I went to art school in Boston and studied commercial art. My favorite aspect of commercial art was illustration, and specifically illustrating for children. I guess what helped me get started was my love for children’s picture books, and children. The internet has also played a large part in helping me get started in the field, as there are many online illustration groups full of generous folks willing to share tips, advice and encouragement. Of course again, I believe that God has a huge hand in my illustration career. I believe I’m doing what I was born to do.
Do you do research for your projects or illustrations? or
How much research is needed for one of your illustrations?
I do research my projects. The amount of time necessary depends on the topic I am working on of course. I try to make sure that whatever images I illustrate is based on fact, historically founded images and true to the topic and historical time period of the scene. Research is often one of the most fun parts of illustrating, because it’s a never ending way of learning new facts about unusual animals, people, and historical periods.
Have you been published anywhere?
I have been published in several books by Maxine Pinson called Lowcountry Delights-Cookbook/Travel Guide, in which I did over 30 pen and ink renderings of inns, restaurants and Bed and Breakfasts. I have also had my pen and ink renderings published in newspapers and advertising. My children’s work has been published online with Wee Ones Magazine and Writer’s Exchange as an e-book. I illustrated another book which is currently being shopped around for a publisher.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by so many things. My own childhood memories are a motivation. My parents filled our lives with art, beauty, music and an appreciation of music and learning. I was able to take some art classes when I was fairly young and enjoyed them immensely.
My children motivate me daily with their fresh outlook on life, their energy and activities. I am motivated by my love of books, reading, adventure, painting and creating images from the stories I read and the memories of my youth. God is my first and foremost motivator of course. If it wasn’t for Him in my life, there is no way I would have persevered in this field.
How do you stay inspired?
I stay inspired by reading, looking at children’s picture books, taking painting classes, hanging out with my husband and kids, listening to good music, eating chocolate, excersizing daily, and by my faith in God, and His daily inspiration.
Tell us about your workspace. Do you have a studio?
I have a studio which is shared by my children in the downstairs area of our home. It’s sort of a rec room with large sliding doors that let in the sun. My drawing table, easel, books, art supplies and computer are all in that area. (I have many books!)
How do you work?
I work in spurts, whenever I can. When you are a wife and mom of busy kids, you’ve got to grab the moments when they come. I also bring my sketchbook with me everywhere I go to jot down ideas. Sometimes I sketch or jot ideas down in church, in doctor’s offices, and in the car while waiting for soccer practices to finish. I work mostly during the day, because the light is better then, and my energy level is higher.
Do you make school visits?
I have worked in our elementary school from time to time teaching children how to make a picture book, but I have not as of yet done a formal school visit. I plan to do it as often as possible in the future.
I have also done some reading buddy work, and plan to continue that next year. It gives me joy to share the love of reading, books and art with children.
What do you feel is the benefit?
I feel that it is a vital way of showing children the value of books, illustration, art, reading, and the fact that they can have a dream of accomplishing something difficult and achieve it with perseverance, no matter how hard it may seem . I also believe that showing children how books are created and drawing them into the process is a joy. Kids love finding out how things are done, and for them to meet artists and writers gives them hope, and shows them the value of reading in that way.
What is something about you that you think kids would find interesting?
I’m a twin. My twin is also an artist. (I think she’s a much better artist than I am) I also lived in South America with my husband for nearly 5 years and learned Spanish there. My oldest son was born there. It was a wonderful adventure and experience, and I’ve carried much of the South American culture back. It sometimes shows in my art and writing.
What are you working on now?
An oil painting for a gift for a dear friend. I also have several stories that I need to create picture books from.
What advice would you give to those hoping to write and illustrate children's books?
Do your research in the field. Be ready to work very hard and sometimes be very discouraged. But don’t let the discouragement push you away from achieving your goal. Work hard at being the best artist you can be. Never stop learning more about how to write, draw and paint. Keep an enthusiastic, childlike outlook. The constant working toward getting better as an artist and writer is actually the most fun part. I am still learning, and have so much more to learn, and it thrills me every day.
