Guest Interview: Sue Todd, Illustrator

Part II of IV

An interview with Sue Todd, Illustrator

Q/SF          Sue Todd, you have illustrated for publishers and writers, even for Spin Master Games!, are there times when you make art just for yourself? If so when do you know when its time to share your creation? and is it a feeling or a critique process that lets you know when you’re work is finished?

A/SF           I think it all comes down to one feeling – passion! When something resonates with me for whatever reason, I will get charged up and excited and feel the need to express it somehow, whether as an image or an illustrated story. I often rely on critiques from colleagues and industry professionals before putting a story out there. On the other hand, one must be courageous and confident in one’s creation. I love tarot cards and one card that I relate to in this context is the Fool. In traditional tarot, the Fool is about to step off a cliff, to take a leap of faith in hopes that the journey he is beginning will be fruitful. I walk that tightrope between taking a chance on a new idea or work and an innate desire for perfection which is ever unattainable. In a recent writing class, I learned about “killing your darlings,” that is, letting go of ideas or words to which we become attached to the overall detriment of the story.  It is difficult to be objective about our work, to know when to release it to the world or let it die a natural death, and that is where friends and colleagues can be indispensable. But ultimately it is up to you to make the final determination and to remain true to your vision.

Another interview you may like to read about Sue Todd is Bookworm and Illustrator by Aimee Reid,

Here is Sue Todd’s shop, her wearable art is fabulous, Redbubble shop.

“Hire an Illustrator” here is Sue Todd’s profile and Tarot Card Images.