Lead On! - Illustrating a concept.
My fourth book project, Lead On! written by Krista Betcher, begins with a simple question: what kind of leader are you? When I first read the manuscript, internally I thought, “Me? Lead? No way. I’m a follower, not a leader.” I would much rather watch a parade than participate in it. Not all of us have the desire to be the one out front waving a flag. Maybe this book wasn’t written for a shy introvert like me… but I read on.
The next question, “Are you a visionary, who sees the big picture?” Well, as an illustrator, yes. I could relate to that. Next came: “Maybe you are someone who needs to stand back and watch, before you decide how to make the world a better place.” Many people are better at leading from behind. Hmmm. I don’t often think about leadership that way. Each line of the book explores a wide range of leadership styles: introverts, extroverts, thinkers, doers. Maybe you’re good at organization? Everyone has something unique to contribute.
I love book illustration because each project brings a new challenge. This manuscript offered no visual clues. The challenge: how do I illustrate a concept? In this case: leadership.
First, I created a cast of characters for each leadership style. I decided on a group of middle school friends. I also wanted to address diversity. One character is in a wheelchair. Another wears a hijab. I tried to keep all of them ethnically ambiguous by using only black and white illustrations. For example, the “visionary” girl with her curly hair could just as easily be a fiery redhead with freckles as she could be brown skinned or blue eyed… or all of the above! I call the eye shape I use, “smile.” I wanted the reader to fill in the blanks and find one or more of the personalities with which to identify.
Next, how would they lead? I needed some sort of an activity. Being a gardener, I settled on the idea of having the group envision, design and create a community garden from a vacant lot in thier neighborhood.
Finally, I based the youngest characters on some of my own special “littles.” My grandniece and nephew, as well of some of my north shore neighbors became characters. It was a wonderful chance to show them that they could be leaders too.
The concept of leadership is blossoming among the youth of today. Greta Thunberg comes to mind, as do Malala Yousafzai and the teens from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. They need and deserve our every encouragement.
In the end, this book isn’t just about leadership. It’s about activism, inclusivity, community service, mentorship, diversity and recognizing one’s own unique qualities. You are welcome… and needed.
