Key Takeaways
- Finalize your text completely before starting illustrations.
- Provide brief, essential character descriptions, leaving room for interpretation.
- Use clear page breaks to indicate where text belongs on each spread.
One of the most common challenges authors face when hiring a studio is knowing exactly how to hand over their story. A well-prepared manuscript saves weeks of back-and-forth and ensures the final illustrations perfectly match your vision.
The Golden Rule: Finalize the Text
It sounds obvious, but you should never begin the illustration phase with a draft manuscript. Even minor text changes can drastically alter the layout of a spread, forcing the artist to redraw compositions to accommodate a longer paragraph. Ensure your manuscript has been fully edited, proofread, and locked before you bring it to your art team.
Art Direction: Less is More
When adding art notes to your manuscript, focus on the essentials. Describe the crucial actions taking place and any indispensable visual elements, but trust your illustrator to handle the composition, lighting, and framing. Over-directing can stifle the cinematic potential of a scene.
"Tell us what is happening in the scene, but let us show you the best angle to view it from."