Ben Clanton's Squiggles and Scribbles

Sketchbook Saturday

2012-02-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

Hooray for fingerprint doodles!

and dragons too!

I LOVE PICTURE BOOKS!

2012-02-08T09:41:00.000-08:00

I am having one of those moments where I am entirely besotted with picture books. This is partially due to books like these coming out this Spring . . .

Actually, One Cool Friend is already out and available and there is a really cool feature on it at the 7-IMP blog.

I love what I do!

Sophie Blackall

2012-02-07T10:47:00.001-08:00

Plant a Kiss by Rosenthal and Reynolds

2012-02-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

I got this book a couple weeks ago and think it is really lovely. There is even glitter (which unfortunately warps a few of the pages but is worth it)!

one jellyfish is not like the others

2012-02-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

Interview with Jasper John Dooley

2012-02-01T09:18:00.000-08:00

Caroline Adderson (author of Jasper John Dooley and other awesomeness) has a new website and as part of it, some of the characters have interviewed their illustrators! Check out mine with the character I illustrated, Jasper John Dooley!

Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week comes out in March!

A CAT IN PARIS

2012-01-24T08:12:00.000-08:00

I want to see it!

Sketchbook Saturday

2012-01-21T22:32:00.000-08:00

Played several games of scrabble the past few nights. When it wasn't my turn I was doodling lots of little beasties like these guys below.

creative blues

2012-01-20T10:26:00.000-08:00

Recently I've been fighting some creative blues. I think part of it has to do with it being this time of year. But I think it is mostly about the pangs of growing as an artist. My drawing/painting abilities are getting better, which is a very good thing, but they aren't THERE yet. That mysterious point at which I am accomplishing what I set out to do or close to it. I don't think this would be as hard for me if I was the only one seeing my artwork, but I have books coming out and I know there are mistakes in them. Don't get me wrong. I am THRILLED about my upcoming books, and I think they are good but I could do them better now than when I was working on them half a year ago and I am sure I could do them even better a year from now, but I need to keep moving forward. I know this is something most if not all people deal with in some way (the Ira Glass video below being a good and helpful testament to this), but it is still not easy.

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

To fight off my creative blues I have been trying to shake things up and go about ordinary things differently. I cleared out the closet and made a reading/movie watching nook and locked myself in for awhile. I slept in the opposite direction from my normal way. And I'm changing up little things that no one but me will necessarily notice, but that I find fun and which keep my spirits up. What do you do to fight the creative blues? I could use your suggestions!

Tomie dePaola Award

2012-01-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

This was my submission for this year's Tomie dePaola Award:

This year's theme was Chicken Licken and there were many great submissions. Thanks to Diandra Mae most of those submissions can be seen here.

I'm afraid I did not win but I had fun and offer my congratulations to Yvette Piette Herrera and the other 2012 winners.

Sketchbook Saturday

2012-01-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

Lots and lots of kids in this edition of Sketchbook Saturday!

And to finish it up here are some kid collaborations. The kids I work with love to take my sketchbook and color in it. :)

Feature Friday: Good Books Coming out in 2012

2012-01-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

Besides my own books there are a number of picture books I'm quite excited about this year. Here are a few of them:

Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen comes out on Jan. 17th

Petunia Goes Wild by Paul Schmid comes out on Jan. 24th

The Monster Returns by Peter McCarty comes out Jan. 31st

A Hen for Izzy Pippik by Aubrey Davis and illustrated by Marie LaFrance comes out March 1st

Animal Masquerade by Marianne Dubuc comes out March 1st
Here is a book trailer for Marianne Dubuc's previous book:

Dear Flyary by Dianne Young and illustrated by John Martz comes out March 1st

Sam and His Dad by Serge Bloch comes out on March 1st

Virginia Wolf by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault comes out March 1st

Me Want Pet! by Tammi Sauer and illlustrated by Bob Shea comes out on March 6th

Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton comes out March 13th

House Held Up by Trees by Ted Kooser and illustrated by Jon Klassen comes out on March 27th

The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? by Mo Willems comes out on April 3rd

The Dunderheads Behind Bars by Paul Fleischman and illustrated by David Roberts comes out on April 10th

Bink and Gollie, Two for One by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee and illustrated by Tony Fucile comes out on June 12th

Earthling! by Mark Fearing comes out June 20th

Hubble Bubble, Granny Trouble by Tracy Corderoy and illustrated by Joe Berger comes out July 10th

Have a great weekend!

ParaNorman - 2012 Official Teaser Trailer HD 1080p

2012-01-05T13:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

Ahoy and happy new year!

2011 was overall a really good year for me. I got my first book contract last spring and then 2 more in the summer and another in the winter. Marietta Zacker became my agent. And Kelsey, gigi and I had some lovely adventures.

We ended 2011 with a trip to Montana. It was really nice to spend time with family, catch up with friends, and the highlight for me . . . hanging out with Lynne Avril who is the illustrator of many great children's books such as the new Amelia Bedelia picture book series.

Turns out that a friend of mine from high school knows Lynne and was kind enough to invite me to an art hangout session with her. We ended up choosing several different topics to draw/paint. For one of them we did a portrait of the person to the left of us. I was to the left of Lynne!

Kelsey was to the left of me.

Such a great way to welcome in a new year.

2012 promises to be a good one. I'm really quite thrilled about my upcoming picture book debut. Vote for Me! by ME comes out April 1st and Jasper John Dooley by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by me comes out March 1st. Expect a lot of posts about these books in the next few months.

As for my new year resolutions, I'm sticking with my usual . . .

1. Take a trip to outer space and meet an alien if possible.

2. Become a certified dragon tamer (it is the year of the dragon so I feel my chances are better this year than in the past).

3. Make up a word that EVERYONE will use by year's end!

4. Make the world's largest pizza.

5. Become spectacularly muscular and handsome.

6. Make a bestselling book.

7. Become the archduke of Neptune.

8. Get all my Holiday cards out in time.

Cheers!

Holiday Cards part 2

2011-12-19T09:26:00.000-08:00

Holiday Cards

2011-12-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

I decided to take a little bit of time yesterday and today to make some cards. I've been finding it quite relaxing so will try to squeeze in a bit more time to do some more.

the one above is based on a Jon Klassen card

Up and Down video reading

2011-12-01T08:52:00.000-08:00

Stuck, read by Oliver Jeffers

2011-11-30T10:43:00.000-08:00

Jasper John Dooley!

2011-11-28T08:58:00.001-08:00

I got a surprise in the mail!

My first book (I did the illustrations in this one) is coming out in a few months
and we found an advanced copy in our mailbox on Wednesday. Hooray!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T22:49:00.001-08:00

There are a number of aspects to Thanksgiving that I don't much care for . . . football, all those poor dead turkeys, and the continuation of certain harmful myths. Even the family aspect can often go awry, but overall I think it is good to get together with those we love as well as those we are related to. YET there is one thing in particular I really do like about Thanksgiving. I think it is always a good thing to be thankful and I have so many things to be thankful for . . . a wonderful family, a start to my career as an author/illustrator, not being a turkey, a good place to live, kind and inspirational people, chocolate, wind-up robots and so much more.

Also, YOU. Thank you!

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-11-19T13:26:00.001-08:00

Rita and Whatsit - A New Book Series About a Girl and Her Dog

2011-11-18T09:54:00.000-08:00

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax Trailer

2011-11-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

cards for kids

2011-11-14T22:19:00.001-08:00

Tonight Kelsey (my wife) had me make a couple of cards for kids she works with. It was fun. Below are the results. :)

The one above was for a 1st grade boy.

Above is the front of a card I made for a kid in 5th grade who likes Fablehaven and Percy Jackson. I would have done an epic fight scene or a realistic drawing of a mythical creature, but those sorts of things don't really fit as well with my drawing style. Dragon was as close as I could get. Though, maybe next time I will challenge myself a bit more to step outside of my usual look.

Above is the back of the dragon card.

fall flying!

2011-11-12T21:28:00.001-08:00

Feature Friday: Leigh Hodgkinson

2011-11-11T17:45:00.001-08:00

Leigh Hodgkinson is an animation director and children's book author/illustrator. And I think she is simply brilliant! Her work is bright, expressive, and fun. I'm particularly a fan of her latest picture book endeavor called Limelight Larry. The book "is fantastic because it is about Limelight Larry. In fact, it's SO fantastic that Larry doesn't think there is ANY room on the pages for ANYONE but him!"

Limelight Larry from Beakus on Vimeo.

The story is in the same vein as The Monster at the End of this Book and Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (interactive books that break the fourth wall). Limelight Larry is truly a clever addition to the growing genre of children's metafiction with its foily surprises and witty construction.

Smile! is another great book by Leigh Hodgkinson. I love the use of textures, the delightful design, and overall endearingness of the story.

Colin & The Snoozebox from Beakus on Vimeo.

Be sure to check out Leigh's wonderful website with all of its whatsits and doodads!

My books are up on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!

2011-11-09T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hooray! While I am all for buying books from local bookstores, I'm still feeling pretty ecstatic about seeing my books available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Makes it all seem so much more real. Anywho, I'm hoping there will be the preview option for the books at some point.

Monster Monday

2011-11-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

sir knight

2011-11-05T11:42:00.001-07:00

sketchbook saturday: kid collaborations?

2011-11-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple weeks my sketchbook has been kidnapped/borrowed on a few occasions by the kids I work with and the results have been quite funny. These are a few of my favorites:

Turning my characters into girls seems to have been one of the main objectives.

I find the elephant to be somewhat frightening.

Apparently this one is me as a kid. This is a welcome improvement from the usual pictures the kids label as being me. Though, I'm not too sure about the arrow pointing at the rear end.

Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Peter H. Reynolds: Author 1:1

2011-11-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Looks like Amy Krous Rosenthal and Peter H. Reynolds are collaborating on a book. Check out this great interview they recently did: http://www.omnivoracious.com/2010/01/amy-krouse-rosenthal-and-peter-reynolds-author-11.html.

the princess who fell in love with Death

2011-11-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

Monster Monday Mix & Match

2011-10-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

(Above: a monster mix and match book I made using a blank white book from barebooks.com)

One of my favorite activities to do with kids is make mix and match books. They are really simple to make and mega fun. All you really need is a couple sheets of copy paper, staples, scissors, a piece of cardstock paper for the cover, and imagination. First, fold all the papers veggie burger style and then stick the copy paper inside the folded cardstock. Next put three staples equally spaced in along the spine to hold it all together (or use another binding technique). Then cut the inside copy paper twice (one cut a third of the way from the top and the next one a third from the bottom . . . be careful not to cut all the way to the spine but it is important to be close so that it will fold easy). The rest is all about drawing. I usually do my first drawing just as I normally would, but am sure that the neck of my critter is at the first cut and that the legs or bottom starts at the bottom cut. Next I flip the head flap so that I have a creature with no head and then draw a new type of head (be sure all the lines meet up where the paper is cut). I find it easiest to do just one section at a time, so that I don't have to over worry about it all lining up.

(creature drawn on the first page of a monster mix and match)

This project is all about thinking outside the box, or playing around with the book medium (this is one of those cases where your story or pictures being in a book is paramount).

In the above mix and match I drew one of the heads so that it went on the back of the paper of another and thereby expanded to having four sections (head, neck, torso, and bottom). Playing around with mixing and matching words can be fun too. I often will use the left side to break down each creatures name, so that when you flip a flap you can go from pig to big (a pig with a bear head), or from monster to mobot (a robot with a monster head).

Sketchbook Saturday: halloween edition

2011-10-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

Spooktacular Children's Books

2011-10-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton

This book captures the essence of the film frightfully well. Tim Burton's illustrations are gorey-esque but also uniquely his own. The tale is fittingly told in verse. It's been many years since this story came out, but the genius of it still amazes me. Having two of the most popular holidays meet is a marketing dream, but mainly it is just fun/scary.

THE BOOK THAT EATS PEOPLE by John Perry and Mark Fearing

I've featured this book SO many times on this blog and for good reason. This is one of the best halloween-time books out there.

ONLY A WITCH CAN FLY by Alison McGhee and Taeeun Yoo

This story is simply lovely and the illustrations . . . WOW. I love Taeeun Yoo's artwork.

Half-Minute Horrors by a whole bunch of brilliant people

Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror by Chris Priestley and David Roberts

I originally got these books because I think David Roberts is a brilliant illustrator, but it turns out the stories are quite something too. I can't read these ones late at night.

Some other spooktacular books:

Cinderella Skeleton by Robert D. San Souci and David Catrow

Anything illustrated by Gris Grimly

Coraline by Neil Gaimen

Zen Ghosts by Jon J. Muth

Scaredy-Cat, Splat! by Rob Scotton

The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Ugly Pumpkin by Dave Horowitz

Tunes Tuesday: Recess Monkey

2011-10-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

I wish groups like Recess Monkey had been around when I was a kid. Maybe I would have liked music more (I like it now but wasn't much of a fan as a kid . . . I choose to blame the sister who was obsessed with NSYNC, the Judds, and the macarena). Anywho, this seattle based band is enjoyed by both kids and parents. And, of course, by illustrators who like some fun inspiration.

I originally found out about Recess Monkey because their album artist, Jarrett Krosoczka, makes some pretty fantastic children's books.

Using a Spiral to Create Detailed Art

2011-10-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

Faber Castell from eric yeo on Vimeo.

Feature Friday: 10 Best Read Alouds (continued)

2011-10-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

8. A Pet for Petunia by paul schmid

"A simple, beguiling story. Bravo, Paul!" - Maurice Sendak

The subject matter of wanting a skunk for a pet or wanting a pet in general is not a new one, but Paul Schmid manages to make it his own. The book is original, funny and classic. The use of white space is brilliant (allowing kids' imaginations to take over). The pictures are simply adorable/funny (the naive line quality makes the illustrations very accessible for children). Similar to No, David! we do not see the parents. Instead it seems as if the child reader is in the place of the parent . . . a brilliantly subversive role reversal. I think my favorite part of this story, though, and what really makes it a great read aloud is Schmid's word choices. Petunia's tantrum 2/3rds of the way through the book particularly displays Schmid's ability to have a kid-like voice.

Really looking forward to Paul's up-coming books . . .

Hugs from Pearl comes out Nov. 22nd and Petunia Goes Wild comes out Jan. 24th

Monster Monday

2011-10-17T22:29:00.001-07:00

Feature Friday: 10 Best Read Alouds (continued)

2011-10-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

So far I've posted about 6 of my favorite picture books for reading aloud with kids:
1. THERE ARE CATS IN THIS BOOK by Viviane Schwarz
2. No, David! by David Shannon
3. DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOK! by Michaela Muntean and illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre
4. Anything by Mo Willems
5. The Book that Eats People by John Perry and Mark Fearing
6. Dirty Bertie by David Roberts

And now for #7 . . .

7. The Purple Kangaroo by Michael Ian Black and Peter Brown

Michael Ian Black is probably best known for being a comedian, so when he started writing picture books it came as no surprise that they were funny. But I've been blown away by just how funny kids find them to be, especially The Purple Kangaroo. Whenever I pull this book out of my book bag the kids say things like "I like that one!" and "that one is funny!". I've done quite a few readings of this book now and the kids never seem to tire of it. They like how the book breaks the fourth wall by having a monkey (humor gold!) talk to them directly and that this monkey claims to be able to read their mind. Every line of text fits perfectly and the absurdity of the book is brilliant.

Peter Brown's illustrations, though, are what take this book from being "good" to "pure awesomeness." The illustrations have perfect pacing. The cartoon-like expressions of the characters make it easy for kids to identify. The sketchiness of the lines makes the illustrations more accessible for kids because they can relate their own styles to it. The separation of styles between the "real" monkey and the imagined kangaroo is great. Anywho, there are all sorts of artistic choices that make the illustrations such an awesome complement to the words, but the basic point is that kids love it.

HOORAY!

2011-10-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

Tunes Tuesday: Brian Vogan and his Good Buddies

2011-10-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

I usually like to listen to audiobooks or kids music when illustrating. One of my favorite groups to listen to is based here in Seattle (we seem to have a wealth of great kids bands here). Brian Vogan and his Good Buddies is one of those bands whose music not only appeals to kids but parents and adults as well. Check them out!

That's How A Pumkin Grows from Alberto Cerriteño on Vimeo.

sketchbook saturday

2011-10-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

THE THREE LITTLE ALIENS AND THE BIG BAD ROBOT

2011-10-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

THE THREE LITTLE ALIENS AND THE BIG BAD ROBOT by Margaret McNamara (How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?) and illustrated by Mark Fearing (The Book that Eats People . . . one of my favorites) just came out the other week and I think it is simply brilliant. This out-of-this-world take on the classic Three Little Pigs tale is cleverly done and a sure crowd pleaser. McNamara's writing is fun and witty with words like "greep" and "boink" and a gazillion other words that are fun to say out loud speckled throughout the book, references to movies like E.T. (sure kids might not get all of these but it is always nice to have some things for the adult reader as well), and silly/quotable lines throughout like "Not by the slime on my chinny chin chin!" (I think that was one of my favorites).

Mark Fearing's illustrations are perfect for this book. The characters are appealing and expressively rendered (I'm especially a fan of the three alien children who each are so full of personality). The pacing is right on. The attention to detail is fantastic. Yep, so I pretty much recommend this book to infinity and beyond!

Monster Monday

2011-10-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-10-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

Monster Monday

2011-09-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

Feature Friday: 10 BEST READ ALOUDS (continued)

2011-09-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Ahoy! I've been really busy the past month and so I dropped the ball on these Feature Friday posts. So as to catch up a bit, I've got several of my favorite read alouds to share today. :)

As a bit of a refresher, I have so far included these three books in my top 10 read alouds:

1. There Are Cats in this Book

2. No, David!

3. Do Not Open this Book!

And now for the new additions!

1. ANYTHING by Mo Willems

Mo Willems gets how to make great read alouds better than anyone else. The kids I work with love, love, love the Elephant & Piggie books. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is already a classic. And the Knuffle Bunny series is so endearingly funny.

Mo gets how to walk the line between over the top and subtle. Also, he leaves room for the audience to create a part of the experience (for one of the Elephant & Piggie books I sprayed water on the kids whenever Elephant sneezed). Mo consistently breaks the fourth wall effortlessly. All awesome! All funny!

2. THE BOOK THAT EATS PEOPLE! by John Perry and Mark Fearing

Subversive, funny, breaks the fourth wall, and a bit scary . . . this book has pretty much everything a great read aloud needs. I often get requests for me to read this book. The kids love to test whether or not the book is ACTUALLY the book that eats people.

3. DIRTY BERTIE by David Roberts

Delightfully gross! I can see a lot of adults disliking the content of these books, but there is no denying the kid appeal as Bertie farts, picks his nose, and does a bunch of really gross stuff.

Too funny!

2011-09-16T07:58:00.000-07:00

WILDWOOD by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Carson Ellis

2011-09-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

sketchbook saturday

2011-09-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-08-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-08-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

World's Largest Stop-Motion Animation

2011-08-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

Julie Fortenberry's blog always seems to have something interesting. I couldn't help but reshare these:

Monster Monday

2011-08-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

William Joyce's new projects

2011-08-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

Recently discovered that William Joyce is coming out with a few new books . . .

Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King and The Man in the Moon. I love his artwork and storytelling, so am thrilled to see that he is working on these new projects.

He's also coming out with some new movies (loved Meet the Robinsons, also based off one of his books)!

The Rise of the Guardians will be out in 2012.

And the next movie will be based off his book, The Leaf Men, coming out in 2013. Blue Sky Studios is doing this one.

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-08-06T16:13:00.001-07:00

Feature Friday: 10 BEST READ ALOUDS (part 3 of 10)

2011-08-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

3. DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOK! by Michaela Muntean andillustrated by Pascal Lemaitre

(you've got to open this book)

This book is not near as well known as the otherbooks on my list of Top 10. I'm not fully sure why because it is truly a great readaloud. This book is a bit of an ode to THERE IS A MONSTER AT THE END OF THISBOOK (itself a revolutionary book that helped setup the great interactive bookbonanza we have today . . . btw, check out the app of the book because it isAMAZINGNESS). Anywho, DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOK is a book kids will definitely wantyou to open. Each page is well crafted and involves the audience so well thatkids will want to read this book again and again and again and again and again(trust me . . . I know from experience).

sketchbook saturday

2011-07-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

Some initial character sketches for a story I'm working on.

Feature Friday! The 10 BEST READ ALOUDS (part 2 of 10)

2011-07-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

2. NO, DAVID! by David Shannon

This one is a bit of a no brainer for being in the Top 10. Kids LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book, and come to know the story so well that they will usually shout out most of the lines whenever I try and read this one with them. It's such fun to hear the kids yell out "No, David!" and "No, David, no!" and all the other things David's mom says. Part of the appeal of this book, of course, is all the naughty things David does like running naked through the street, picking his nose, and playing baseball inside. But another part of this book's appeal is the role reversal that it allows. As the pictures do not show David's mother (except a part of her at the start and the end of the book) the kids reading this book are placed in her shoes and become the ones telling David off. As kids are usually in the role of being scolded by adults, it is a fun change for kids to find themselves in the position of authority. Also, the art is incredibly accessible. David Shannon stays true to his five year old self (how old he was when he first came up with this book) and keeps a naive quality to the lines, but also brings a great painterly quality and awesome composition to the work. This book is subversiveness at its best!

The 10 BEST Read Aloud Picture Books (Part 1 of 10)

2011-07-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

The books I am going to feature over the next several weeks are tried and tested using the latest research in silly-ish-ness-ics, goofology, and endearingphy. In short, they are 100% AWESOME read alouds.

1. THERE ARE CATS IN THIS BOOK by Viviane Schwarz

THERE ARE CATS IN THIS BOOK and THERE ARE NO CATS IN THIS BOOK are two of my ALL TIME FAVORITES. These books are so well crafted, so well conceived, and so endearing that it is borderline ridiculous. The books feature three cats who love pillow fights, exploring the world, and, of course, FISH! Kids love to help the cats out with their adventures through a number of simple interactive features. It is amazing to me to see just how into these books kids can get. For instance, THERE ARE NO CATS IN THIS BOOK has a part where the cats ask the reader to help wish them out of the book. At first, I wasn't sure this was something kids would do, but when I read this book aloud to a group of 30 (ages 5 through 11) every single kid had their eyes tightly shut and were whispering to themselves "I wish!" . . . magical. These books are simply magical. See for yourself:

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-07-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

soccer bot

2011-07-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

monster monday

2011-07-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

2011-07-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore iPad App Trailer from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.

I want an ipad so badly right now!

MOONBOT studios Office Tour from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.

sketchbook saturday

2011-07-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Decided to try out doing the watercolor first and then drawing.

character exploration (continued)

2011-07-07T08:17:00.000-07:00

I've been trying out a slightly different look to my illos of kids . . . a bit more simple and cartoony. I'm liking them so far, so probably more to come soon. I'm trying to find a style for the kids that will work better with my imaginary creations than my current kid illos do. Certainly not leaving the other style behind. Just expanding. :)

In other news: Joe Berger is BRILLIANT! And so too is Sara Ogilvie. Just got Hattie the Bad and Dogs Don't Do Ballet for my birthday and absolutely adore both books. Especially Hattie the Bad! It is such a good bad book full of subversiveness in the form of frogs, underpants, and orange paint.

In other other news: paper straws are incredible.

exploring

2011-07-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

Good News!

2011-07-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Several bits of ridiculously awesome good news to share . . .

I recently got my first book illustration job! I'm illustrating a charming and funny chapter book series . . . that I will reveal more about on a later date. Just finished up the final illustrations for the first book last night. :)

One of my picture books is going to be published! Can't even convey how thrilled I am.

And the marvelous Marietta B. Zacker is now representing me :). Good things come from going to conferences. In just a few weeks I have come to realize why it is a really good idea to have an agent.

Anyways, thanks to all those who stop by my blog and say hello. More to come soon . . . HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-06-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

I think I ended up with a few characters in this batch that I will explore a bit more.

Especially, Hairy Harry below. He makes me happy. :)

These guys are a bit outside my usual repertoire. I find it refreshing to sketch something different every once and awhile . . . frees me up to think about my usual work with a new perspective.

monster monday . . . moustache style!

2011-06-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

Oliver Jeffers 'Heart and the Bottle' iPad Picture Book App

2011-06-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-06-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

I'm a Shark: Bob Shea's AWESOME Book

2011-06-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

busy bots

2011-06-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

Epic Battle

2011-06-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

made this at Kids Club awhile back . . .

a balancing act

2011-06-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-06-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-05-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-05-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

Every Friday I have a story club that I do with kids ranging in age from 5 to 12. It is lots of fun to see what stories they come up with and also quite funny to see how they decide to position their body when writing, drawing, and reading. These sketches were inspired by a couple interesting techniques I observed.

Also, here are some doodles I did at the most recent Washington Society for Children's Books Writers and Illustrators meeting:

Laura Kvasnosky presented at the meeting and was simply phenomenal. She is full of such warmth, joy and passion!

More bots!

2011-05-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love drawing robots . . . if only I could come up with a good story for one. Now that would be a joyous occasion!

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-05-07T22:57:00.000-07:00

Squiggle Menagerie

2011-05-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

sketchbook Saturday

2011-04-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

Dragons!

2011-04-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

Love drawing dragons . . . did these ones the other day when drawing with the kids at Kids Club.

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-04-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

Conference a success!

2011-04-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

Wowza! What an exhausting but absolutely thrilling conference! I had some great takeaways from all three days, but first some exciting news . . . I got the grand prize in the juried art portfolio show. To say the least, I was pleasantly surprised seeing as there were so many amazing illustrators that took part. I'm also very pleased to report that I met some wonderful people (I believe I may soon be joining a critique group) and got some great feedback from some of the conference faculty. The first day, as I mentioned in my previous post, was the illustrator master class. As I have not had any formal art education, Dan Santat's session was particularly helpful. He covered such topics as lighting and shading, the power of squinting (creating contrast creates depth to field and can help create a first read and second read), color/hue, mixing colors (white + 1 color rule and that is best to mix your own black), and the rule of thirds. Yet, the most memorable part for me was Dan's work ethic. He used photoshop to change a portfolio piece for each participant. He enhanced things, changed lighting, added better contrast, and through a step by step process explained why he would have gone about things a bit differently than the artist had. It was incredible and I don't feel like I'm doing it justice. But the bottom line is . . . if you have the chance to talk with or hear Dan Santat speak . . . DO IT. Anne Moore (art coordinator at Candlewick press) was also phenomenal. She was so encouraging and supportive and I found myself in awe of what illustrators she has worked with. I had a portfolio critique with her and felt so very fortunate that I had chosen to do that. Also she led a very informative breakout session on the integration of type and illustrations. Want to see good examples of typography? Check out Bink & Golie, Tillie and Friends, Dog Blue, or any of Anita Jeram's books.

These are some other memorable parts:

Justin Chanda - picture books are important and it is a good thing that it is harder to get one published (higher quality work) NEEDS TO MELT THEIR FACES OFF! go with your gut. Picture books that are working are shorter, funnier, and character based. Think BIG

Give them (editors and audience) more than what they expect.

We are capable of just what we are capable of right now.

Holly Black - find your plot by talking about it with other people.

Of course, I did a lot of doodling at the conference as well. Here are a few:

Hooray! SCBWI Western Washington Conference starts today!

2011-04-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

The 20th Annual SCBWI Western Washington Conference starts today with a master class for illustrators. Dan Santat (one of my favorite illustrators) and Anne Moore (Candlewick's Art Resource Coordinator) will be leading the class. To say the least, I'm really excited. I have attended SCBWI Oregon's conference the past two years and they have been immensely helpful for me in myriad ways. This conference promises to be even bigger and better. I'll be sure to share some of what I discover.

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-04-09T23:31:00.000-07:00

Monster Monday

2011-04-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

Hippity Hop!

2011-03-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

Little Blue Cat

2011-03-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-03-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

Little Pink Bot

2011-03-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-03-12T19:51:00.000-08:00

Sketchbook Saturday (even though it is Sunday . . . shh!)

2011-03-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

I love cats!

PRESS HERE by Herve Tullet -- Book Trailer

2011-03-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

Sketchbook Saturday

2011-02-26T10:01:00.000-08:00

i have heART

2011-02-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

fingerprint creations and an underwater collaboration

2011-02-16T13:25:00.000-08:00

We were making fingerprint creations the other day in Kids Club and these little guys above are what I came up with.

Several Kids Club kids and I made this underwater scene. I love the little bird and that fish at the top with an eye as large as the body.