The Ikigai Principle Serves As A Compass For Your Body Of Work
Oftentimes, when we begin our author-illustrator career, it can get difficult to know and understand how we should use our time or what types of stories we want to create.
Often, our stories come from our own passions, interests, or even life experiences. But often, we are encouraged to think about where our body of work fits in the industry, at large.
And while there are times when serendipity has a role, we shape our work and produce those stories that we hope will make it into the lives of our beloved target audience.
One tool that can help with success is the Ikigai principle, which is like finding a compass for your body of work, leading you on an adventurous journey toward creating amazing books for kids that captivate their minds and hearts. Let's explore how combining the following four elements can help you produce market-ready material:
(a) What you love: Imagine you have a passion for storytelling and creating whimsical characters that make children giggle with delight. Your love for kids' books drives your creativity, making immersing yourself in the world of imagination enjoyable. When you genuinely love what you do, your enthusiasm shines through your work, adding an extra sparkle to each page you create.
(b) What you are good at: Recognizing your talents and strengths is crucial. As an author/illustrator, you might have a gift for crafting beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life or a way with words that weave magical tales. By honing your skills and getting better at what you're naturally good at, you elevate the quality of your work, making it stand out from the rest.
(c) What the world needs: Understanding the audience you're writing for is essential. Kids have a world of curiosity waiting to be satisfied, and parents seek books that entertain, educate, and inspire their little ones. By being mindful of what the world needs, you can create stories that resonate with children and address topics that are relevant and meaningful to their lives.
(d) What you can get paid to do: While pursuing your passion is vital, making a living from your craft is equally important. Finding ways to make your creative endeavors financially sustainable allows you to dedicate more time and effort to produce high-quality content. It may involve exploring various avenues like traditional publishing, self-publishing, or engaging in related projects like workshops or merchandise.
By combining these four elements, you unlock your Ikigai, that sweet spot where your passion, talent, audience's needs, and financial feasibility intersect. This magical combination empowers you to produce market-ready material effortlessly.
As an author/illustrator, you wake up every day excited to work on your books, your mind buzzing with endless story ideas and illustrations. Perhaps you're good at creating charming characters and painting vivid worlds that enchant young readers. As you write and draw, you think about what children truly want from a book—adventure, friendship, and valuable life lessons.
When you apply the ikigai principle to your approach, your creations resonate with both kids and parents alike, because you're fulfilling what the world needs. As word spreads about your delightful books, publishers come knocking, eager to share your work with the world. And as your books become popular, you can earn a living from your passion and dedicate even more time to crafting heartwarming stories for children to cherish.
Remember, the Ikigai principle is not a secret formula, but a guide to discovering what sets your soul on fire and helps you create children's books that make a difference in the world. Keep exploring, improving, and touching young hearts with your art—there's a beautiful journey waiting for you as you embark on this fulfilling path.