SRS Smackdown Spotlight #4: Kjersten Anna Hayes

I think it's time to hear from an illustrator (and picture book writer), don't you?

But first, don't forget to stop by Holly's where she's spotlighting Beth Kephart.

But let's get back to spotlighting an illustrator smackdowning. She was our first Whip of the Week, it's Kjersten Anna Hayes! Visit her website, Collage Clips blog, and Etsy Shop!

First, I asked Kjersten to tell us a about her current revision project:

My current revision project is an illustrated dummy of a picture book story I wrote, called Patchwork by the River. I love working on it because the main characters, Opossum, Crow and Armadillo are scrappy, full of heart and fun to draw. Plus Tree houses are involved. Who wouldn’t want to sit around drawing tree houses?

I’m also working on an illustration assignment for the SCBWI Nevada Mentor program that I’m participating in. It’s a blast.

And for a revision tip, Kjersten offers the following:

I try to approach drawing, writing and revising all with a spirit of play. This is especially important with revision because it’s the easiest part to bog and clog up on.

What I mean is, revision can often be like the parachute jumper trying not to land on the only tree in the field but ends up there anyway because it’s the only part of the field she was focusing on. When you focus on what doesn’t work with your writing, you clog up your mind; you end up tangled in your obstacles because they were what you focused on.

Instead of focusing on what sucks in my work, I prefer to aim my wings towards where I want them to go. Revision is asking the question, "What can I do to make this better?" over and over and over. And then it’s answering that question with a spirit of play by brainstorming.

Brainstorming simply means trying lots of stuff. It means sitting down and working. I ask "what if" questions and "how about I try" questions. I draw and draw and draw some more. I keep trying different things like I’m playfully solving a puzzle in the Sunday paper. If something new or better comes along, I take note. I hone in. I draw until one part is markedly improved and then move to the next challenge.

When I revise, I go through this process with every drawing, every composition and every page turn. Even the ones I already like. I ask myself the same question over and over. "What can I do to make this better? What can I do to make this better? What can I do to make this better?" Then when I’m done I go back around for a second revision or a third or as many as it takes.

Because that’s my job as an illustrator: to make my picture books be the best they can possibly be.

Great message, Kjersten! Hey, smackdowners...where will you put your focus during this last week of the smackdown?

Plus, I love Kjersten's fresh take on journaling...check it out HERE.