Personal thoughts before illustrating my next book.

OK.. I have the story-line and general format…

I know what it is I have to do… illustrate.

So why… why… the procrastination and hesitancy?

I think it is because I know me. Many times in the past I have immersed myself so completely into a project that everything else (and I mean everything) is put aside. The project dominates so completely that after a while I become a zombie-like survivor of the apocalypse. Living on nothing but coffee and biscuits I delve into the creative depths neglecting all distractions. Unshaven, living in the darkness. The only light a dim lampshade throwing a lazer through dusty air while the quiet hum of the old PC drones on.

Well, that is a slight exaggeration, however if it turns out to be this way, it will become an ordeal I seriously do not wish to go through. But does it have to be like this? Does focusing on a project mean having to lose focus of everything else?

I want the books I’m creating to be about life and balance. About enjoyment and freedom. About the love of God, and to loving our world and the people and creatures that live here. I want the stories to reflect a certain reality even though they are works of fantasy, or else they might become just nonsense stories... and I'm not really interested in books that don't actually say anything real. 

But I also want to create something that reflects the joyous imaginary freedom and innocence of children. The courageous steps they take every day and the way they express that with bold flowing lines that evolve into Robots wearing gasmasks, wielding flaming swords that have curly-wurley bits on them whilst wearing armour that protect them from everything. The imaginary world they create becomes so alive, that sounds of spaceships’ exploding and guns attacking are often heard as the creator becomes part of the drama of their own world. They fully enter their creative world.. and this is sometimes what happens to me, except it goes on for days and sometimes weeks… and that is not helpful.

Kids are a burst of energy whilst growing in all areas of life when they are directed by a caregiver who knows what is best for them. Kids need this discipline.. Going to school, learning manners, eating tea with the family etc. etc.   All these things make them put aside their own creative fun and desires to do what’s necessary for living. And it is a necessary distraction, because reality is ultimately more important than fantasy. The relationships we form and the work we must do to survive and live is the real world we all share and live in. But without the imaginative flair of our personalities, what a humdrum boring world it would be. I’m so glad that God gave us this gift of envisioning different worlds beyond what we see around us whilst giving us a common reality to share it.

As I approach this next project, I need this childlike boldness in creativity .. whilst also being free to live a balanced and healthy life… placing first devotion to what.. or should I say … who… are the most important relationships I have, and also the tasks that need to be done so I can live in the real world and yet enjoy the God given ability to dream and create.

May it happen.