SCBWI France publishes interviews
both in the SCBWI France Expression newsletter
and on-line. These interviews offer an insider's
view of the international children’s
publishing market.
Daniel
Maja
Daniel
Maja, born in Paris in 1942,
has illustrated more than 60
children's books. He has also
published several collections
of drawings, and his work appears
regularly in Le Monde, The New
Yorker and other publications.
1.
Alain Machu: Tell us about your relationship
with authors. Daniel
Maja: I have very little contact with the
author when I illustrate a story, other than
the few cases when I've done books with friends.
I usually receive the text directly from the
publisher. Often, my only contact with an
author is a letter received once the book
is finished — and most of the time,
I don't receive anything (laughs).
2.
A.M.: So there generally is not any direct
collaboration between the author and the illustrator. D.M.:
I have known of very few instances —
and I'm not sure that it is necessary. A writer
doesn't look at a text in the same way an
illustrator does. The element of surprise
is important and it is up to the artistic
director to say, "Now, this text might
inspire unconventional images from such-and-such
an illustrator." This is the key relationship,
rather than the author/illustrator. I am convinced
that some distance should be maintained between
the text and the illustrations.
3.
A.M.: As a teacher, what advice can you offer
beginning illustrators? D.M.:
You have to present a unified portfolio. That
is the most important advice, to be coherent.
Illustrators must show that they know how
to pick a style that is right for them. Of
course, it is rare to find your own style
right away. But in general, art directors
are understanding with young illustrators.
It is up to the illustrators to know how to
apply the advice they receive during interviews
and portfolio reviews.
