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And now on with today’s success story …
Make Art That Sells student Adam Ming has wanted to be an illustrator since age 11. We caught up with Adam to learn more about his journey so far, and the part Make Art That Sells has played along the way.
Some of the eleven (!) books that Adam has illustrated so far, for publishers including Harper Collins, Bloomsbury, Hatchett, Walker Books, Anderson Press Hardie Grant and Quarto.
Thirty years after that decision, the first three books that he illustrated were published. Of the three, one was featured in Barnes & Noble’s list of the Best Children’s Books in 2023, and another appeared in the UK’s Sunday Times list of Best Books for Children in 2023, and both books are in their second printing. He’s currently working on his 11th (yes, 11th!) book.
Adam in his studio.
Q. Hi Adam! What are you working on currently?
I’m working on my 11th book, the second in a series of non-fiction books with a characterful protagonist. I actually became interested in non-fiction children’s books after taking my first Illustrating Children’s Books class, where I learnt both that it was a category, and a growing one at that.
Covers of some of Adam’s books, including Posey Pearl is a Curious Girl, the first of Adam’s books to be published, which hit the shelves just two years after his first Make Art That Sells class!
I also write a newsletter aimed at transforming people’s creative lives in ten minute increments.
Q. Which is your favorite market to design for, and why?
I love picture books: the interactions with clients are both genuinely lovely and infrequent, meaning there is a lot of time to be left on my own to just make art!
Some of Adam’s work for Illustrating Children’s Books. He says that taking Make Art That Sells classes has helped his work evolve in many ways.
Q. How have Make Art That Sells classes helped your artwork evolve/grow?
In so many ways, but the main one is probably the fact that we’re given real world assignments in class.
So much of the work I’ve gotten is a direct result of Make Art That Sells assignments. There is no better way to build portfolio pieces: the assignments are practical and guided, and – especially if you’re doing it with a live cohort, developing ideas and getting feedback together – the work produced really develops to a level that simply wouldn’t be possible if it was done in isolation.
Art by Adam for his second Illustrating Children’s Books course. He told us: “I always ask editors what about my portfolio stood out, and they always point to the work from Make Art That Sells!”
Q. What are some of the key things you have learnt from taking Make Art That Sells classes?
How to be a thriving member of creative community, how to develop tastes in particular markets, how to create characters for kids’ books, how to reach out to clients and agents, and how to build a portfolio are the main ones.
The front cover for Where Are You Really From? Adam told us: “This book is a direct result of one of the assignments for Editorial: Illustrating for Magazines and More. The character from the editorial illustration (the one with the magnifying glass) is now on the cover!”
Q. Have there been any aha! moments during Make Art That Sells classes that you’d like to share?
Again, there have been quite a few! Here are some:
- Talent and skill doesn’t go far without the knowledge to manage your business and an understanding of how to be of service to clients in specific markets.
- Generosity and community is a better way to exist than striving and being competitive
- Specific market knowledge builds confidence in both the creative and the client
- Make patient progress
And, of course: people buy your joy!
Art by Adam for his third Illustrating Children’s Books course.
Q. What are your key successes since taking Make Art That Sells classes?
I’ve done editorial work for Substack inc. and Modern Farmer.
I’ve learnt how to deal with rejection (which is something that is actually trained by having weekly reviews).
I was hired to illustrate my first book independently, and then landed an amazing agent, which lead to getting another ten book deals all within a two year period for publishers including Harper Collins, Bloomsbury, Hatchett, Walker Books, Anderson Press Hardie Grant and Quarto.
Adam’s announcement when he landed representation, which was followed by ten more picture book deals. Can you spot some of his work for Make Art That Sells courses among his icons?
Four of the books I’ve worked on have been nominated for or are on shortlists for a number of awards. Barnes & Noble included Down the Hole as one of the Best Picture Books of 2023.
Q. You referenced earlier that Lilla always says “People buy your Joy.” What brings you joy?
Experiencing the world through the eyes of a child (my toddler is three).
Q. Finally, what is your dream gig for your artwork?
I want to create gifts for the people I love, so my dream gig is work I could dedicate to people in my life. I’d also love to do a book about a noble and heroic dragon, and another about a tiger with similar attributes. Call me maybe … ?
Thanks Adam – we’re looking forward to seeing your next 11 books! See more of Adam’s work on his website and Instagram.
Do you want to build a powerful portfolio, explore a ton of markets which need your art, and learn how you can make a living from making art? Then hurry HURRY – our giant annual sale is on NOW, but it ends TOMORROW!
Lots of love
The Make Art That Sells team xxx
