Illustration Friday - Caution

Hugo is very cautious on his way home - he doesn't want to get into any more trouble.
     I'm not able to post to Illustration Friday as often these days, but this week's topic was an easy fit. This art is from my forthcoming picture book, my first as both illustrator and author, Soap, soap, soap ~ Jabón, jabón, jabón (September 25th!). Check out the book trailer I made for SOAP just the other day!

Illustration Friday: Hollow

Do you remember when you were a kid and you'd go to play at somebody's house for the first time - and you got that awful hollow feeling when you realized they did things differently there? Or that you were doing things all wrong?
     Learning how to compromise and get along is one of the early challenges of childhood. Advice for success in this arena is summed up perfectly in Ready to Play!

     Part of the ParentSmart KidHappy™ series written by Stacey Kaye, illustrated by Yours Truly, Free Spirit Publishing.

Illustration Friday: Craving

     This is a close-up view of the December cover of Highlights Magazine which won me the SCBWI Magazine Merit Award this year. Originally I had the boy sticking his finger in the icing, but that was baaaddd and had to be changed - ha!

Illustration Friday: Cracked

     Senora Soto had broken her eggs and blamed Hugo for the mess. See all those cracked eggs?
     Yup - another sneak peek at Soap, soap, soap ~ Jabón, jabón, jabón! My first picture book as both author and illustrator that comes out this Fall! (Click the image to see it larger.)

Illustration Friday: Contagious

Kindness can be contagious - try it!
This is from my latest release, READY TO PLAY! written by Stacey Kaye, illustrated by Yours Truly, Free Spirit Press. (Click to see the entire image larger.)


Learn more about the book and the series - click the covers!

Illustration Friday: Hierarchy

     The principal is definitely higher than the bully in the school hierarchy. (Click to see a larger version.)
     Yet another illustration from my forthcoming Soap, soap, soap ~ Jabón, jabón, jabón - my first picture book as both author and illustrator due out this Fall!

Illustration Friday: Impossibility

     It is an impossibility that Hugo will forget what to buy at the store if he shouts it out all the way there. Right? Right?
     Another layout from Soap, soap, soap! ¡Jabón, jabón, jabón!, my first picture book as both author and illustrator which comes out this Fall! (Click the image to see a larger version.)

Illustration Friday: Fleeting

     For a fleeting moment, Jellybean wondered if she'd been set up...
     Yet another layout from Soap, soap, soap ~ Jabón, jabón, jabón, my first picture book as author and illustrator coming out this Fall! (Click the image to see a larger version.) :)

Illustration Friday: Talisman

     Wow, tough theme for this week's Illustration Friday. Would Hugo's soap, acquired after such a grand (and muddy) adventure, count as a talisman? Or would the cookie jar which pops up in so many of my books qualify as my talisman? Or even my dog Bernie for that matter? Hm.
     Anyhow - this is another illustration from my first picture book as both author and illustrator coming out this Fall, Soap, soap, soap ~ Jabón, jabón, jabón. (Click the image to see it larger.)

Illustration Friday - Poise

     It's hard to maintain your poise when you're being dragged into the mud! (Click the image to see a larger version.)
     Yup - another one from Soap, soap, soap ~ Jabón, jabón, jabón, my first picture book as both author and illustrator coming out this Fall!

Illustration Friday: Subtract

     Boy - mud = Happy Mom

     Yup - this is another sneak peek at Soap, soap, soap ~ Jabón, jabón, jabón, my first picture book as both author AND illustrator. (Click the image to see it larger.)

Illustration Friday: Legendary

     Hugo was legendary for his "short cuts." (Click the image to see a larger version.)
     This is an illustration from my first picture book as author AND illustrator, Soap, soap, soap ~ Jabón, jabón, jabón which will be released this Fall!

Illustration Friday: Intricate

     It takes an intricate mix of boxes, brooms, chairs and blankets to create a proper castle.
     This is from my just released Ready to Play! written by Stacey Kaye, illustrated by Yours Truly, Free Spirit Publishers. (Click the cover to learn more.)

Illustration Friday: Breezy

     Well, when you get hung out to dry, you gotta hope for a nice breeze!
     This is from the back cover of Soap, soap, soap ~ Jabón, jabón, jabón, my first book as illustrator/author which will come out this Fall!

Illustration Friday: Instinct

     What is it about boys and mud? It's like instinct just draws them to it...
     This is the first piece I'm showing from Soap, soap, soap ~ Jabón, jabón, jabón, my first book as author/illustrator, which will be released this Fall! I've just completed the art and it's about to head out the door - woohoo!

Illustration Friday: Time

     This is from the back cover I did for the December Highlights Magazine. Typical of all their back covers, there are a lot of wonky things going on - including the clock. Could you tell time with a clock like that?
     Here's the entire piece - how many other wonky things can you find?

Illustration Friday: Climbing

     If you've been to my site before, you've probably seen this image already, but not as an IF submission. The cover of Paco and the Giant Chile Plant is perfect for this week's theme as Paco is climbing up the chile plant!

Illustration Friday: Pale

     Eggs should never remain pale white at Easter!
     This is a coloring book cover (front and back) I did for Mall Media. Did your local mall have these available last year? Let me know!

Illustration Friday: Contained

     Her toy chest contained exactly what she needed for a fun day with Grandpa!
     This is an illustration from an educational picture book I did a while back for Harcourt called "Pop Got a Hit." (I call this style my "big head stage.")

Illustration Friday: Resolve

     Maya is resolved to get that jar of peanut butter open! This is part of an illustration from Ready for the Day.
     Happy New Year everybody!

Illustration Friday: Clandestine

     The Prince kept a clandestine surveillance on the girl he liked to call Cinderella...
     This is an illustration from my first trade picture book, THE PRINCE'S DIARY, which was named the 2006 No.1 Valentine's Day Pick by BookSense! :)

Illustration Friday - Voices

     What do the voices in your head tell you?
     This is a sketch from my picture book dummy "Queen Bea."

Illustration Friday: Similar

     One of the hardest things to do when illustrating picture books is making a character consistent throughout those 32 pages. And when you consider how subtleties can differentiate even the most similar seeming creatures - a litter of warthogs for example - you begin to realize what a challenge that can be.
     I did this ages ago for a dummy which never grew wings.

Illustration Friday: Balloon

Well, this piece would have been perfect for this week's theme, but I already used it for "Wind." So, I'll offer up a sketch I did recently as an optional coloring book cover for a client. He didn't choose this one, but I may have to color it one day when I have time. To see the one the client did choose, click here.

Illustration Friday: Opinion

     Another one from Ready for Bed! One of the secrets of proper parenting language is to offer choices. Let children feel powerful by giving them a chance to have a say - express an opinion.


Learn about proper parenting language and the power of choice in, Ready for Bed and Ready for the Day - click the covers!

Illustration Friday: Pretend

     It's always easier to get something done when you pretend you're doing something else! This is also from Ready for Bed!, part of the ParentSmart/KidHappy series.

     I'm off to speak at the Savannah Children's Book Festival - hope you'll stop by!

Illustration Friday: Wise

     Why do parents always seem so wise? How can they already know all the new things their kids discover?
     This is an illustration from Ready for Bed!, part of the ParentSmart/KidHappy series written by Stacey Kaye, illustrated by Yours Truly, Free Spirit Publishing. Click the covers to learn more:

Illustration Friday: Vacant

Why are old vacant houses always so spooky?
Because they rarely are truly empty . . .
     Have a Happy Halloween!

Illustration Friday: Repair

     Sometimes Mom has to repair the attempts at proper pajamage. It's tricky getting all your arms and legs in the right tubes!
     This is an illustration from Ready for Bed!


Learn about proper parenting language and the power of choice in, Ready for Bed and Ready for the Day - click the covers!

Illustration Friday: Late

I think I showed a portion of this piece once before, but here's the whole thing. Dad is running late, but luckily he applied good parenting language he learned in Ready for the Day! (part of the ParentSmart/KidHappy series written by Stacey Kaye) and everything went smoothly!

Illustration Friday - Sugary

     Here in the south "give us some sugar" means a kiss or love. This is a crop from the cover art for "Ready for Bed." It's very sugary. :)

Illustration Friday: Packed

Bubbles helped pack fun into this dirty job.
This is an illustration from "Ready for the Day."

Illustration Friday: Island

     Ever feel like an island unto yourself? Bea sure does.
     This is yet another sketch that I can't fully render unless the book sells, which despite winning numerous honorable mentions in writing contests, it has yet to do.
     Perhaps I went too cartoony with the sketches, or maybe my art just plain doesn't fit the story. It happens. Just because I'm a professional illustrator, it doesn't mean my style fits every story I write. I get enough work that I don't take it personally. And Queen Bea would look lovely in watercolors, which I don't do...
     But I sure would like to see this story out there, because I know there are a lot of kids who would connect with Bea, trying to figure out where they fit in the world despite being a little overweight or shy or whatever. We've all been there. We've all been our own island at some point.

Illustration Friday: Clutter

     This is a spread I did last year for an easy reader - decodable book for Harcourt School called "Pop Got a Hit." (It's available to teachers now.)
     The little girl had to dig through her clutter to find her baseball glove.

Illustration Friday: Routine

     What is your morning routine? For Maya and her Dad, it's making peanut butter toast with banana slices shaped like smiley faces!
     This is from one of my latest picture books, Ready for the Day, part of the ParentSmart/KidHappy series created by Stacey Kaye. This book is an iParenting Media Award Winner for an Outstanding Product for 2008; and was named a Top Title for Back-to-School by the Association of Booksellers for Children!

Illustration Friday: Detach

     Oscar wants to be a badger, but that would mean detaching from his dachsund, Doodles. Dachsunds don't like badgers, so what is Oscar to do?
     This is an illustration from Oscar the Badger, written by Arianna Foosterdoodle (the Nom de Plume of an International Best-selling Author), illustrated by Yours Truly, MacAdam Cage Publishers. It will be released this November.

Illustration Friday: Sail

     Okay, so it's not exactly sailing, but it is boating. And it's not exactly smooth ... boating at that, as it took Marco's Mom quite a bit of effort to get him into the tub, and now will take even more effort to get him out.
     Anyhow, this is from one of my latest, Ready for Bed, written by Stacey Kaye, illustrated by Yours Truly, Free Spirit Publishing.

Illustration Friday: Poof!

This is from my picture book dummy, "Lula's Brew."
When you create a dummy, you only end up rendering a few of the illustrations fully, so I end up with a lot of pencil drawings that I would love to color, but don't have time to unless the story sells. I hope this one does because boy would I love to color Lula failing at yet another attempt to make a proper potion - *POOF!!

Illustration Friday: Foggy

     One of the things you have to think about when selecting your color palette is how the light, atmosphere and weather of a place effect color. For example, what colors do you see when you picture London? What colors do you see when you picture Arizona?
     This is a spread from "Oscar the Badger" which comes out this November. It takes place in London, a foggy place with lots of rain. The overall feel is muted colors and faded details - lending a slightly more "designery" look.

Illustration Friday: Fierce

     Another image from my latest picture book "Ready for Bed," part of the ParentSmart/KidHappy series written by Stacey Kaye, illustrated by Yours Truly, Free Spirit Publishing.
     Marco needs to brush his teeth and declares that he is "a very hungry crocodile!" Fierce indeed.

Illustration Friday: Hoard

     Despite hoarding toys, kids usually have only one or two favorites.
     This is from "Ready for the Day" - part of the ParentSmart/KidHappy series which was just released!

Illustration Friday: Punchline

From my forthcoming, "Oscar the Badger," (Fall '08) - Oscar is convinced he is turning into a badger...

Illustration Friday: Forgotten

Maya found her sandal, which hid forgotten under her bed.
This is from the one of my two latest picture books, "Ready for the Day," part of the ParentSmart/KidHappy series written by Stacey Kaye (Free Spirit Publishing). Expect a big ta-da soon! :)

Illustration Friday: Worry

     This is from "Ready for the Day" written by Stacey Kaye, illustrated by Yours Truly. It's part of the ParentSmart series from Free Spirit Publishing coming out this June.
     Here, Maya is worried. She doesn't want to be separated from her Dad during the day.

Illustration Friday: Wide

          I created these wide elephants several years ago when I was first figuring out my medium. It was an early digital experiment which accompanied my dummy, "Hyena Jo." I liked the direction, one friend called it "glowy," and it's how I've worked ever since.

Illustration Friday: Seed

     Just under the wire this week as I have speaking engagements out the wazoo to celebrate Paco and the Giant Chile Plant. (I did Mami y Yo yesterday which I'll share in more detail soon - with pictures!)
     Well that chile plant comes from magic semillas de chile - magic chile seeds. So the book is all about the power of a seed! Here, Paco's papa explains a mystery (which you have to read the book to learn more about...).

Illustration Friday: Wrinkles

I love witches with all their wrinkles and warts. They're so much fun to draw!
This is a snippet from my dummy "Lula's Brew."

Illustration Friday: Primitive

Kids can turn pretty primitive when you try to get them to do something they don't want to do . . . like go to bed. Here's an illustration from "Ready for Bed" coming out this June from Free Spirit Publishing. It walks a parent through language that works when trying to get Jr. to bed. It's part of the ParentSmart series written by Stacey Kaye.

illustration Friday: Fail

     We may not get it right the first time, but we tend to figure it out eventually.
     This is another illustration from "Ready for the Day" written by Stacey Kaye, illustrated by Yours Truly, Free Spirit Press, June 2008.

Illustration Friday: Save

     From my new book from Free Spirit Publishing (written by Stacey Kaye, illustrated by Yours Truly, June 2008), here's the illustration featured in their new catalogue (check my post below).
     Dads always know how to save the day!

Illustration Friday: Homage

     Odd theme this week, but I have a fit. The last illustration in "Paco and the Giant Chile Plant" is an homage to family and home, no matter how challenged - and of course, my dog Bernie is running to meet Paco and his family (click the image to see the whole thing).
     I had my first reading of Paco to an all Latino audience last weekend during the Nuestra Vida event at the Chamblee Library hosted by Univision 34. I was nervous trying out my Spanish in a public venue like that for the first time, but the families could not have been more warm and patient with me. I hope to have some pictures to share soon.

Illustration Friday: Pet Peeves

     A perfect fit! This is an illustration from "Ready for Bed," written by Stacey Kaye, illustrated by Yours Truly, Free Spirit Publishing. It will hit shelves in just a few months, so keep your eyes peeled. Oh that's gross. Maybe just keep a look out. But where would you put it? Keep your radar up . . . are you submerged? Um. Yeah, it's Friday and I'm feeling a bit slap-happy. What of it? Anyhow.
     Isn't it a perfect fit!? Get it? PET peeves? Who would be more particular about brushing your teeth correctly than a crocodile? Hmmmm?

Illustration Friday: Leap!

     It's Leap Year Day! So of course, we have an easy theme this week - LEAP!
     I think I can show this as it's a snippet from a book I have coming out in late May. I'll share more as we get closer.
     Do you have a leap year baby? Are you a leap year baby? Lots of fun stuff for you here! Like, why do we have leap year anyway? And when was it invented?

Illustration Friday: Multiple

Back up a few months for this week's theme, "multiple," as there are multiple things going on in Santa's Workshop. Click the image to get a closer look.

Paco and the Giant Chile Plant!!!

     A BOOK IS BORN!!!! WOOHOO!!!
     I am thrilled to announce the birth of my latest book, "Paco and the Giant Chile Plant ~ Paco y la planta de chile gigante" (written by Keith Polette, illustrated by Yours Truly, Raven Tree Press).
     When I first found out about this project, I was excited for many reasons. First, it was a great excuse to finally take Spanish lessons (which I've been doing for over a year now). And second, it's a Jack Tale (which if you know me, you know I have a thing for Jack Tales). In fact, Paco takes the familiar "Jack and the Beanstalk" tale and gives it more than a few new twists. Told as a fractured fairy tale, our hero, Jack, is now called Paco, and the story takes place in a beautiful desert setting in the American Southwest. Could I ask for anything better than to introduce Jack to the Latino community in such a fun way??
     The story is presented as an English text with embedded Spanish in rojo. A vocabulary page is included to jump start learning in either language, so it's got a great educational angle to it as well.
     I am also so proud of my artwork in this book, and feel it is somewhat of an artistic debut for me, like I've finally found my illustrative "voice."
     So, without further adieu, please go see my announcement in its original formatting, CLICK HERE.
Woohoo!!
     Oh, and a nod to Illustration Friday visitors: It is my theory that Paco will do very, very well!!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PACO AND THE GIANT CHILE PLANT ~ PACO Y LA PLANTA DE CHILE GIGANTE
written by Keith Polette, illustrated by Yours Truly (Raven Tree Press, February 2008 - TODAY!!!)
Hardcover ISBN# 978-0-9770906-2-4
Paperback ISBN# 978-0-9794462-3-8
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Illustration Friday: Choose

     Well, it's slim pickens around here. Once again I had the most perfect art to share for this week's theme, but it hasn't been published and I can't show it yet. So I'm reaching into the archives. This is from a dummy I created a while back.
     Faced by a herd of water buffalos, what would you choose to do?

Illustration Friday: Plain

An African plain.
:)

Illustration Friday: Stitch

     Well this is different, but I love the topic. I never thought I'd get to share these guys!
     Before I got so busy, I loved creating little felt creatures. I made a whole line of hand puppets, some with horns and teeth, always buttons for eyes. I loved using embroidery thread and creating fun patterns and lines using different types of stitches.
     This is the only one I still have since I gave the rest away. He is pinned to my "ego wall" which I'll talk about later this weekend. I also made Christmas stockings for our animals, but those are put away so will have to wait for another day to share.

Illustration Friday: 100%

     Interesting topic this week and I'm going to share some art from my first picture book (with my name on the cover), The Prince's Diary. It's a Cinderella story from the Prince's point of view, but it can tie into the philosophy of 100% pretty well.
     Sometimes, like for Cinderella, life throws us curves or makes us go through trials we'd rather not, but that's how life works. There's no such thing as being 100% safe and secure in anything we do and that lack of control can be very scary. It's how we deal with that lack of control that reflects who we are as people. That's the one thing we do have power over.
     How about you? Do you let the trials in life swallow you up, or do you decide to remain positive and look for the good in difficult situations? It's 100% up to you.
     Starting out this new year I wonder, are there some difficult hurdles in your path this year? How do you plan to get over them? Can you see beyond them to a place you want to be and set your sights to get there?
     My personal philosophy? I set my sights for the very top of what is possible in life. That way, even if I only get half way there, it's still pretty darned good.

Illustration Friday: Soar

     This is a bit of an experiment. I'm posting to IF from a remote location on my laptop. (Very remote actually - a cabin in the North Georgia mountains!) I couldn't figure out how to size it down to a 50x50 pixel thumbnail using iPhoto, although I was able to crop it. Anyhow, no thumbnail until I get home.
     In the heart of every pig is the desire to soar.
     I created this guy a while back (but never posted him for Illustration Friday), so the URL already existed. Let's see how this works out.
     Hope everybody had a great holiday!

Illustration Friday: horizon and Merry Christmas!

     Ho-ho-ho!
     Good things are on the horizon! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. (To view my Christmas wishes larger - click the image.)
     And here's hoping we all have a happy and peaceful New Year too!
     If you'd like to be alerted when my new books come out in 2008 (I have six!), sign up for my newsletter:

Illustration Friday: Backwards

     Yet another from Paco and the Giant Chile Plant ~ Paco y la planta de chile gigante (I love that my publisher lets me share). Paco is getting so close I can almost taste it - PICOSOS!
     I've been busy planning events to celebrate its release this spring. If you'd like me to visit your school/festival/event go under "visits" and get in touch!
     Here Paco's cow wants to back up and go home, not be traded for a costal of magical semillas!
     Click the image to see it larger.

Illustration Friday: Little Things

Okay, this is driving me crazy. I have the most perfect illustration to share for this week's theme . . . but it hasn't been published yet, so I can't. ARGHHHH!!!
Slower than molasses in winter. Yup. That's how this business moves. Seems to anyhow.
So, I'm sharing my "bald fairy" instead. He's just a little guy, with a little hair, and a little bent for mischief.

Illustration Friday: Excess

This is a sketch from my picture book dummy "Lula's Brew."

     The Aunties dished up Lula’s brew
     as people slurped like hogs.
     “Ymmm,” they oohed and “Mmmm,” they cooed
     and grinned like happy frogs.

I have to say, it's getting tough to come up with new art for IF. I'm illustrating like crazy, but it's all under contract and I'm not permitted to share just yet. (I know, nice problem to have, eh?) I'll keep contributing as long as I can.

Illustration Friday: Superstition

This is from my book, Glitter Girl and the Crazy Cheese.

Illustration Friday: Scale

Another from Paco and the Giant Chile Plant. Here, the giant's tears make him shrink in scale until he is el gigante terrible no more.
(Click the image to see it larger.)

Illustration Friday: Hats

     I don't think I've ever shared this before, and I'm still in Halloween mode. This is the cover art from my picture book dummy, "Lula's Brew." Another illustration from this story made me the 2007 Smartwriters.com Grand Prize W.I.N.NER!
     Lula, say "hello" to everybody. (Doesn't she have the grandest hat?)

Illustration Friday: Trick or Treat

Treat please!! I did this a while back (before my digital days). The boy is all wrong, but I love the pumpkins in it. Very Halloweeny!

Illustration Friday: Extremes

Again from Paco and the Giant Chile Plant. Paco's father must go to extremes to keep anybody from climbing the giant chile plant again! (click the image to see it larger)

Illustration Friday: Open

This is from Paco and the Giant Chile Plant, Raven Tree Press 2008. I can't wait for the release of this book!

Illustration Friday: The Blues (and figuring out color)

     This is old. I'll say that straight out. But it's got a story.
     I've told y'all that I was a corporate in-house illustrator for many years before I moved into children's books. Well, I drew this for a box of bird-seed for a gardening company a long time ago.
     I drew it. I didn't color or render it. It was sent out to a freelance illustrator to paint the final.
     What!?
     Yup. At one of the companies I worked for, it happened a lot actually, and let me tell you, it gave me the serious blues.
     But back then, while I could draw my little tootsie off, I couldn't color very well. I could do flat color, cartoony stuff with my eyes closed. But the fine-art look, highly painterly styles, that wasn't me.
     "But aren't drawing and painting the same thing," you ask?
     Not at all.
     Knowing how to draw with black and white (pencil, pen and ink, etc.) is completely different from learning how to apply color well in any particular medium. Color is a finicky thing. Applying atmoshpere and light with color is a completely independent skill. You can't just make a color darker to throw it into shadow. Colors change, they grow cool and hot, they oppose each other. Color can cause objects to jump forward or hide in the back. Using color incorrectly can make a piece feel flat, or it can push things forward and back that shouldn't be, making the perspective feel wonky.
     Think about it. Have you ever seen artists who could draw like crazy with graphite, but the second they rendered their art with color, it went south like a duck in winter?
     When I first dove into freelancing with my own art, I had to figure out what my medium was, and then I had to become proficient with that medium to apply color effectively. It took several years and a lot of work. I feel like I'm only now reaching my stride. Nowadays, the puzzle I enjoy most in my art is tweaking color and light, making them really work.
     So now, I can finally work with color. I can pull off those painterly looks I always admired, but I always regreted that I hadn't rendered some of my earlier drawings and sometimes go back to them to see how much I've improved.
     I revisited this particular piece several times over the years in several different mediums (this one is colored pencil), and while I still don't think it's a success color-wise, I did reach a level where I thought, "It's okay." Of course, if I did it again today it would be completely different.
     Learning how to paint and render my own drawings has been an interesting journey for me though. I hope it's interesting to budding artists as well.

Illustration Friday: Juggle

This is a little guy I cropped from a larger piece of art (which you've probably seen around on my website). I can't believe I had an actual juggler in my archives!

illustration Friday: Momentum

     This is an illustration for an upcoming educational picture book for Harcourt School - POP GOT A HIT.

illustration Friday: Visitors

The giraffe has had a visitor . . .
I did this a while back, but I still really like it. It's achieving a lot of what I try to accomplish in my current work, especially color-wise. (Click the image to see a larger version.)

Illustration Friday: Emergency

     I shared this with you under the "Capture" theme when it was still just a pencil sketch. Fully rendered, it becomes a true emergency!
     Again, this is for Paco and the Giant Chile Plant (Raven Tree Press) which will be released next June.

Illustration Friday: Moon

Illustration Friday: Poem, An Ode to Harry

An Ode to Harry
by Elizabeth O. Dulemba

‘Twas release night of Harry
and all through the town
not a reader could sleep
or put the book down.

We went to the party
and claimed our great tome.
We mingled with muggles
then took our book home.

We argued and fought
o’er who would read first,
and find out who died
as the other one cursed,

“Don’t tell me! Don’t tell me!
And hide the reviews.
I’ll read for myself
the terrible news

Of who doesn’t leave
the Hallows alive.
I can’t wait to know
who doesn’t survive.”

But once I’ve found out
the journey will end.
I’ll miss my dear Harry.
He’s been a good friend.

Since Sorcerer’s Stone,
I’ve found the books groovy.
There’s no more to wait for,
except for . . . the movie!

(Feel free to share, but please include credit.)

illustration Friday: Discovery & Postcard Demo

Little Yella riding hood went to visit her Grandma (with a bag full of bagels from Zabar's and a Starbucks Chai Latte) only to discover . . .

     A while back, somebody asked if I would talk about my process with promotional postcard mailings. Since I'm using my latest postcard art for IF this week, I thought it would be a perfect time.
     I like to use Premium Postcard for my printing. They have no minimum print requirements which means I can send out a very targeted mailing list for less money. They are also run through the US Postal Service, so postage is included in their prices, and I can do everything online, including build my mailing list.
     When I'm ready to send my postcards, I just upload my art, click the names I want to mail to, and voila! I do, however, mail myself a proof postcard first. PP uses a coated glossy stock which holds up great in the mail and looks very professional, however, it tends to blow out the saturation of my art. So I usually send a very dummed down version of my art colorwise to get a good result.
     I build my postcards in Photoshop and save them as .jpgs to upload.
     Here's the front of my latest:

     Notice I have my name and contact information on the front. Art Directors will often pin postcards they like to a bulletin board. You never know what could sway an Art Director to hire you over somebody else, so make things easy for them. Include your contact information on the front so they don't have to fumble with your postcard to get in touch with you.
     Here's the back of my postcard:

     On the back I include my name, relevant title (children's book illustrator), a list of books I've illustrated with the publisher's name and any accolades they've received. I have my website address so they can see more of my art at my online portfolio (this is important and what makes the postcard/website advertsing technique so effective.) I include contact information for me and my agent. The art for this particular postcard is also published in this year's Picture-Book annual, so I included the page number. PP also has room for a small vignette of art - I included the "snout cream" from the bedside table. (This is an actual mailed postcard, so you can see the USPS logo and mailing strip.)
     I mail different art out three to four times a year to a mailing list I've pulled together by studying trade magazines and researching online. It's down to a select group of Art Directors and Editors with whom I'd especially like to work.
     And that's it! Hope you find this helpful.

Illustration Friday: Geeky

I created this for the River Eves Kick-off to Summer Reading party and it was published in the latest SCBWI Bulletin, so you might have seen it before, but it fits the bill, eh? This was me - was it you? Well, except for the glasses. Of course, now I wear glasses, but not back then. Still have my nose buried in a book most of the time though.

Illustration Friday: Twist

     I know I've told you about this before, but I just dummied it up for the first time last week. It needs tweaking, but I have to say I am so pleased with the way this book is coming together.
     What book?
     Why, "Paco and the Giant Chile Plant ~ Paco y la planta de chile gigante," of course!
     It's a Latino TWIST on "Jack and the Beanstalk" and the main reason I've been taking Spanish lessons (okay, that and turning 40). I want to be able to speak to my entire audience when Raven Tree Press releases it next June. It seems like a long way off, but holding the dummy in my hands is getting me so excited!!
     Click the image to see it larger

Illustration Friday: Camouflage

I created this a few years ago for my dummy, "Hyena Jo." (Click the image to see it larger.)
And by the way, the stripes really do work. I learned this during our honeymoon in Kenya. You can see pictures here (it's an old site so please forgive the clunkiness).

Illustration Friday: Rejection

I haven't posted anything from Glitter Girl and the Crazy Cheese in a while. This is the closing illustration. You know you've got it bad when you're cat won't even stick around for you.

Illustration Friday: Suit

     I created this for a publisher of chapter books. I ended up illustrating "Haley and the Big Blast" rather than this story, so this illustration never made it to the public.

     On another note, thanks for all the birthday wishes everybody! Y'all go color a cake!

Illustration Friday: My Paradise

     I get to post what is currently my favorite piece of art for this week's theme.
     This is what Paco finds at the top of the giant chile plant in "Paco and the Giant Chile Plant ~ Paco y la planta de chile gigante."
     It's my paradise to be able to create it for him. (Click the image to see it larger.)

Illustration Friday: Sign

     I've posted this on my blog before, but not for Illustration Friday. This was an illustration for my dummy, "Hyena Jo."
     He wanted to be a graffitti artist, but lived on a vast African plain with no walls on which to paint. So he "signed" (tagged) the animals instead, especially the big ones with their big wide sides so similar to subway cars.

Illustration Friday: Citrus - 100th IF Post!

     Wow! Today I celebrate my 100th post on Illustration Friday! Don't believe me? Check out the IF Gallery I've put together.
     Ironically, with today's subject, I'm posting what I consider to be one of my first truly successful illustrations. I did this . . . about nine years ago, and it was probably the first piece I ever did that made me think, "hm, I might be able to play with the big dogs!" It was quite an accomplishment for me.
     Help me celebrate my 100th IF post! Download and color my birthday bear:

Thanks for all the great comments y'all! If you color 'em - I'll post 'em! This one is by "kinT."
You guys are so awesome. This second birthday bear is colored by "Cat."
The bears keep coming! This one is by Mark Korbieh - a friend from Spanish class!

And another bear! This one colored by Scott Cuzzo. :)

Illustration Friday: Neighbor

     This is a spread from Glitter Girl and the Crazy Cheese as the cheese dances back to the neighborhood - see it back there doing a jig?
     Oh, and the dog? That's Bernie, my dog, yup. He's in all my books. I have the kids wave and say, "Hi, Bernie!"
     So . . . go ahead. Say it . . . "Hi, Bernie!"

Illustration Friday: Remember

     Remember when books were magic? How they could carry you to new and fantastic worlds? They still can, they're just waiting for you!
     I created this a few years back. It was one of the first pieces I did where I felt I was finally getting a handle on working digitally. I originally intended to send this out as a promotional postcard, but the size was all wrong, and I quickly moved past it. Still, there are some things I really like about it. Click the image to see it larger.

Illustration Friday: Polar

     I started drawing this about two years ago when the whole Narnia craze returned. This was the Snow Queen in her polar environment, right when she hears a noise . . .
     I started rendering it this weekend, and it still has a long way to go, but I honestly don't think I'll have time to finish it this week - I've got too many deadlines.
     What I really want to announce though, is that I've created a gallery of all my IF submissions. I've been participating for a long time now, and it took quite a while to pull this together. If you'd like to check it out, hit the link under the IF logo to the right or Click Here.
     I'm also adding a coloring page for you this week. Just click the penguin to download the .jpg. Enjoy!

Illustration Friday: Green

     Well, there's the color "green" and then there's the definition of "green" as in newbie.
     Here is Lula, from my dummy, "Lula's Brew." She didn't like to fly on a broom . . .

     Lula wanted to be the chef
     of the neighborhood's favorite haunt.
     She wanted a four star bistro,
     her very own restaurant.

     But when your Aunties are witches,
     the wickedest in the land,
     you have to learn how to fly a broom
     and cast spells with a wave of your hand . . .

Click the image to see it larger. :)

Illustration Friday: I Spy...

"I spy . . . pepper juice in your eye!"
¡Aye caramba!

Oh, what a day! I have the windows open, the fan on, and a warm breeze is wafting in. Oh, and it's FRIDAY! Could things get any better? Oh yeah, hubbie's on his way home and we're going for Mexican food on a patio somewhere. I'm in heaven. :)

Hey guys, a lot of you leave me questions, but then use the "anonymous" or the "noreply-comment" setting. I can't talk to you when you do that! hint, hint.

Illustration Friday: Total

     Odd topic this week. It will be interesting to see how everybody translates it's meaning. For me, it immediately turns into "totally" as in "like totally" (said with a Valley Girl accent).
     With that in mind, this is a spot illustration from my first illustrated picture book, THE PRINCE'S DIARY (named No.1 2006 Valentine's Day Pick by Book Sense). This is when Lady Jane Prescott discovers she is like totally allergic to blackberry scones!

Illustration Friday: Wired

     I actually have a funny story behind this week's theme. In high school I went on one of those "see all of Europe in two weeks" tours.
     We had a great time, but I remember as we stood under the Eiffel Tower (and me a complete francophile - wow), a girl named Amy sat there plugged into her music with her eyes closed. I wanted to shake her and say, "Look up will ya?"
     So as I was sketching something for this week's theme, of course Amy came to mind. But instead of the Eiffel Tower I wondered, what if whatever was above her was something even more amazing? Something like a big pink dragon?
     This is a serious quickie - just a few hours.

Illustration Friday: Hide

Perfect! I just finished the next illustration for "Paco and the Giant Chile Plant" and it's a perfect fit for this week's IF theme! (Click the image to get a better look.)

Illustration Friday: Communication

I did this illustration a few years ago for a magazine called "Signews." It accompanied a short story by Penny Warner for the hearing impaired community. She wrote several short stories involving these characters. Here, they receive phones to text message each other. If you look closely, you can see a hearing aid in the girl's ear too. It's definitely all about "communication!"

Illustration Friday: Crash

     I'm pulling an image from my first picture book, "The Prince's Diary" (Shen's Books 2005). It was named No.1 2006 Valentine's Day Pick by Book Sense!
     Here, a carriage crashes into the hole the Prince dug in the driveway. His blind date, The Lady Prescott, is horrified and flips her mushroom casserole into the air.
     See my dog? He's called "Rover" in the book, but that's "Bernie" in real life! (He's also a little chubbier.)

Illustration Friday: Sprout

     Funny theme this week, and it happens to go with the picture book I'm currently illustrating, "Paco and the Giant Chile Plant," which will be released by Raven Tree Press in June, 2008.
     I'm so happy to be working on this bilingual story (it's the reason I'm finally taking Spanish lessons).
     Here, Paco has planted his chile seed when suddenly the ground rumbled and grumbled and a chile plant shot into the sky.

Illustration Friday: Red

I'm pulling another illustration from "Haley and the Big Blast" which was released from Amy Elise Press in November. Here, Haley gets to ride in her aunt's hot red convertible.

Illustration Friday: Super Hero

Here's a quickie I did last night. It's not "Mighty Mouse," it's "Super Rat!" Or so he likes to think...

Illustration Friday: 80's

     The first thing that popped to mind was doing a charicature of Boy George, or somebody wearing jeans so tight, you can read their credit card number through their back pocket. And then I thought, do I really want to go there? I lived through it, that was enough.
     So, I'm going for the more serious side of the 80's and sharing something I've not done much of so far here. This is an image I created for "A Bird on Water Street" back when it was still a picture-book, or a chapter book (it's now a full blown novel and with my agent as I type).
     The story centers around the closing of the local copper mine through the eyes of 13-year-old Jack. And, even though my story is fiction, it's based on a real event in 1987. The coppermine was in Copperhill, Tennessee, and it's closing crushed the local economy.

     This image is of Jack and Piran watching a slag dump. The waste from separating copper from the rock left a sludge that, when molten hot, was poured down the sides of the company land (which sat on a mountain of the hardened stuff). It was like watching a fireworks show as the lava spit and sparked while it cooled.
     You can read a snippet of my epilogue describing the complicated history of the region HERE. But be prepared - it's kind of shocking.