It’s interesting to describe how an artist and an author collaborate, because most people think that there’s a lot of conversation going on, and there’s a lot of exchange of ideas, but
basically, we don’t really talk much to each other. Perhaps there’s a few e-mails just letting you know that you’re doing great, or in this case, fortunately, I haven’t had the other side of the conversation, where they’re hating your work.
But I think that most of it comes directly from the editor and the art director, and they are the ones in charge to make sure that they’re doing this orchestrating of both ends, the writing and the paintings. But I knew a little bit about (Monica Brown’s) work. I did a little research on her. I wanted to know who I’m working with. And once I understand a little more about them, I think it’s easier to try to produce something that you’ll like, and more importantly that they’ll like as well.
I think we have a lot in common, and I admire her greatly. And it was a great opportunity to work with her. She was very supportive of everything I was doing, even though I thought that I was pushing boundaries that I was not too experienced in, and perhaps I…because of my lack of experience, was sort of, I think that I took advantage of when I was able to push things a little too far, perhaps. But she was there 100%, all the way, backing me up, and I think it was a great collaboration that really turned to be successful.
