As a little girl, I loved picture books. They took my imagination to so many wonderful places I had never dreamed of going. I can still picture my favorites in my mind...the colors and the characters and the textures and backgrounds. I liked looking at how the illustrations were drawn and painted. I think the desire grew in me to want to give children (and adults) that same fascination through my own artwork. It was such a good feeling to let your imagination get lost in the pages of a cherished book.
Do you do research for your projects or illustrations?
Usually I do. It depends on the subject and how I want to draw it.
I have a collection of photographs and books at home that I sometimes refer to if I want to illustrate in a more “soft realistic” style. Accuracy is important. The internet is also a wealth of information. So I usually gather information from a variety of sources, and then I sort of draw what is in my mind.
If I am doing more of a whimsical illustration where the emphasis is on emotion, surprise and evoking a good chuckle from the viewer, I draw straight from my imagination. I have always loved doodling fun little characters and animals. I do not need to do research for that.
Have you been published anywhere?
Yes. I have illustrated three picture books: Prayers For Children, My New Pet, and Very Merry Mice. I also have illustrations in other books, and have illustrated a couple dozen greeting cards. I have spent nearly two decades designing and illustrating for the children’s, apparel, notions, stationary, giftware and home decor markets.
Did you go to Art School?
I did. I attended a very conservative art school in Chicago. Their specialty was really more in fine arts. They offered courses in illustration, advertising and graphic design, but nothing geared specifically for the children’s book market. They emphasized the importance of being able to accurately draw what you see. While that is very important, it has taken me a while to allow myself to once again draw what I imagine. Strong business skills and accuracy in drawing were very helpful to me in launching a successful career as a freelance commercial artist, but now I am having so much more fun drawing for kids. Kids don’t generally care if you can draw a perfect hand, but they do seem to like it when a pig wears a cape and goggles, or laughing insects throw a tea party!
What motivates you?
Honestly...I would have to say the fact that God has given me this creative ability motivates me to use it. What a gift it is to wake up every day and create artwork that inspires the imaginations of children and adults! There are so many bad influences in this world, so I like to keep things wholesome and give kids a safe place to rest and invigorate their brains. A favorite book can go anywhere with you, and last your entire life.
How do you stay inspired?
Wow...there are so many ways, actually. Simple things like taking walks. A patch of interesting mushrooms or a churning sky of purple clouds, the way a dog trots down the street or a swaying field of happy dandelions and happy children....those can instantly lift and inspire me.
I also love to visit the city. The architecture, the sky, museums, the beach (Chicago has a gorgeous lakefront!), the neighborhoods and the people. I feel alive in the city, and there is artwork and culture everywhere. I always come away with a different perspective, ready to get out my paints.
I have a collection of picture books at home, and I am actively building a wonderful network of other illustrators and artists. The SCBWI has monthly meetings and portfolio critiques. I learn so much from the critiques and from networking with other artists. There is so much talent out there, and surrounding myself other artists inspires me.
Also, my pooch Sunshine inspires me. She is a mutt I adopted from a rescue 5 years ago. We are inseparable, and she honestly makes me laugh every day! She has a long body and short legs and gallops in circles when she is happy! She makes Scoobie-Doo noises and loves to give hugs.
Lastly, I do have to give God credit. When I decided to quit my studio job 15 years ago to freelance fulltime, I stated I would freelance for as long as I enjoyed it, as long as I made a living at it, and as long as God blessed it. There are times I have gone through rough periods in my life when I considered doing something else. But God always closed those doors of opportunity for me and kept my focus on art. I try to remember to pray before beginning each new project or illustration, and those are the illustrations that always turn out the best. I believe it is important to God to give Him the credit for your successes. He, and the beauty of His creation, inspire me.
Tell us about your workspace. Do you have a studio?
I have one room in my home dedicated to my art. In it I have my drawing table, my computer, my art supplies and picture books. It is a nice, bright room with lots of natural light overlooking my backyard.
How do you work?
I usually start off by gathering all of the information I need for my illustrations — information from the publisher and photo references if I need them. I then work up the characters and go through a series of rough sketches. I may work on some background techniques and get feedback from the publisher. Once all of the roughs sketches are approved, I usually tape a piece of tracing paper over a couple of illustrations and map out the color combinations I want to use in Pantone markers. This gives me confidence to begin the finished art because I know ahead of time what colors I want to apply and where I want to use them. This gives my illustrations balance, and cuts down on errors or uncertainty on my part. Once the artwork is finished, I keep a digital record of it for myself, and usually send the original artwork to the publishing company to be professionally photographed or scanned.
Do you make school visits? What do you feel is the benefit?
I have not visited any schools yet, but I would like to.
What are you working on now?
I just finished illustrating a series of Christmas cards, actually, and am about to send out some promo pieces.
What is something about you that kids might like to know?
I think one thing I want kids to know is that you never stop feeling like a kid inside. Your outside might look old to them, but as an adult you still love to do some of the same things you did as a kid. I still like to draw and paint, swing on swings, watch movies with my friends and a big bowl of popcorn, and tell stories. Two of my favorite stuffed animals from my childhood sit on the shelf above my drawing table and watch me draw and paint.
What advice would you give to those hoping to write and illustrate children's books?
Anything you want to do is possible, but you have to actively pursue it. It is very important to read books and study picture books. Notice what you like about them...the characters, the emotions, the backgrounds, the story. Draw. A LOT! Take classes to learn to draw and paint in different media and from different instructors. Make sure to connect with other artists and join groups of artists who will give you honest critique of your artwork. I did not know any artists until I joined the Graphic Artists Guild (GAG) and The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). The internet is such a great tool in connecting you with other artists and artwork. Create a website or get a free blog and display your artwork. Visit others’ sites and participate in weekly illustration exercises such as Illustration Friday...this is all free to you and it is out there waiting for you! Attend conferences and submit your artwork in competitions. As I said, you need to actively pursue writing and/or illustrating. There are great books about writing and drawing for children which you can check out at your library or are available for you to purchase on Amazon.com. Find what makes your style unique and sets you apart from other artists, and nurture that. Publishers are always looking for something fresh and different from what is out there. Make sure it is a style you are comfortable with. Work on artwork that tells a story to the viewer. Then promote, promote, promote. Working with an agent can be helpful. The will take a cut of your fee for a job, but they specialize in connecting artists and publishers and will always negotiate in your favor.
