
From my side, the quest for the perfect illustrator was a rollercoaster of emotions. Anyone who has ventured into the publishing world knows that hiring an illustrator can be a significant investment. Given my budget constraints and the ambition I had for the book, I felt cornered. I briefly dabbled in AI Art and even tried my hand at GIMP. But as days turned into nights, it was clear that my proficiency in these tools was not up to the mark. Despair was an understatement.
As I grappled with this challenge, it was my husband who threw me a lifeline, suggesting I reach out to my virtual assistant, Mary. And in a twist that feels straight out of a fairy tale, Mary recommended her son, Clint.
At the onset, Clint emphasized the unique blend required for this project. “Balancing expectations while maintaining my own artistic style was key,” Clint shared. “The task of merging fairy tales with insurance concepts isn’t straightforward. It demands a particular finesse to ensure both elements shine while preserving the integrity of each. It’s a dance of creative flow and conceptual accuracy.”
Time was always ticking in the background. Clint found himself racing against the clock, “Juggling academic commitments and other projects alongside this was a challenge. Deadlines became tightropes, demanding focus and agility.”
Yet, it wasn’t just about producing work quickly. Clint’s commitment to excellence meant that he often found himself spending hours refining details. “Revisions were a significant part of the process. I wanted every illustration to be perfect. The smallest detail could change the narrative, and ensuring each feature was spot-on became a consuming, albeit rewarding, endeavor.”
Drawing inspiration was another fascinating journey. The digital realm is vast, and Clint often found himself traversing its expansive corridors. “The internet is a treasure trove of art. While it’s a boon, it can also be overwhelming. Many times, while searching for that spark or reference, I’d find myself lost in the sheer volume of art out there,” Clint quipped.
Despite the challenges, Clint's passion was evident. The result? Stunning illustrations that breathe life into insurance tales, making them both engaging and informative. As readers flip through Once Upon A Claim, they’re not just reading stories; they’re stepping into a world where art and insurance knowledge intertwine, all thanks to Clint's artistry.
Clint can be reached at: Clintlander26@gmail.com, facebook.com/In2kk.illust, Instagram.com/lander2kk
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