So, What does an illustrator do on their day off?

So What does an illustrator do on their day off? Fellow Flapjacket artist, Kim Sponaugle's blog ask this question.
I can't resist a pencil and bit of paper myself.
So I ask my illustrators, What do you Do?"

Great Blog for Illustrators on Jacketflap

I found the best blog as I searched around on Jacketflap yesterday. Maybe you have seen it too, but just in case check out, The Drawing Board for Illustrators. I found great resources and useful information like, marketing ideas, what to put in your portfolio, important network links and so much more. I had to add it to my blog reader and I bet you will too.

Illustrations for a New Children's Picture Book for Guardian Angel Publishing

Finished up a project of 13 illustrations for Guardian Angel Publishing and sent them in to editor Lynda Burch. Such a nice feeling when those final pictures have been received and the editor says they all arrived safely. This one was Holiday Hamsters by Cynthia Reeg. I'll fill you in on the details closer to the release date. Just for now, here is a teaser...

The State of the Union ( I mean Book) Address

Writers and Illustrators often struggle even in good times. As I searched for information about how this scary economy will effect the book publishing industry, I came upon, The Purple Crayon Blog by Harold Underdown. I do not know if it made me feel better or worse but was very informative and I would like to share it with you.

Photoshop's Too Cool Tool

This was a study from page 1 for new book for Kicks Club Publications by author Kim Robinson. The book, Have You Ever, is due out early this year. This lion started as sketch on drawing pad, and later scanned into photoshop to complete. This two stage process allows the great feel of pencil on paper, going through many sheets of paper and using that wonderful eraser. But photoshop still allows for layout movement, color choices, size changes and the history tool that I dearly love.
A great tool that I'm playing with these days is the warp tool. To use it; select part of an image you know you need to change yet not sure what is bothering you about it, go to edit, then to transform and find warp. Sometimes just a slight change in an angle or curve can be just what you need. Play around and see what is possible. I would love to hear you thoughts about this too cool tool. Have fun....

Time for Coloring Fun

Don't you find the kid in you seeing that color page on the restuarant placemat and wanting to just grab that crayon out of that cutesy kid's hands.
I do, Yep coloring is fun.
As I was working on the many bunnies, mice and other creatures for Flutter Bunnies by Mel McIntyre, I found myself really getting into the color pages for the book. They were fun and I could always use them on school and bookstore visits to pass out.
Yes, I did color a few!
So I wanted to share this one page with you.
You can find more on Mel's page too. And Guardian Angel Publishing has a great selection of pages from many of their books.

Print them out for the kids and maybe for you.

2009 New Year's Goals

After reading several blogs on making 2009 a more productive year, I came upon a Blog by Jessica Kennedy, A Writing Playground. I was so impressed with her "Making it, Goals and Plan of Action," that I would like to share it with you.
Whether an author of picture books, young adults or adults- everyone can take something away to use in their planning of 2009.
So Happy New Year and Happy Goals-

The Day before New Year's Eve

Wow, The New Year is almost here. Everyone is making resolutions and great plans.
I'm still enjoying this year and this special day- why you ask????
Here is why. Check out my grown up girl, Shannon****

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL

CHRISTMAS CATS FOR VH1 SAVE THE MUSIC ARRIVE

I ordered several copies of THE SECRET ADVENTURES OF LOUIE V to give for Christmas gifts. The box arrived on my doorstep. I was so surprised when I opened the box to be greeted by all these Cats. What a sight. All those LOUIE's faces starring at me and ready to pounce. Of course they were not real, just the wonderful stuffed cats that are available on LOUIE'S Site The author, Tracey Delio knew what would be the perfect compliment for my Christmas gift.
Part of Louie's proceeds go to VH1 Save the Music and VH1 Autism Partners, Autism Speaks

I smell Gingerbread

Yes,
It is that wonderful smell. A scent that sends you back to those past holidays with an oven full of gingerbread.
Put on those comfortable booties,
pour a cup of hot chocolate and bite into that gingerbread man with no guilt.

Check out these fun gingerbread links as you nibble.
Remember Paul Galdone's forever wonderful story of The Gingerbread Boy and trim Jan Brett's Gingerbread Baby House while reading her new book, Gingerbread Friends. You can find more links to gingerbread fun on Author

Cynthia Reeg's site

too. So eat away and enjoy the season.

THRIFTY BOOK BUYS- Books on CD are GREEN- SAVE OUR TREES

Kit Grady wants you to know:
The word is out. . .
Children's e-Books, on CD or Download,



Are the Bargain of the Year!
Cheaper than paper, they are the epitome of "GREEN."
These are QUALITY BOOKS - fun, inspirational, and educational.<><><><><><><><><><><>
BUY a "green" CD and save a tree.
Do your bit to save the planet!
<><><><><><><><><><><>


Kids Are Computer Savvy!




ADD to a LAPTOP or PC
and
A book on CD can distract kids before a doctor or dentist appointment, on rainy
Sundays, holidays, or in the back seat on long car trips.

Kit's Books
DOGGIE DAY CAMP by Cynthia Reeg
An Adverb and Verb activity book- Learn as Bubba, a timid pup joins Doggie Day Care for the first time.
Great learning tool for Home Schooling


FLUTTER BUNNIES by Mel McIntyre
A story of Mystery a floppy eared bunnies and his friends, as learn about magic and each other. For all ages

AND WATCH FOR THESE BOOKS COMING SOON :

Humberto, The Traveling Hamster by Mayra Calvani

Bradybug by Donna Sheperd



Find these and more Wonderful Tree Friendly Books at

GUARDIAN ANGEL PUBLISHING