This piece holds a special place in my heart not only because it’s an incredible uncommon animal, but also due to the unique challenges it presented. Coconut crabs are the largest terrestrial arthropods in the world, reaching up to three feet in length from leg tip to leg tip. Their incredible size and strength are awe-inspiring; they can even crack open coconuts with their powerful claws. When illustrating this magnificent creature for my children’s book, I aimed to convey its massive size in a way that would captivate young readers.
However, capturing the sheer scale of the coconut crab proved to be quite a task. I found myself struggling to fit this enormous animal within the confines of a single page. After much trial and error, I decided to have the crab’s outer legs extend off the page, creating the illusion that it was too large to be contained within the book’s margins. This technique not only emphasises their impressive size but also adds a dynamic and engaging element to the illustration. In the book, the legs continue onto the next page, and keep going underneath the text.
List 10 things you know to be absolutely certain.
First, there’s death. It’s the one inevitability that unites all living things. As an artist, I find it a poignant reminder to create and leave a legacy that outlives me. Taxes follow closely, another certainty that we all contend with. They remind me of the importance of financial acumen in maintaining a sustainable art career.
Love makes the world go around. It’s the driving force behind so much of what we do, including art. Whether it’s love for a subject, a person, or the act of creation itself, love fuels our passions and inspires us to create. Money can’t buy happiness, but it certainly helps. Financial stability can provide the freedom to pursue creative endeavors without constant stress, allowing artists to focus on their work.
The animals of this world and their environments need to be protected. This belief is a cornerstone of my work in the “Uncommon Animals of the Alphabet” series. Highlighting these unique creatures raises awareness and fosters a sense of responsibility towards our planet. Almost everything can be faked. In an age of digital manipulation, authenticity becomes even more valuable. Staying true to one’s artistic vision and values is crucial.
Success is usually accompanied by hard, consistent work over time. There’s no shortcut to becoming a successful artist. It requires dedication, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning and growing. Everything is better with art. Art enriches our lives, adds beauty to our surroundings, and provides a means of expression and connection.
Raising kids is damn hard work. As a parent, balancing artistic pursuits with the demands of parenting is challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. It teaches patience, resilience, and the importance of nurturing creativity in the next generation. It’s a miracle that you were born. Each of us is here against astronomical odds, and that’s something truly miraculous. This perspective encourages me to make the most of my time and talents.
Finally, time goes by fast, so remember to enjoy life. This is perhaps the most important lesson. Life’s fleeting nature reminds us to savor every moment, create art that brings joy, and share our passions with the world.
As I continue to push the boundaries of my work, drawing inspiration from these certainties helps ground me. Hosting my podcast with inspiring artists and engaging in such enriching conversations would be a dream come true, and something that I hope to get back to soon. It offers a chance to learn from their experiences and celebrate the incredible fusion of art and life.
Kids Book Illustrator Andy C Marshall 