📖🎨my journey of illustrating & self publishing a picture book 🌊🦀artist diaries vlog

✨ Welcome friends, I wanted to share the whole process of illustrating and self publishing my very first picture book. A lot of you have followed my journey so far as I've been illustrating my book Mother Seagull & The Ocean King.
✨ I thought it would be fun to go down memory lane and put all those clips together. You'll see how I developed my illustrations and ideas for the book. As well as my emotional journey, the highs and the lows of working on a long term creative project.
✨ I hope you find this interesting. This is a vlog style / artist diaries video. If you'd like to see a tutorial of how to use KDP? Let me know. I'd love to make more videos about creating picture books in the future.
🌊🦀 Buy the book here amzn.to/3g6SZ1x 🌊🦀
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🎵 MUSIC
Ashton Edminster - Explain It at the Coffee Shop - thmatc.co/?l=A649FBDB
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#selfpublishingchildrensbook #emmacarpenter #picturebookillustration

[@justfrancesca8185]

Thank you for sharing your story! I self-published a children's book a couple years ago and it was a fantastic learning process. It was hard work and there were lots of little fees that added up. I still want to do it again, though:) It's encouraging to see other artists/authors getting out there and being creative because it's important not only for the world but also for the artist I think.

[@MagsArt]

Im proud of you Emma, and I love your imagination 👍 There are many illustrations and styles that are so similar to each other, like copies of one another, but yours are one of a kind. I wish you every success. And yes, please, could you make a video about KPD 😊 thank you

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Aww thanks so much 😁 I’ll make the tutorial video soon. Are you planning on self publishing too? 📚

[@MagsArt]

@@EmmaCarpenterIllustration I’m thinking of it since at least 10 years haha I hope I'll get around to it eventually

[@MartaTaylor]

Love how you use the pencils, your art seems super soft and cosy. 😊

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thank you so much 😀

[@kristywhilden3772]

Emma! Your book is absolutely beautiful.

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks Kristy 🥰

[@maddiemabry2587]

this makes my heart sing. thank you

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

aww thank you so much 🥰

[@johnshep7]

Fascinating patient ingenious process

[@bhartidaya6259]

Illustrations are stunning!! 🌟🌟🌟

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thank you sooooo much! 🥰

[@user-ub9yh7fu4s]

I just found this video today and wow 😍 your work is stunning and I found it so interesting watching alonh from start to finish. Very inspiring 🙏❤

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thank you so much! 😄

[@Mel-rb7sr]

Congratulations!! Thank you for sharing!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks Mel 😄

[@felishiarae332]

This was so helpful and inspiring! Thanks for documenting your process. Such beautiful and unique drawings, I love how it turned out. Looking forward to check out your other videos!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks Felishia! 😄glad you found it helpful too!

[@HopefulMathGirl]

I appreciate this video so much, it's inspiring!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thank you! 😁 Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SUSSDUE]

So lovely! Really fun to follow the journey from thumbnails to printed book. And I have to say I really like that wallpaper!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks Charlotte 😊 Glad you like it! The wallpaper is Laura Ashley and I luckily got it in the sale!

[@jannickehansen5645]

It looks amazing! I love the endpapers

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thank you Jannicke! 😄

[@annhorton9784]

SUCH a beautiful book! Great job, thank you so much for sharing your process!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks for watching Ann 😊 Glad you like it!

[@glittersunflower9460]

I love the book you should be really proud. ❤

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Aww thanks so much ☺️📚

[@friendsintheleaves]

It looks so so good Emma! I hope you’re very proud, I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to receive my book!!!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks Aurore 😊 I am proud, it's so nice to see it as a finished book 📖

[@lizzyinthefens]

This is gorgeous and it takes soooo much skill to draw like that but you make it look so easy!!! Fantastic!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Aw thank you Lizzy, it doesn’t feel easy 😅 also my rough sketches usually look very rough!! But after a while it starts to come together ☺️

[@sherryl3770]

Thank you! I'm trying to do the same thing! I have experienced all of the same emotions!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Good luck Sherryl! 😊Yeah I think lots of us artists go through these highs and lows!

[@hannabujakowska303]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THOS VIDEO❤❤❤❤❤ THIS BOOK IS REALY PRETTY AND YOUR PROCES IS HIPNOTIZING.❤ HAPPY EASTER❤

[@usernotavailablewg]

I am in the stage struggling with the progress of my illustration book. But I felt so happy and actually smiled when I saw that you received your printed book! Thank you for the inspiration!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

I hope you've worked through your struggles now. Glad you found the video encouraging. Good luck with your book! 😊📚

[@mariagragson9164]

Thank you so much for sharing! I love all of your delightful characters. I’ve been in the process of writing a children’s book and would love any more information you have to share. Thanks for being candid with your feelings in the process as well.

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

You are so welcome, glad you found it useful. I've filmed the clips for the tutorial, just need to edit it ...which could take ages 😆

[@janetmorgan9728]

I am so enjoying this blog. I have only recently begun to take my dream of being a childrens author/illustrator seriously and this is inspiring. I am currently in the thick of the pictures for my first solo book and am waiting for a book I illustrated for a friend to debut. It's an exciting time for sure!

[@provancamaria]

Thank you. So, so beautiful.🌟🎂😀

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

You're welcome 🥰 glad you enjoyed it!

[@traceygreening1630]

Hello Emma, Congratulations on the book. I have just ordered my copy and I'm looking forward to receiving it soon.

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Yay thank you Tracey! 😁 Hope you enjoy it 💕

[@deborahmeyers551]

Emma this book is absolutely beautiful all that work you put into it soooooo atmospheric and the characters together with some of the story was touching 🥰💜😘.. the hands looked like hands

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thank you so much Deborah! 😊 hehe aw glad the sea hands illustration worked 🌊💕

[@mzzbevcreates]

I just ordered mine from Amazon US and it says it’s going to be here this coming Sunday!! I’m so excited!! This video was fun, thank you for taking us on your journey and for being open about the ups and downs. Again, your art is beautiful!! :) ❤

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks Bev 🥰 yay hope you enjoy the book! So glad you liked the video it was fun to go down memory Lane 💕

[@RegnaSaturna]

Good job, well done! Looks great. I really hope it wil have lots of sales.

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

☺📚 thank you for the encouragement, glad you liked it!

[@lidyathe7821]

It looks amazing, would love to get one for my kids:)

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Aww thank you so much 🥰📚

[@artwithem6635]

this turned out amazing!! well done, i'm gonna add it to my Christmas list :)

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Yay! Thank you Emily 🥰🎅🎄

[@emmaneary6120]

The book looks great and I hope you're really pleased with it. I love that it's done in coloured pencil and it was nice to see all the clips about the book in one video too. I've popped it on my Wishlist so hopefully Santa will get me one for Xmas 😁.

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks Emma 😊 it was really fun putting all these video clips together. Aw hope Santa get's your xmas letter 🎅

[@kpsfineart-DreamingBearStudio]

I am so glad you did that. I am so proud of you Ned admire your work. I ordered your book right after I finished this video but didn’t’ have enough time to leave a comment at that time. Anyway I am taking a long break from KZbin and now I see many of my favorite artists were busy and worked hard and hard. I am happy to see all of you again. Have a great week and hope you can sell lots of books. Happy Thanksgiving from Alaska. ^^

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the book! 🥰 I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving too🍂

[@hchauv2]

I enjoyed every minute of this! You are just precious and the book is gorgeous!!! Great job, can't wait to purchase one for my boys. You are so talented and I love learning new things here. Happy new subscriber :)

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Aw thank you so much 🥰I hope you enjoy reading it together

[@astridarroyave]

❤

[@Lings_Vlog]

Hi Emma, i have to admire your books are magnificent art. I learned a lot advice from your videos, really appreciate it :) Keep going :)

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thank you Ling! 😄I'm so glad you enjoyed the videos. Have a lovely day 🌷

[@birdie.b]

I’m new to all of this, I’m somewhat nervous and excited. What app/products are you using to draw your illustration on??

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

I used traditional pencils, photoshop and procreate on my iPad. I made another video on the technical side of putting the book together too which you might find helpful ☺️ good luck

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

I watched this in bed last night and was too tired to comment then, but just wanted to say how inspiring it was to see your process (the combination of traditional and digital art) and the finished book looks wonderful! I love the illustrations, they have such a lovely atmosphere and style. Well done, Emma!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thank you so much Natasha 🥰 and thank you for coming back to comment. I know what that's like sometimes I'm watching KZbin in the middle of making dinner or doing the dishes or something and forget to comment 😅

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

@@EmmaCarpenterIllustration I thought I'd let you know that I've just ordered a copy!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

@@NatashaNewtonArt Aww thank you Natasha, I hope you enjoy it! When you have time could you leave a review on Amazon? I need to remind people to leave reviews 😅

[@linsaraillustration]

That looks so good. And thanks for sharing it Emma, i am starting my first childrens book illustration, and u sharing the process is definitely a big help. And yes, would love to know more about self publishing. Congrats 🥰 looks soo beautiful.

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

You are so welcome! Glad you found it helpful 😊 and good luck with your own book! 📚 What's it about?

[@linsaraillustration]

@@EmmaCarpenterIllustration My son wrote 3 stories, so we decided to do the launch officially, so, i am illustrating it. Its a story of Rooster, other about dragon and bees. We had a bee hive attack recently, so he wrote a story about it. So, yeah. Thats the 3 stories. And Thankyou so much.

[@chaunguyen231]

hard work, be successful

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thank you 🥰 good luck to you too!

[@KallerhultCreations]

I really enjoyed watching this video, such a nice time capsule of your process!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

So glad you enjoyed it 😁 Oo how exciting, remind me what your book is about? How much have you got left to do?

[@KallerhultCreations]

@@EmmaCarpenterIllustration☺️ it is a book about rabbit husbandry, written by a good friend of mine and I've done illustrations and the graphic design 🐇 it was released in August (?) but life has been crazy so I haven't really had the time to process it 😂❤️

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

@@KallerhultCreations Oh I understand, you've finished the book, but you're planning on editing a video about it 😊that sounds fun!

[@majazdelar7633]

Your book looks really nice. Please make a KPD video :) thanks

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thank you! 😊 Glad you like it, the KDP video will be coming soon, I've filmed it, just need to edit it.

[@janedoe5229]

I am enjoying this so much, and I think your illustrations are fantastic! I really like that you are a traditional artist, and not doing EVERYTHING on digital. Traditional art has more variation to the colors. I wish you would talk a little bit (or put in the description) more about your materials. What kind of pencils are you using? What kind of paper are you using? How big is your lightbox? Thanks. :)

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks Jane 😊 I do also really like working digitally on my iPad. My pencils are Luminance pencils by Caran D'Ache, I unbox them in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJuWn2h3frVssJosi=3nVMlvp2gpnzFECn and I use an A3 lightbox

[@SwanCreates]

CONGRATULATIONS, this is amazing

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks so much Swan 🥰

[@scoiataeli]

I also use washi tape to mark my pencils and markers 😁

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

😁 it’s a good tip isn’t it!

[@e_nigma_]

Beautiful work and proud of you for going for it!! A very stupid question - you did draw alot in pencils, did you just scan these drawings or did you redraw later in Ipad? The illustrations look very vibrant!❤❤

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks for watching, the pencil drawings were scanned in and then edited on my ipad 😊

[@Theswordinthesewn]

Your illustrations are so beautiful!! The book turned out amazing. I've just ordered my copy. What scanner do you use?

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Oh thank you Jessica 🥰 It was a scanner that was part of my canon printer, unfortunately it broke though. Well the printer bit broke which meant it didn’t want to do anything not even scan. So I’d suggest if you can get a separate flatbed scanner. I’ve been working on my iPad a lot recently so I haven’t needed to scan anything. But I’ll probably do some more traditional drawing in the future

[@romicajones]

I'm in awe how concise you made this video of the whole journey. I can totally relate to the dip in motivation and confidence about the project and my work. The first book I did with another author hit some challenges midway and I thought I will never work with another person again (being in the late stages of pregnancy probably heavily influced this feeling of being overwhelmed with last minute changes to finals that I didn't expect etc). But it all worked out in the end a week before baby came (she came earlier). I'd love to hear how you how navigated the feedback with the author. Were they giving a lot of feedback or were you able to work on the sketches and finals without much input?

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Oh no last minute changes are not fun! Glad it worked out ☺I was very lucky that the author of this book was happy for me to do what I wanted, and happy with all the changes. But I have worked with other people on portrait commissions where they may want a lot of changes. I now say upfront how many changes I can do at each stage, and then charge for extra changes.

[@phoebebruce8277]

Hi Emma, thanks for sharing your process. I have another question, i am illustrating a book for my friend, using kdp, and I'm just having trouble getting 100% clear on setting my page up correctly. I'm doing 8.5" x 5.5" (140cm x 216cm). Kdp website says to leave 9.6 mm bleed margins, where i originally thought it was 3mm, or 0.125" which you've used here. Also with the double page spread, do you leave any space in the gutter, or just don't place any important elements in there? Did you find the pages lined up in your book? Is some of the image lost in the binding? My book is only small, maybe 30 pages. All hand painted, so difficult to make modifications. Thanks so much for any help!

[@denisesarjant1912]

Emma what t drawing app are you working in for the spreads? Love your art work 💓

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks Denise 😊 I used a combination of traditional coloured pencils and procreate on the iPad, and Photoshop.

[@phoebebruce8277]

Hi there! What is that light box tracing tablet you are using? Looks so helpful!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Hi Phoebe thanks for watching 😊 I think I got it from Etsy. If you just search for LED drawing light box, something similar should come up.

[@edonagjoka2374]

Beautiful work!!! How did you get your drawing on photoshop without losing quality/resolution?

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Great question Edona, I scan my artwork in at 600dpi. (300dpi is recommended as a minimum, but I like doing 600dpi in case I want to print my artwork really big at some point in the future). I then do a few edits, like adjust the saturation, brightness, contrast, levels etc. Hope that helps ☺☺

[@lightbulbnirvana]

Hello Emma! Great fantastic marvelous job! I plan to purchase one, but is it possible to get it signed? Also, am I mistaken to think that Tom looks like the Ocean King??? I remember as I had been following the story way back when, that I thought it could be about the COVID Pandemic. and how the whole world was working to develop the vaccine. It really is wonderful to see the process and to get the last chapter of the story (that is, seeing the book in final form!) Thanks for sharing and for putting this particular post together. I would also be game on a post about Self-Publishing. It seems mysterious. 🕶

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Sorry for the late reply, KZbin marked this comment as spam for some silly reason 😆 That's funny you think Tom looks like the Ocean King, that wasn't intentional, but maybe it was subconscious. I think a lot of the women I draw end up looking a bit like me. That's a nice interpretation of the story too 😊🌊

[@lightbulbnirvana]

@@EmmaCarpenterIllustration I think it was tagged as spam because it was a long and meaningful post. 😉

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

@@lightbulbnirvana haha maybe 😆😆

[@davidazure1539]

Love the illustrations and love thar you work in colour pencil also. What brand do you use?

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks David, I used the Caran d’ache luminance pencils you can buy them individually or in sets. I also work digitally using my iPad.

[@AmyClarkesinger]

Love your style :) what brand of coloured pencils do you use?

[@denisecountessmetlissmetli1856]

Which computer program do you use please

[@lgp423]

Really enjoyed watching this video Emma ❤ such a nice and informative recap 🤗! I am new to your channel therefore I was wondering do you go back and forth between manual and digital drawing when illustrating? Would love to see more of your process videos and best of luck to your book 🎉! Also, do you use a gripper on a pencil when drawing? Does it help to take the strain off your lower arm? I often get tension pain after drawing for extended periods with my Microns so was thinking if I should get a gripper (but where from 🤔?).

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks so much and welcome ☺☕I go through periods where I just want to draw traditionally and other times when I want to draw digitally. Right now I've been really into drawing on my iPad. Often I sketch out ideas or rough sketches on my iPad first even if I'm doing the final drawing traditionally. And sometimes I start traditionally and then tweak a few things digitally 😄So it really is a mixture of the two. I've never tried using a gripper, although that does sound like a good idea. Let me know if you find one you like. 🌼

[@flamingoartsemporium7520]

Hi Emma, just watched your video, thanks was very inspiring. I have produced some illustrations and like best the ones drawn on nice quality paper. Would you mind sharing the paper type that you use?

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks for watching ☺️ I use the heavyweight 200gsm acid free cartridge paper from Cass Arts. Good luck ✍️

[@brandiemuse9769]

I love your artwork. I have written almost two hundred children's books, but I have had terrible luck with getting them published for one reason I can't draw. If I could do that I would self-publish. Do you work with other authors on their children's books?

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks Brandie, wow that's a lot of children's books. I'm going to be focusing on another picture book I want to make first. But I may be open for commissions in the future. 😊

[@brandiemuse9769]

@@EmmaCarpenterIllustration I sent an email before you responded to this. If or when you would want to work together, I just had a question that I put in the email. Thanks.

[@mindfuleats4517]

What do you do with the artwork once you have finished each page? Do you scan it in? Do you do that yoiurself?

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks for watching 😊😊Yes I scan it in myself at 600dpi, you could also scan at 300dpi (I just want to have it as big as possible). Then I adjust the brightness, contrast, levels, saturation etc.

[@helgatoterbaum]

that's a lovely book, congratulations! ❤ may i ask pls? if you hear back from one of those publishing houses, will you give them a chance, or do you think that self publishing is more reasonable/profitable in this niche, given the competition and strict rules (let alone their right to correct your pictures if there's something they don't like)? thank you!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thank you 😊 yeah I'd love to work with an agent and publisher. I'm also happy to work with them on ideas and change things, but I've heard most picture book agents would be put off seeing something that is completely finished. Also it's rare for them to hire an illustrator and writer together, as they may like the writing and not the illustrations or vice versa. The good thing about self publishing is you don't need to wait for someone to hire you; if there's a book project you really want to create you can do it yourself.

[@emily6621]

May I know how do you self publish please, thank you so much

[@emily6621]

I like you style so much!

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thanks Emily ☺️ sure I made a tutorial video about self publishing here kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnSxmWqlpZp3l6csi=5-jltqjWOcfcsnv5

[@emily6621]

@@EmmaCarpenterIllustration I will watch it, thank you 😊

[@HuckyBooks]

What a brilliant video this is! You've captured all the highs and lows that I have experienced too, and presented your process in such a lovely way. I've just written my story, and I'm about to start the illustrations. I used to love traditional and digital art in my younger days, so I'm hoping I manage okay! Did you do a video on the KDP process? Thanks again. I'm looking forward to watching some more of your videos. 😊

[@EmmaCarpenterIllustration]

Thank you 😊so glad you enjoyed my video. Yes I made a separate video about the KDP process here kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnSxmWqlpZp3l6csi=STURREXB0uuJw0Ou Good luck with your book!

[@hustlinhitch]

Your art is fantastic! Unpopular opinion but I think KDP should not allow every man and his dog to flood it with AI-generated content when there are folk out there with talent.