In the second of our Community Success Story features, we’re shining the spotlight on talented Canadian Illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started as an illustrator?
My journey to become a children‘s book illustrator was rather round-about. I had always loved both art and science, and had a tough time deciding which to pursue in university. I eventually decided to go the science route and earned a BScH in Life Sciences from Queen’s University. I then worked in a Medical Research Laboratory that studies cell signalling.
I left it behind to become a stay-at-home mom to my 4 young children. During this time I fell in love with children’s books and started to think about making a career change once my kids where in school full time. With the support of my husband I decided to take that scary leap. I did a ton of research, developed a portfolio, created a website, and sent out my first batch of promotional mailers to perspective clients.
About 2 months later I got a call from, the lovely Christie Harkin, Children’s Book Editor at Fitzhenry & Whiteside. I think I must have done a happy dance around the house for days after that phone call. I am very excited to share that I will be illustrating my first picture book “Skink on the Brink” by Lisa Dalrymple (Fitzhenry &Whiteside, Spring 2013)
What hurdles and challenges have held you back in the past?
One of my biggest hurdles initially was myself, in that I had major pangs of self doubt. I worried that not having an art degree would pose a problem. And being the critical person that I am when it comes to self critique, I felt like my art was never good enough. Taking that first step to get “out there” was quite scary for me. I also had a million questions about the industry and didn’t know exactly where to begin.
How did you overcome these?
I got online and began to do lots and lots of research. I joined CANSCAIP, SCWBI, and social network sites like Twitter LinkedIn and Facebook, to follow other illustrators, editors and children’s book people. At first I lurked around these sites, soaking up lots of great tidbits of knowledge, then once I felt more comfortable I started a blog and introduced myself to the online illustration community.
Another eureka moment came the day I stumbled onto zero2illo. I knew I had found a golden nugget of information. I am so thankful to Jonathan for sharing his journey with us, and taking the time to put together such a fantastic wealth of information for aspiring illustrators. His site gave me the tools I needed to get started, and a framework to follow. I felt like I had a good plan of attack and now knew what steps I needed to take to get my work out to potential clients.
What role has zero2illo played in your illustration career so far?
I think zero2illo was instrumental in helping me get to where I am today. Zero2illo’s tutorials, 12 step challenges etc. helped me create my own plan of attack, and provided tools so I could build my own website, create my first promotional mailers, and more. Plus I had the added benefit of interacting with the wonderfully encouraging zero2illo community of illustrators, comprised of both aspiring and working professionals.
Any tips for illustrators who are just getting started or want to take things to the next level?
Be brave! Do lots and lots of research. Define your goals, find your unique style then focus your portfolio to attract your target clients. Join CANSCAIP, SCBWI, and get into social networking, like Twitter, and Facebook. I have found illustrators to be a very encouraging bunch. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
I joked with Jonathan when he asked me to do this interview that I felt way too “green” to be considered a success story. He reminded me that I had achieved my first dream contract…and that is a big success. It made me giggle because I still have those nagging feeling of self doubt sometimes, having like-minded illustrator friends to encourage and inspire are irreplaceable.
Join a critique group, or create one. Having a fresh set of eyes (or a few) to provide constructive feedback will help you grow as an artist/illustrator and improve your craft.
Get yourself and your work out there, start a blog, keep practicing and learning, and take the time to make connections with like-minded people as you go. Take a chance and send that targeted promo mailer to that dream client, you never know; it just might be a perfect fit.
To see more of Suzanne’s work, check out her website and blog.
If zero2illo has helped you in your career and you’d like to be interviewed for a future spotlight, get in touch. You don’t have to have ‘made it’ in the Illustration world, we think it’s important to celebrate any success in moving your career forward, however small.