Happy February
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. ~Eleanor Roosevelt
After weeks of cold weather, Mermaid Cove has begun planning a photography tour weekend in Southwest Virginia this July. Open to all photography skill levels, the workshop offers hands-on instruction in beautiful settings, three nights’ lodging, meals, two days of shooting, and professional printing of select photos. More details will follow; contact us now if you’re interested.
We’re constantly intrigued by how artists and illustrators bring their creations to life and what drives their passion. Last week, we spoke with our own Helena Crevel, who shared her artistic approach, discussed her journey to becoming an illustrator, and offered advice for aspiring young artists. Below, you’ll find selected highlights from our interview.
What would you consider your illustration style and technique?
I like to think of my style as story-first and character-driven. No matter what I’m illustrating, I’m always asking how the image supports the narrative and the emotions of the moment. I’m especially drawn to giving animals and small creatures a sense of personality — not just how they look, but how they feel in a scene.
Technically, I work mainly in digital media … read more.
What made you want to be an illustrator? And in particular, a children's book illustrator?
I kind of backed into it. I’m self-taught, so there was no single moment where someone told me, “You should illustrate children’s books.” I just kept making art and realized that what I loved most was telling stories visually.
Over time, I noticed my favorite work happened … read more.
When illustrating a children's book, how do you go about starting it? Are there any important steps you take that are a must for you?
I’m a little obsessive about this part. First, I read the manuscript far too many times — sometimes even out loud in different voices — just to feel the rhythm of the story. I want to understand where it breathes and where the emotional beats land.
Then I go into what I call “detective mode” and build … read more.
What is your favorite medium? Is there a medium you wish you could use more?
Watercolor, without question. There’s something magical about putting wet paint on wet paper and watching it move — you’re partly in control and partly just along for the ride. I love that collaboration with chaos.
Gouache is a close … read more.
If there was one piece of advice you would give to students who are studying art, what would that be?
Don’t wait until you’re “good enough.” That’s a trap. I spent a long time thinking I needed formal training or permission to call myself an illustrator, and looking back, that was mostly fear. Start making the work you want to make now — messy, strange, imperfect — because … read more.
What is a goal project you’d love to work on in the future?
One long-term goal of mine is to illustrate and publish a story of my own. I love collaborating with authors, but I also have a growing collection of characters and worlds … read more.
One of Helena’s recent sketches.
True life mermaids (or mermen) believe in themselves, they embrace their creativity and live life to the fullest.
Updates from Scott …
It’s not about what equipment you have, it’s what you do with it. That’s where the soul is. - Richie Hawtin
Can you spend a lot of money on camera equipment? Absolutely! Will it make you a better photographer? Not necessarily. In the end, you still need to know how to use it and know the basics of taking pictures. We are in the age of digital, but you still need to know how F-stops, shutter speeds, and ISO settings affect your photo. I’m glad to see the resurgence of film photography by the younger generation because they will have to learn about lighting, focal points, and actual photography basics. If not, there will be a lot of film wasted!
There is a lot to say about the good and bad of digital photography. It is good that you can take 1000 photos in one day, it is also bad. Can you take an amazing picture with the $2500 Hasselblad x2d ii mirrorless camera (lens not included)? Absolutely. Can you take an amazing picture with a $600 Cannon Rebel EOS DSLR camera (lens included)? Absolutely. That Hasselblad is useless in the hands of someone … read Scott’s blog entry in its entirety.
