Who is Kayla Stark, and what does she even do? (start here!)
and why all posts are FREE for the foreseeable.
Hi! I’m Kayla Stark, an illustrator working primarily in the children’s publishing world. You’re reading “Odd Thoughts”, my blog/newsletter where I talk mostly about illustration, process, publishing, and anything else that’s tangentially related in my life. Join in! Everyone’s welcome!
If you’re new around here, HELLO! I’m Kayla!
It’s hard for me to tell because I’m…well…I’m “me”. But, I realized that based on my Instagram / website / Substack etc. it might be confusing as to what I actually spend my time doing. With that in mind, I thought it was time I write a quick intro for myself, and give a general idea of what I post about here.
I’m an illustrator! I’ve wanted to be an illustrator since I was very little—before I even knew the term. I live in Nashville, TN and work primarily in the kid lit industry. Since I went full-time freelance in 2017, I’ve illustrated 11 picture books (one of which won the Irma Black Silver Medal in 2021) and a similar number of book covers.
Read more of the nitty gritty on my FAQ page if yer interested!
You may be here because you saw one of my Purposeful Practice bird posts on IG…
or maybe you came here through kid lit channels…(book things)
OR maybe you’re thinking “What’s with all the birds? I get that this lady draws stuff, but she seems all over the place.”
Well yes (I love birds), and YES! I am kind of all over the place, but it’s all related. Here’s a simplified overview of how I spend my time.
Books! (writing, dummying, and illustrating)
Book work is my main focus1. The bulk of my creative time is dedicated to illustrating manuscripts; writing/editing my own stories; and making book dummies to pitch. This has been mainly picture book focused, but I’ve recently decided to try other formats as well. (looking at you early readers!)
Making portfolio pieces & small things for my shop
When I don’t have book work to fill my time…or when I’m procrastinating that book work…I make things for fun AND to put in my portfolio. “Make the type of work you want to be hired for.” This is especially important for showing potential clients what I’m cable of, interested in, and expanding the type of illustration work I get. Sometimes I even turn these illustrations into products and put them in my shop.
Creating illustration challenges for myself
(1. so I improve, and 2. so I have things to share when I can’t share book work)
THIS is something I love, and will scream about until I’m dust and bones. As artists we all are lacking in skills we want to improve, and experience art block that puts us into a funk. I’m not saying a challenge is 100% guaranteed to fix you, but I’m not, NOT saying it. I will always prescribe a personal art challenge! I’ve just finished round one of my Purposeful Practice challenge. It helped me find myself again after finishing a looong project. And I’m already planning the next one (to build up my skill illustrating backgrounds).
Building and maintaining community (locally and online)
This might be the MOST paramount, and it also takes consistent time and effort.
It’s SO important (for me2) to build and maintain relationships. In this job, and in life, it’s impossible to do anything well without support and camaraderie. We are social creatures after all. Each week I’m talking/commiserating with friends and peers online; co-working/getting coffee with friends in person; and planning times where larger groups can get together to draw/socialize/etc.
I also love planning art retreats—and recording chats with artist friends.
Staring into the distance and overthinking
You know it. You’ve done it. You might be doing it right now. It’s a necessary part of the creative process.
Working on this newsletter and posting on social media
This is where I distill down my illustration process, thoughts about my work/the industry, looks at my day to day, etc. I HAVE to plan working on this newsletter and sharing updates on social media into my work day. It takes a lot of time and brain power to put it all together.
I’m always sharing a combination of everything above—depending on what’s top of mind; what I’m aloud to share (from books); what’s currently on my desk; and what I’m most excited about!
Bonus things I like to do! (because I’m a whole ass human and don’t JUST work)
baking / working out / playing games / going to soccer games / having themed parties
Everything here is now donation based!
Nothing is behind a paywall.
Everything is sent to everyone. :)
After some consideration, all posts will be available to everyone for the foreseeable! The chunkier process posts, that I normally tuck away in my “secret desk drawer” section, will be sent to everyone—and past paid posts will be unlocked.
That means paid subscriptions are for helping support my work, not for receiving anything extra.
If you like this newsletter, if you find it helpful and choose support my newsletter, I am eternally grateful! Thank you! You won’t only be supporting me, you’ll effectively be sponsoring it for other readers too. It takes a lot of time and energy to build this into a valuable resource (especially the longer process and explanation posts).
Are there any perks for being a paid subscriber?
Yes! Along with all of my gratitude, paid subscribers will get:
Priority answers on Q&A posts/videos
Access to live group discussions in Guided Illustration Challenges
Bonus downloads (art mostly, but sometimes worksheets)
and things I haven’t thought of yet!
Thanks everyone! 😘🦆
should be my main focus…(I do tend to get distracted)
for everyone.
I applaud this post! (And not just because paid subscriptions are not in my budget right now!) There is much to be gained by making contact with people engaged in the same kind of work. Inspiration is inspiring! How's that for profound? FWIW, my modest following is supported by those who can, and feel so moved. It felt right to make everything I post here, or at the Panda Chronicles available for everyone.