Melissa Vandiver is a New Orleans-based artist and illustrator specializing in whimsical themed pet portraits, custom to each client, and commercial illustration, mainly children’s books. Her artistic mission is simple: to create images that evoke joy in a dark world. Growing up in South Carolina, she spent lots of time drawing and painting as a child alongside her artist mother. Later, Melissa studied architecture at Clemson University. After some time in that field, she got sick of drawing toilets, and art called to her.
1. How do I know what to do on the white paper?
If I am having trouble coming up with ideas, I look at art that other people have done, or I just start drawing something that's in the room with me. If the thing in the room is boring, I'll change the color or add things to it or make some other change that makes it more interesting. Like, if it's just a coffee cup, maybe I'll imagine the coffee belongs to an octopus, or the liquid in there is bright green, or something else in my imagination.
2. How do I draw when I can't feel the drawing inside my brain?
This happens to me all the time! If I know what I want to draw, but I can't imagine it, I start by writing down things about the picture I want to draw, with as many details as I can. When I'm finished with that, I will divide my paper into rectangles and do a very fast small sketch in each rectangle, so like a bunch of tiny drawings all together. Those are called "thumbnails" or "vignettes," and they help me imagine what I want my drawing to look like.
3. How do I say I'm a good artist?
When you make art that you feel proud of, you can tell people you think you're a good artist.
4. What was your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject in school was history. I loved learning about people in the past, and thinking about how what happened in their lives might be similar to things that happen today.
5. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about art?
If you can't figure out what to do next on a piece of art, the best thing you can do is take a long look at it, put it away, think a lot about it, go to sleep, and get it back out the next day. It works every time for me.
6. What are common traps for new artists?
New artists often think that there will be a day where they have suddenly gotten skilled enough to turn into a good artist. The truth is that it happens gradually, that there is no real definition of a "good artist," and that no matter how good you get, you will still always have room to grow, learn, and improve. Artists never reach the top of their ability.
7. How do you decide on composition?
I sketch everything out ahead of time, first quickly, and then I refine it - all before I start the final piece. I used to hate doing the sketch ahead of time, but it makes everything so much easier down the line.
8. How do you handle feedback from authors or publishers who want changes made to your artwork?
When I get feedback to make changes on work, I make sure I understand what is being asked of me, and then make the changes to the best of my ability. At first, it can be easy to get your feelings hurt, but you have to remember it's just a job, and that you would never have been hired in the first place if they didn't like your work. So, just like artists can always improve no matter how skilled they are, a piece of art can always be changed and improved as well.
9. What tips can you offer to aspiring book illustrators?
Rejection is just going to be part of life, and you'll have to get used to it. It's hard to get that first job, but once you get it, other things get easier. While you're trying, pay attention to children's books - look at the kids' section of bookstores and libraries, see what kids in your life are reading at home. Your portfolio should reflect what kinds of things you see in those books: characters in action, scenery, interior rooms, etc. It should highlight what you're good at, but show that you can apply those skills to whatever happens in a story.
Melissa, thank you so much for your fantastic art tips and tricks for our young artists! Please follow Melissa on social media and check out her amazing portfolio pieces below. Keep shining, everyone!
Website: https://mvandiver-art.com/
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