Meeting Nick Sharratt

Following the teachers event a few weeks ago, Debbie Moodie who runs events through Leeds City Library invited us to attend a workshop being run by Nick Sharratt. She had initially hoped that we might be able to run a few of our sessions, but unfortunately there wasn't enough time to do so. BUT we got a half hour chat with Nick, which was so helpful! It was lovely too because I absolutely adored his books and collaborations with Jacqueline Wilson when I was younger.

Questions asked/advice he gave us

• Draw in a way that suits you rather than trying to be fashionable. Nick said that his style has never been particularly fashionable, yet it has worked in his favour
• Its good to meet face to face with the client, that way you establish a better relationship and have a higher chance of getting the details right
• Favourite thing to illustrate was Tracy Beaker, although he didn't read the script too accurately...Tracy was initially depicted to wear a red jumper and jeans, although Nick drew her in a skirt in about 100 images before he had realised. Luckily Jacqueline wasn't too strict about it and changed the script accordingly. Not many authors would do this, so it is important to read the book!!
• Best piece of advice would be to work to deadlines. When you graduate, new creatives usually tend to get editorial work which have really quick turnarounds
• When designing a book cover, always start with the title. The image will form around this. Decide where to put the text first- publishers are conservative and like it to be at the top usually

There was a whole load of other things that he spoke to us about but didn't get chance to jot down, but overall the meeting was so helpful and inspiring. Of course we had to get a cheesy picture too...