Humblearts Journal

Sketch-a-day

I get up every morning and sketch.  Some days it's while the kids are getting ready for school, others it's the moments right after they have walked out the door, usually just for 15 minutes or so.  I often sneak back to my book at lunch or while the girls do their homework. I leave my book and pencil right out in the open, so it's always calling my name.  Lately it's been a rash of Christmas memories or how I would celebrate the holidays if I were a squirrel or bunny.  I especially enjoy sketching the memories.  Little snippets of my childhood on paper - just  makes me smile.  Of course, they probably look nothing like my real relatives and the details are those captured by my little kid brain video-recorder, filtered through 30 years of dreams and added in details that make memories so sweet.  Here is one that is in progress:

That's my hippie dad, which is pretty much how he still looks today.  I have many fond memories of him singing to me and my cousins.  Songs made up about our heroic deeds as mixed up cowboys.  Pirate sea-shanties and Christmas carols.  His favorite was the Little Drummer Boy.  I can hear his voice clear as bell if I close my eyes, "pa rum pum pum pum."
Some days it seems I only have those 15 minutes, but I have been making that time and guard it like a hawk.  Little steps forward, but going forward.

Illustration Friday - Trick or Treat!

My critique group did a group postcard for Halloween and this was my little spot art for the back.  I love this little guy, probably because I can relate to the chocolate-induced coma! 

Boo! It's a Book Party

We are having a book launch and costume party over at the Picture Book Junkie's blog this week for Janee Trasler's new book, Ghost Gets Dressed!

 

Each member of our blog has brought something to the party, whether it's a game, costume or treat to celebrate Janee's adorable new book.

You can join in the fun too!  Read the invitation to find out how you can win an autographed copy of one of Janee's books.

See you at the party!

Picture Book Junkies Blog

My critique group has started a blog with weekly themes.  Go take a look and bookmark us, it's updated 6 days a week.

http://pbjunkies.blogspot.com/

Favorite Books

At Barnes & Nobles tonight, I ran across A Child's Garden of Verses illustrated by Gyo Fujikawa.  I was instantly transformed into a 7 year old, pouring over each illustration, wanting to be in those little worlds she created.

One of my favorite books when I was little was "Oh, What a Busy Day!"  There is one image in that book: it is a rainy day, kids in a tree house, pulling a little kitty up in a basket.  When I look at that image, I can feel what it's like in a summer rain, the sounds and smells, the way leaves look wet.  It's just a beautiful picture.  I would love to create illustrations that stayed with readers for over 25 years.

Fujikawa on Wikipedia

Fujikawa on Flickr

Happy Mother's Day, all you crafty, creative moms! 

My mom's favorite children's book: Where the Wild Things Are. 

Check it out

Illustrator Scott Franson's first picture book Un-Brella came out this month.  The illustrations are so fresh and utterly complex, definitely the kind of pictures kids loose themselves in.  I met Scott last year in L.A and love his sense of color and design.  Want more un-fun?  Scott's blog is full of un-book covers. 

Confessions of a professional slacker...

You know what I'm really good at?  Making plans, dreaming, wishing, and procrastinating.  You know what I stink at?  Marketing.  Sending things out the door.  I say I'm going to, I order postcards, I print samples, I even print out labels.  And then they sit, and sit.  And the inner dialogue begins...

"Oh I'll make it the post office this weekend.  Grr, I don't like them anymore.  I have better work now.  They are so boring.  I need to print more samples and do packets instead of postcards.  I need to update my mailing list.  etc. etc."  The excuses are endless. 

My goal for the rest of this year is to market consistently.  Postcards every 3 months, like clockwork: March, June, September and December. 

Here is the latest one ready to go out the door.

   

May I grow a green wart on the end of my nose if I don't get these in the mailbox this week.  Cheer me on, I need to stay on my toes!

Illustration Friday - Gravity

Oscar did not grasp the gravity of his token of affection this Valentine's Day.

First comes love...

Then comes marriage...

Then three little bears in a baby carriage.  (okay cradle)

Trying new things

I'm going to be experimenting this week with a few different ideas.  This one is markers on vellum with oil pastels.  Markers and crayons, I feel just like a kid again!

NY

What was New York?  A sea of talent washing away any doubt, fear and procrastination that has been holding me back. 

I loved seeing everyone's work, celebrating in their successes, hearing of the struggles and knowing each journey is as unique as the individual.  I loved meeting new people and wish I had more time to visit with everyone.

My favorite parts:

The workshop with Tomie dePaola. 

Hanging out with most of the PBJ's, including a chilly adventure in Times Square. 

All of the keynote speakers - I was glad to hear I was not the only one moved to tears on a few occasions. 

So now what?  Time to get serious.  Here are some goals I have set up for myself:

-update my website. check.

-send out samples

-send dummy book to agent

-work on next dummy book

-schedule and send postcards every 3 months. 

Marketing seemed like such a mystery before, it doesn't matter what you send as long as 1. it's your best work, 2. you send something regularly.