Illustrator's Day 2013

Here I am in Atlanta, with illustrator, Will Terry, who gave an insightful presentation on the future of our field.  Scholastic Books Executive Editor, Diane Hess and Abrams Books Art Director, Chad Beckerman, also gave helpful advice about how to get noticed.

As one of the first twelve to register for Illustrator’s Day, I got a chance to participate in a mentorship assignment. I usually do the assignment multiple times as a way to hasten my growth as an illustrator. This year, mentor, Mark Braught had us to choose from a list of animals, time periods, and places.

I did one painting of Victorian gibbons in Egypt 

and another of 1940's Asian rodents.

One of my first scribbles in deciding which animals to choose, was part of a bunny. Since rabbits don't technically fit into the rodent option, I didn't use it. I later went back to the sketch and spent the two weeks after completing this project doing several dozen bunny paintings. There was no underpainting or physical texture to these new pieces. They were more gestural and generally more energetic. It was such a breakthrough for me! You never know where you'll end up when you get to work and follow your heart. Thanks for the springboard Mark!

Writing and Illustrating Conference October 2012

I love attending the WIK (Writing and Illustrating for Kids) conference in Birmingham, Alabama every October. This year I went early for the writing intensive with Donna on “Voice” and I stayed until the very end when Kevin Lewis, of Disney, critiqued my manuscript.

I felt extra blessed to recieve awards in both the annual illustration and writing contests.  This was my first shot at non-fiction for kids with my piece called Three Cheers for the Chair!