After listening to a podcast episode that discussed self-publishing and Artificial Intelligence, I knew I needed to write a reflection piece about the technology. AI has upended many aspects of almost every industry.
When I first started, AI was not a realistic option for indie publishers, and I am glad that it was not. I saw great illustrators, like Ananta Mohanta in India (and others) produce amazing work in those years. though online forums. He was being hired left and right!
Unfortunately, the learning models took much of his work and farmed his style so that now many AI books look just like his illustrations. It makes me sad to think about it because he is a great talent... AND he now has to prove himself in ways he never imagined to keep his business going. I guess this may become the reality for many creative people seeking to build their careers on creative expression. So, I saw first hand the effects of AI on illustrators in other parts of the world.
My first book, What's in a Name?: A Child's Tale of Discovery was published in 2021. I worked with a firm in Europe called Graphic Mama for character design, and I developed the graphic design elements to illustrate it. Overall the illustration style is collage--much like my art and digital art. Admittedly, at that time, I knew very little about visual expression, but as a graduate of NYU's dramatic writing program, I knew about storytelling. And Ernst, being a creative dreamer, did too.
So my husband and I established Free Sparrows Press because we knew that we wanted to publish more projects, including the work of others (one day). After NYU, I did not submit my work to any publishers outside of one contest, but I did receive feedback from trusted writers and authors. Overall, I knew that I had a vision for the work and that certain projects would be just right for our budding press.
Now, I do have a literary agent, as I realize publishing all of the manuscripts that I have is not practical. But I would love to continue overseeing the artistic side of publishing projects through Free Sparrows as time and budget allow. It's a part of the process I truly love. Working with Eleazar, Jairalin, and Diego on some heart felt tales has been quite a journey.
That's why my first tale will get a new look-- a more unique style akin to Wonder in the Waiting, and more painterly akin to Use Your Palabras, Jovita! But not exactly like either one... Looking forward to sharing more in the future.
When I first started, AI was not a realistic option for indie publishers, and I am glad that it was not. I saw great illustrators, like Ananta Mohanta in India (and others) produce amazing work in those years. though online forums. He was being hired left and right!
Unfortunately, the learning models took much of his work and farmed his style so that now many AI books look just like his illustrations. It makes me sad to think about it because he is a great talent... AND he now has to prove himself in ways he never imagined to keep his business going. I guess this may become the reality for many creative people seeking to build their careers on creative expression. So, I saw first hand the effects of AI on illustrators in other parts of the world.
My first book, What's in a Name?: A Child's Tale of Discovery was published in 2021. I worked with a firm in Europe called Graphic Mama for character design, and I developed the graphic design elements to illustrate it. Overall the illustration style is collage--much like my art and digital art. Admittedly, at that time, I knew very little about visual expression, but as a graduate of NYU's dramatic writing program, I knew about storytelling. And Ernst, being a creative dreamer, did too.
So my husband and I established Free Sparrows Press because we knew that we wanted to publish more projects, including the work of others (one day). After NYU, I did not submit my work to any publishers outside of one contest, but I did receive feedback from trusted writers and authors. Overall, I knew that I had a vision for the work and that certain projects would be just right for our budding press.
Now, I do have a literary agent, as I realize publishing all of the manuscripts that I have is not practical. But I would love to continue overseeing the artistic side of publishing projects through Free Sparrows as time and budget allow. It's a part of the process I truly love. Working with Eleazar, Jairalin, and Diego on some heart felt tales has been quite a journey.
That's why my first tale will get a new look-- a more unique style akin to Wonder in the Waiting, and more painterly akin to Use Your Palabras, Jovita! But not exactly like either one... Looking forward to sharing more in the future.
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