Basically, I’m illustrating my poem called “How to Collect Things,” which is (as the name suggests) instructions to a child on how to collect. The goal is to create a flip book (I use the term loosely) that could be flipped to create an animation (albeit a rather choppy animation) or read in the more traditional manner.

I’m drawing a lot of inspiration from Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day, particulary in terms of the shape of my little dude’s head and the use of cut paper/collage. I’m also feeling inspired by Crockett Johnson’s Harold and the Purple Crayon for its delightful story and exploration of the childhood imagination.

The creation of this book is a long and time-consuming process. I must produce 10 copies (we’re practicing editions), but am working to maintain a handmade, unique art feel for each copy.

Although the final illustrations will be cut paper, I’ve started off with sketches that illustrate the lines within the poem. It’s the best way to wrap my head around what I’m doing and plan the cutting process.

I’m actually working on the cut outs now, and will be scanning them into the computer tomorrow. After that, I’ll lay them out in InDesign. My last project taught me that trying to create the same art multiple times is a headache, so I’m scanning to save my sanity.

Even then, this is not quick work, and the more I do, the more I appreciate just how difficult book arts can be. But I love working with my hands and listening to the swift sssshhhh of scissors through paper. And I am certain there are few feelings as gratifying as watching your art take shape.

But for now I must take my sleepy and bedraggled self to bed (though I may pause for a few moments to begin Audrey Niffenigger’s Her Fearful Symmetry, which I purchased today and am super excited to read). I’ve had a long week, what with a trip home (more on that, including photos, later) and then a headlong dive back into work/school. I’m looking forward to a few moments of quiet this weekend to recenter myself before the urgent push that inevitably comes with the end of the year.