Interview with Illustrator Claire Sedovic

Today we welcome illustrator Claire Sedovic. She is the amazing artist who brought the Odd Animal ABC's to life.  Thank you for joining us today. So, inquiring minds want to know...

How did you become the illustrator for Odd Animal ABC’s?

After quitting my job as a graphic designer for a major media company last spring, I began sending postcards featuring my art to potential publishers. Blue Manatee Press was one such publisher whose work I admired, so of course they received a postcard from me. A couple of months later I heard from Amy Dean (Editorial & Marketing Director at Blue Manatee Press) that she was looking for an illustrator for a manuscript she had just acquired and wanted to know if I would like to submit my work for consideration. Of course I said yes, and almost exactly a year later, Odd Animal ABC’s was published featuring my art!

I feel very lucky that Blue Manatee had that postcard! Have you always wanted to illustrate?

Indeed I have. As a child I often wrote and illustrated sequels to my favorite picture books or crafted my own original stories complete with detailed illustrations in marker or paint.

Can you describe your process of taking this story text and developing it. 

I must say I feel very fortunate that you and I were able to correspond as often as we did while I developed the illustrations for the text as I realize now that is not typical of the author/illustrator relationship. I think our collaboration succeeded because I was receptive to the illustration notes you offered, and you were willing to change the text in some instances that I interpreted it a little differently with my illustrations than you expected. As an illustrator, I see my role as someone who can visually fill the gaps in the story. And because this story text is all dialogue (and a lot of humor!) I felt like I had a lot of room to play. 

I started the process by reading the text over and over to get a good feel for the story. I then created thumbnail sketches to determine the flow and layout of the book. Once those sketches were approved I proceeded with the full scale art, but even then, I continued to make adjustments as the story evolved and I received feedback from you and Amy.

I've told lots of people how you helped shape this into a better book. Without some of your requests due to art, I wouldn't have my two favorite jokes in there! 

So there are 53 real animals (and one imaginary unicorn) in this book. Was the large cast of characters a problem?

I wouldn’t say the large cast was a problem, but it was certainly a challenge. I loved researching the different animals to ensure that I drew them accurately, but it took some time to figure out when and were certain animals should reappear in order to drive the narrative along. In some cases, this was already written into the text, but throughout the illustration process I took some liberties to add or omit for visual appeal and to help integrate the ABC letters into the illustrations.

I love the coloring of the letters themselves too. So what do you hope readers take away from this story?

I hope that the book widens kids’ understanding of just how diverse the animal kingdom really is. Of course I hope they laugh along with all the wonderful, and often weird critters as they travel from A to Z, but on a deeper level, I also hope that it sparks new curiosity about the natural world and a desire preserve and protect it for future generations.

That was my hope too. Now, a very important question,
 what is your favorite chocolate or dessert?

How about chocolate dessert?

Where else can readers find you and your art?

You can find more of my work on my website (clairesedovic.com) and follow me on Instagram @clairesedovic.

Wish you were on Twitter more. You are missing some major book love!  Thank you so much for giving life to these odd and amazing animals and for joining us on the blog. Best wishes that your illustrating career is long, prosperous, and full of happy readers!!

So You Have a Book Coming Out: Part Four: Taxes and Deductions

Upfront Disclaimer: I'm not a tax pro or lawyer or anything other than a writer trying to stay organized. This way, I have the information to give to my tax professional.

You, as a published author or illustrator, are now a business. That means there is some not-so-fun things we have to deal with so we can keep writing and creating.

Taxes.

Let's face it. Laws change, the forms are about a million words long, and who knows what we may be missing if you don't have a certified accountant in the family.


I have a certified public accountant. I think they are worth the money, not only for the time it saves me, but the relief from stress and anxiety I have that I may mess something up and having the IRS show up Men In Black style.

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Whether you are a do-it-yourself-er, or you use a pro, you need to be organized all year long. Not just those first two weeks of April.

You don't need a fancy or expensive program. I use excel.

First: Do you have a home office that is solely used for your business as a writer or illustrator?
If so, this may be tax deductible. That means this little piece of creative heaven may save you a bit on your dues to Uncle Sam. But you have to keep track of some things:

• Your home's TOTAL square footage and the OFFICE square footage. 
• Electric Bill
• Internet Bill
• Gas Bill
• Phone Bill

Then a percentage of you home's bills are what is actually deductible, based on how much space it takes. You have to have the totals for each month. It is easier to keep track of this monthly, rather than digging through old bills, or hunting for your gas company user name and password right before the tax deadline.


You can also deduct business related expenses. Keep ALL receipts and label and organize them. If you get audited, you want everything available and easy to find. I'm talking file folders or binders as opposed to shoe boxes.


Items to track for possible deductions:

• Copies of your books for sales, promotional giveaways, and donations
• Mileage for School Visits 
• Food and Hotels for out of town School Visits or Presentations
• Writer or Illustrator Organization Annual Dues (i.e. SCBWI)
• Classes for continuing your education
• Promotional materials (stickers, bookmarks, pins)
• Website fees
• Author/Illustrator Professional Photos (again, falls under promotional materials)
• Office Supplies
• Art Supplies (for illustrators)
• Necessary Office Equipment: Computer- yes! That mini golf putter thing and fancy espresso maker-no!
• Donations (if you donate a copy of your book, track what you pay, not the retail value.)

There is probably more that I haven't thought of, but hey, I'm new at this.

I keep everything in an excel spreadsheet in summary as well as a sheet for all I am paid:

• Advances
• School Visit Fees
• Speaking Engagements
• Royalties

Again, this is NOT a comprehensive guide. This is just stuff I've figured out on my own this year as a debut author. If you have any questions about your specific circumstances, I recommend finding a local tax pro. Preferably before next April.

So get organized and then get back to writing.