Ever heard of the Mazza Museum? They're a small museum in Findlay, Ohio that collects Children's Book Illustration! This month they held their annual weekend conference and I had to go meet some of my illustrator heroes. |
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Author and Illustrator James Gurney, who wrote Color and Light! (basically a textbook of how to paint.) Four years ago I ordered this book so I could learn how to paint again. It's an incredible book that's taught me so much, especially how to see color and light. Also: LeUyen Pham!! She's illustrated over 130 books. I felt so inspired hearing from these two, and other talented and thoughtful speakers. (including Abi Cushman, Alexandra Boiger, and Joe Sutphin) |
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The main reason I attended was this: I've now drawn 9 books. I know how the industry works and how to make publish-able illustrations... But what's next for my work? What kind of stories do I really want to be a part of? How do I level up my skills? When I'm wondering about the future, it helps to hear from people that are a little (or a LOT) ahead of me. I have pages of notes and questions to reflect on, and I'm so grateful I got to attend. Check out the Mazza Museum. It's super cool! |
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I just met a HUGE deadline on time this month! Woo! |
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This mystery project that I can't share about yet was a joy to make. Excited to share details in the future... To celebrate submitting final files, I got ice cream, and drew something new, just for me!! |
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My original sketch. Things are pretty simple so that the process of penciling the lines won't be so boring. I'll have room to play. :) |
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I drew the linework in pencil, then painted some texture with watercolor. I added Prismacolor colored pencils over the top for more texture. |
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I scan the pencils and the watercolor and combine them, then adjust the colors to my liking. This sketch required quite a bit of changes, as the composition felt off balance... Lastly, it's time to paint details!! |
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Would you like to attend the Annual Aviation Afternoon Tea? There will be cookies... and maybe a little chaos. |
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Let's flash back to March of this year. I drove to Seward, Nebraska to meet a special illustrator: Robyn Glasser who illustrated some very special books: the Fancy Nancy series. |
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Robyn Glasser was an inspiration. She's illustrated dozens and dozens of Fancy Nancy books. (did you know she had a career as a professional ballet dancer too??) March was the perfect time to meet Robyn, because I was just finishing up the illustrations for a very special book... |
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Written by Charnaie Gordon and Roda Ahmed, this book follows an adorable, brave, creative, FANCY girl named Etta into the school talent show. When I first drew the character of Etta, the authors provided this character description: "Etta is Fancy Nancy-meets-Beyonce." |
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"The digital illustrations are sprightly and vivid, filling each page with details to entertain the eyes, while the story will speak to anyone who’s ever been wracked by performance anxiety." ~ Kirkus Reviews |
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For the launch in October, Francie and Finch here in Lincoln hosted a launch party where the audience all wore feather boas and beads. I created a special royal performance cape to match Etta! |
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I feel honored that the authors chose my work to tell Etta's story. Check her out at your library or local bookstore! |
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It's time for things to slow down a bit. Less productive, more rest-up-tive. See you next month, CB |
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