Adam's Notes

Share this post

The Advantage of Sequencing.

adamming.substack.com

The Advantage of Sequencing.

On deciding which goes first.

Adam Ming
Jan 26, 2022
11
7
Share this post

The Advantage of Sequencing.

adamming.substack.com

I started on 2 paths at the start of 2021.

  1. I set out to write a Children’s book.

  2. I pursued a career as a Children’s book illustrator.

By February, I abandoned the writing and doubled down on the illustration career.

I decided to do them in sequence rather than in parallel.

My thinking was that working on the writing was slowing down my progress as a children’s book illustrator, but focusing on being a children’s book illustrator would bring me closer to writing.

Here’s how I came to that conclusion;

  1. I am more accomplished at drawing than writing. And can get work drawing, but I don’t know if I can get work writing.

  2. Drawing daily develops both my craft and a following. Everyone can see a drawing and it can be passed around.

  3. Writing daily might only show fruit in a couple of years, and it might not be good fruit.

  4. As an illustrator, I get to work with writers and editors, thus improving my ability to write.

1 year later, I have 4 Children’s book deals with a 5th in the works. Will I ever write a Children’s book, maybe. But if I didn’t abandon the writing goal. I don’t think I would have gotten a writing deal, and I don’t think I would have been illustrating either.

7
Share this post

The Advantage of Sequencing.

adamming.substack.com
Previous
Next
7 Comments
Kait Pig Winner
Jan 26, 2022Liked by Adam Ming

You will write a picture book one day, I'm sure of it. :)

Expand full comment
Reply
1 reply by Adam Ming
Alissa
Jan 26, 2022

hi Adam, that's amazing success for your first year!!! I'm forever inspired and astonished by your journey!

I was wondering, if you decided to only focus on illustration, did you change anything in approaching your agency? They're a literary agency, right? Does that mean you had to pitch yourself to them as a writer and illustrator, or was being an illustrator enough? :) Thanks , as always loving your newsletter!

Expand full comment
Reply
1 reply by Adam Ming
5 more comments…
TopNewCommunity

No posts

Ready for more?

© 2023 Adam Ming
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing