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Meet Emily Robert-Yohalem, the creative force behind the enchanting illustrations that bring "Pabulum" to life. Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Emily's artistic journey is a testament to a lifelong dream of illustrating and materializing the vivid landscapes of her imagination. A shifter of perspectives, emotions, and illuminations, Emily has woven a world of dragons, fairies, and folklore through her drawings.
With a degree in Early Childhood Education and a specialization in graphite, colored pencil, and charcoal renderings, Emily's artistry extends beyond mere illustrations. Her portfolio encompasses portraiture and illustrations of poetry and writing. Renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and a fervent passion for all things fantasy, Emily's creations bridge the realms of reality and imagination. Drawing inspiration from both life and her creative mind, she infuses real animals and people into her work, creating characters that resonate deeply with her audience.
Embracing a signature approach of hand-drawn artistry, devoid of digital production, Emily's illustrations carry a personal touch, inviting the audience to identify and relate to the characters she brings to life. As she continues her journey as an illustration artist, "Pabulum" stands as a testament to her dedication to crafting immersive visual narratives.
About the Book
In the mystical realm of "Pabulum," Zylphia, a young woman with aspirations beyond the conventional, grapples with the prospect of an arranged marriage that could shape the destiny of her kingdom. The arrival of a new suitor sets the stage for a transformative journey, revealing unforeseen adventures and creatures lurking beyond the decaying walls of Pabulum. Unbeknownst to Zylphia, the abandoned holds the key to salvation for her kingdom and the entire island, embarking on a quest to thwart imminent destruction. "Pabulum" weaves a tale of courage, discovery, and the resilience needed to confront the unknown, a captivating narrative brought to life through the evocative illustrations of Emily Robert-Yohalem.
Now, let's delve into an exclusive Q&A with Emily Yohalem, the brilliant illustrator of the book.
Q&A with Book Illustrator: Emily Robert-Yohalem
What inspired you to start illustrating this novel?
"I was inspired to illustrate Pabulum because I have always wanted to get my artwork out into the world, and when I got the chance to illustrate with my best friend, I jumped at the opportunity."
Can you tell us a bit about your artistic process?
"My artistic process includes analyzing the vibrant descriptions of the characters in the book and bringing them to life. One illustration was made even before the book was written, serving as the basis for my drawing style, a privilege that made the collaboration unique. I developed the visual style with colored pencil and graphite, my favorite medium. I aimed for realistic characters with a whimsical touch, ensuring confidence in capturing the details I envisioned."
How did you approach creating the characters for the novel?
"I approached creating these characters by first reading the book and basing the illustrations on their personalities. Cheyanna's detailed descriptions made this process seamless, capturing the energy of each character."
Did you encounter any challenges while working on the illustrations?
"I faced challenges in finding the right colored pencils for the cover illustration on a black background. Also, the initial switch from colored to graphite pencils posed a challenge, and being my own critic, I had to redo some illustrations. Once I got that sorted, It was easy to balance my vision with the author's as we have been collaborating since the beginning. Our likemindedness and excellent communication made this a work of passion for both of us."
Were there any specific scenes or characters that were particularly challenging to illustrate?
"The most challenging and favorite drawing was Kalyx. I drew inspiration from various sources, including my dog, aiming to capture the charismatic figure in the book. For all the images I sent all my rough sketches to Cheyanna to ensure I was going in the right direction, maintaining a collaborative approach to align with the written descriptions."
How did you work with the author to ensure the illustrations accurately represented their written descriptions?
"I sent all my rough sketches to Cheyanna to ensure I was going in the right direction, maintaining a collaborative approach to align with the written descriptions."
Did you have any specific sources of inspiration for the illustrations?
"My sources of inspiration included graphic novels, Faeries books, my dog, and my mother. Each source played a role in bringing the diverse characters and elements to life. The most interesting illustrations were a tie between Kalyx and the serpent. The challenges pushed me out of my comfort zone, making the process more enjoyable."
How did you decide on the color scheme for the illustrations?
"The color scheme was initially based on the book's descriptions but changed when the decision for a black and white format was made. The front cover, however, reflected Cheyanna's vision of the Queen of the Night flower." When it came to input on layout and and design "I collaborated with Cheyanna, bouncing ideas back and forth. Ultimately, she made the final decisions on placement, keeping the front cover simple and impactful."
Embark on a journey where words and illustrations intertwine, creating a realm of magic and wonder. Pre-order your copy of "Pabulum" today to experience the enchanting fusion of storytelling and visual artistry. Immerse yourself in a world crafted by the skilled hands of the Book Illustrator and let the captivating narrative unfold before your eyes. Don't miss the opportunity to secure your place in this fantastical adventure—reserve your copy now and be among the first to delve into the pages of "Pabulum."