Return to the Land of the Reject Sketches

I would say- my favorite thing to do is to make up characters. I love to "draw" out a personality. It's like acting for the way too introverted artists among us, like me who long to be on stage - but just can't do it.
I have been working on a book that takes place in a school cafeteria. The 2 leads - the cook and a boy about 7.

It was left wide open as to what they should look like. All I knew was the cook should be "mom" like. I just went where my brain took me. Usually I think of someone I know-or have seen- or I go through my sketchbooks to see my sketches from Starbucks and the horse stables... that's where I sketch people who strike me as fun looking.  Here are the rejects. Rejected drawings never die - they will show up somewhere else.. because you've brought these characters into being. They now need stories to inhabit.

the one with the glasses might resemble me a bit

 

the top one looks a bit like my personal trainer - but no poochy belly on Patty(trainer)

then I did a round Mama mia looking one 

The tired- worn out Mom face -I know it well

Ok- if the cook was gonna be frazzled- I thought of

someone's Mom I know. I hope she doesn't mind- cause it looks pretty dead on.

I also thought southern cook- I have wanted to do a New Orleans cook 

character for years. I find the story of Leah Chase fascinating- and

I volunteer for a picture book about her!

Mostly- I think of the kids in my daughters' school. She leaves elementary school this year.

What will I do?... Lots of awkward looking 11-13 year old kids next year.

These are the cleaned up designs- many scribbles and bad drawings were done - but even those still have some life in them.

Somewhere, beyond the Sea....

I left it all behind. I went on a 5 day cruise, just me and the husband. We've done it before, three times over the last 5 years, cruising with the Barenaked Ladies. BUT- this was the first time- I left it all behind. No worries about the kid- she was safe and happy with the Grandparents- in good hands. No worries about work - I had turned in sketches for a book with realistic expectations for the feedback to come when I got back. I had an offer to work on an App, so I knew there were opportunities around the corner. And - the SCBWI conference was over and left me feeling secure that I am on the right track.

I relaxed- for real. Just fun with the husband and friends. It's a rare feeling in the life of this Mom/artist. Always running in 15 different directions with way too much dog hair to vacuum and Mount Laundrymore threatening to avalanche and swallow up the cat. It is as necessary as the new found exercise routine to ensure physical, emotional, mental and artistic health.  I draw a direct line from Sara Zarr's keynote at the SCBWI Winter conference to this feeling. She said she needed to give the speech she needed to hear -  and in doing that, gave the speech I needed to hear.(and I suspect we all felt in that room- she was speaking directly to each of us)

She said of "A fulfilling creative life": "It gives back. It gives back to you and to others. As you're engaged with your work and your world you'll be a better spouse, friends, sibling. You'll be more self-actualized."

Truer words were never spoken. We need to be a whole person to reach at least the point of tenuous balance. That balance you feel when doing yoga - you stick that foot up to the inside of your other knee in "Tree" pose... wobbily....wobbily..... Yessss!-Look at me! I'm a tree!....5,4,3,2,1.. WHOOPS!  But you were there- and you'll get back- it's all in the doing and trying and being. - let's all breathe and sigh, then next pose. (next job, next kid's class party, next holiday...) (you get it?)  

Sara's speech (which you can read a synopsis of all around the web like Here and here and here) 

Her speech was all about not getting caught up in the long look ahead to what you want and what might be. I do it. Always wondering when will "It" happen for me.. a big break, a big book - When will I break through into Kid Lit Wonderland?...  Instead of getting caught up in that long look ahead- look around you, be a part of your "now". If you can do that- you can enjoy the work, your family and yes- even the school trip you take where you are put in charge of 3 children to teach them book keeping.(I did this yesterday- never ask an artist to keep the books in an imaginary $250,000 enviromental non-profit. I have scarred these kids for life and they will never balance a check book)( I had fun in a weirdo, chicken with it's head cut off kinda way.) 

Basically- The secret of life is - enjoy the now and always try to get better at all aspects of who you are. That's it - and 42. That's what I think it means to be self-actualized.

I'd like to say to Sara Zarr :"Baby, you're the greatest"

Friday's Pages - More SCBWI Notes and night caps

I like revisiting my SCBWI notes- they are unintelligible to anyone but me. I scribble, I doodle- I write things I should never let anyone read. I jot down that I am bored- I may play fashion critic, caricaturist and curmudgeon - all on one page.

Dan Yaccarino's the future of books as E-books talk note page has many hearts on it and Oswald's dog Weenie. Written in my messy all caps handwriting is "It's really about STORY & CHARACTER and that will never go away. - I think I was too dazzled by the Yaccarino to write.

The Social Media Panel- A few take aways: see all of the real info on the official SCBWI blog and in depth notes on Leeza's blog

In no order with no attribution:
"This is a time of tremendous change. It is challenging, exhausting an exciting!"
"Social Media forces us to re-think "What is an audience?""
"Blogs- think how you can use them to get your audience to be consumers of you"

Here's an example. The Lawyer who spoke on Friday. He loved his work. You could tell- his hands were so animated. He said a few things I thought stood out. I wrote :

" Be the aggregator not the aggregatee" (aggregatee- is that a word- it made me think of an aggravated manatee - and then I want to draw that)

"Facebook and Twitter #'s - matter. (I don't want to believe this but I can see it happening)

Facebook and Twitter and blogs are ways for us to find out who the customer is and then we can establish relationships w/ those customers. (I feel weird calling them customers- rather than friends. Then - there are those "friends" we don't know right?- my brain hurts thinking about this stuff- I just want to create and hope people connect with it. -I do realize, of course that is short sighted. But I like things to happen organically- it makes me think it's due to the quality of what I do. I don't want to be the telemarketing equivalent of an illustrator calling you at dinner time. You will hang up on me.)

I had to leave before the amazing hands guy stopped talking. THE TAKE AWAY of the day- (my own) BUCKLE UP FOLKS!- We are looking down the barrel of a change not unlike the Gutenberg Bible. We must move with it, lest we get run over.

Like I said- below- I left the intensive. Leeza took such amazing notes- I'm reading them to fill myself in on what I missed.

I got back to NYC from my daughter's play at about 10:20 PM. I met my roommate Kathy Blackmore in the lobby- and we headed over to the KID LIT DRINK NIGHT.  

We had fun chatting with Leeza,  Brian Gerrity, my LA discovery of art joy: John Deininger, Lena Shiffman and a guy named Jim - who was very cool and if he reads this- please comment cause I would like to name you correctly! It was a room filled with energy- I wish I could have soaked it up and gotten there earlier.  It was off to the hotel and to bed - then we chatted til 2 Am and were a wreck the next morning. But it was fun! - more conference notes to come!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Check out all of the rabbits over @ The Sketchables!

I'm Super Bad -;)

Did I hear that right? Did they call my name? I thought I was in NYC... ya know the belly of the cute beast that is Kid's Publishing? 3 years ago - here, at this conference..... I almost packed it in. They couldn't give me an award....

But - THEY did.  SCBWI NYC 2011 Art Showcase Honor Award.

I am happy and thrilled and tickled and freaked out and pumped and dazzled and intimidated and humbled and validated and in need of a new website and challenged and invigorated and well- you get the picture up there. It's time to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight and sing a la Babs Streisand "Hey, Mr. Arnstein, here I am !!!!..." - just change "Mr. Arnstein" to "Publishers".

So much time has been spent being a "Wanna be" - I am now in that uncomfortable space between "Wanna be" and "Be". In art- uncomfortable is good. It means change and growth and new work and surprises. Bring it on. I've been training for it!! 

The Grand Prize Winner was Leeza Hernandez. 
I met Leeza in 2007 at the NYC conference. She was a force of nature then and now a force to be reckoned with! - She's a joyous spirit that sprinkles explosive pixie dust everywhere she goes.

The other winners were Greg Pizzoli  and Laurie Sharp. I didn't get to meet Greg- so Congrats Greg! I did meet Laurie- and I love her felted illustrations and love the idea of photographing sweet little hand made characters for books.

SCBWI has other "awards" - that may not bring one up on the stage- and on a giant scary video screen but, are ever more valuable. SCBWI sets the stage for special people to enter your life. Liked minded, supportive friends who give a pat on the back - a kick in the rump - and a shove when you need it. I have met people I admire, some I consider mentors and friends I cherish through SCBWI conferences. That is the best anyone can hope to win, right? My roommate Katherine Blackmore and I met at a Florida conference 3 years ago. She's my partner in crime and we take turns being each others' shrink.We had an awesome time together this past weekend.

I was at the grocery store yesterday and a little old lady yelled at me - "Your blocking the SAMPLES with your cart! Move!" I should have shook my fist at her and said "I am an award winning illustrator lady!" "Samples be damned!" BUT I realized this feeling will last and lift me up until I go down to the basement and see the Mount Laundrymore I have to wash. Life goes on- but the art side of my life has been turned up a notch. It's a nice, swift kick in the tuchus to do better work- to live up to getting something like this and the expectations it may create. Thank you SCBWI for kicking my tuchus back in 2008 - and again now. It's proven to make me better.

The conference as a whole had a very "Practical" feeling to it. I think the tone was set on Friday for me. The Illustrator's Intensive was all about the "APP" with a sprinkling of licensing.
Dan Yaccarino was the perfect guy to introduce the possibilities for the positive application of childrens' literature in the digital world. His talk took me from being one of the people - hugging, white knuckled, my actual paper books - to actually seeing it as an exciting avenue to take, if done thoughtfully.

He clearly laid out how digital books are just another step in the evolution of literacy.- makes sense. I have an art crush on Dan Yaccarino.

I, personally, see APPS as an after publication product. Book first. Then APP. There seems to be a rush to go straight to APP- with many excited to think about it as an easier way to break in to publishing- or to make money. All paths are valid if they feel right to you. My hesitation lies in keeping the line drawn between video game and digitally enhanced BOOK. Keeping the quality high.

I have no interest in  reading "Angry Birds and the Playground Pigs make friends"

I'd like to see some time taken to let quality books- that seem to lend themselves to the technology - be made into "E"-enhanced books. I think about it as a possibility to awaken my animator life that has been lying dormant for over a decade and a half. Somewhere in my brain is all of that knowledge waiting to be applied - and this could be just the ticket.

There was another session on APPS, then Licensing our work and an opportunity to go to the NYC Gift Show and a lawyer spoke- but I had to run. My daughter was in her school play back in Long Island. I would not, could not miss that- So I ran home!

I missed being at the Showcase. Maybe that's why winning feels a bit unreal. I love being inside "Thunder Dome" as I call it - seeing the best work from the huge talent pool that comes. Exciting to be an illustrating gladiator in there. - This time I escaped being thrown to the lions and got a thumbs up!

I have more thoughts on the conference- I hope to write in the next few days.

Watch me! I'm Super Bad! - I wanna jump back & kiss myself.   - funniest lyrics

New Yeti City - SCBWI 2011 NY conference

Off to the SCBWI NY Conference today. 14 " of snow to contend with. The luggage- the framed art- and well- frankly more shoes than I should be bringing.

Cross posted-The Sketchables "Peace"

 

 I was busy today- Defying Gravity.

You guys know the song right? From the musical Wicked.

I love it.

"I'm through accepting limits

''cause someone says they're so

Some things I cannot change

But till I try, I'll never know"

 

I have always had tremendous fear and self doubt about physical fitness. That elementary school gym rope. It has haunted me for 30 years. I could never make it up. I hung from my wet noodle arms, red faced, kicking... the whole grade watching. Mr. Lynn, my caustic and ridiculing gym teacher laughing. Childhood agony. I have equated all exercise to the acute feeling of failure I endured with each "Federal Fitness Check".

So what does this have to do with our theme of "Peace" this week? For me it's about the peace within that comes from doing things you thought you could never do. Trying the things that scare us. Today- I did a spin class. Up until the last minute I was chickening out. I did it- I did well and ----- I liked it.
I didn't drop dead (which I was afraid of) I didn't embarrass myself (no falling off or barfing) - I actually shed a tear. (which mingled with the sweat, so no  one could tell).  I may just climb that damn rope yet.

These thoughts can be applied to anything that you think you can't do; be it art, publishing,cooking, relationships...etc...  We make peace. It's not something out there- it's in here. In us. We just have to look for it.

"So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky!
As someone told me lately:
"Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly!"
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity
I'm flying high
Defying gravity  "

Sunday Stretch Sketch

Warming up this Sunday morning. I've got a lot of kids to draw this month.  Here's a simple exercise to do. Help vary the shapes of your characters. Shape and posture- gesture and tilt help convey character. Angles- softness- it all helps quickly communicate personality in cartoons.

I made a grid- and then with out any thought- any planning- scribble in some shapes. Then make someone out of each shape.  Think about who you know- celebrities - hairstyles - clothing - flip thru a magazine. But don't look at anything when you do it. This is just an exercise. Nothing need be perfect. These certainly aren't. It's about being loose and letting go. Use the force Luke.

Colleen Madden and I must be psychically linked. She was doing the same thing this week.
Colleen's blog of fun stuff!

Further proof that it's good to fool around. Draw for fun. You don't need a final product- always.

2011

Hang a wish from me on your Christmas tree

The Verriest of Merriest to all of you! My wish is for the best to you in 2011. Thanks for coming here,  chatting up my art and a special Thanks! for supporting Ripple.   I can't imagine being where I am today if I hadn't started this blog and connected with so many wonderful people.  Next year I'll try to find new ways to shake things up.  - In the mean time, pass the cocoa and cookies and turn on the Nat King Cole Christmas album. -Cheers!-Kelly

Happy Birthday my half-way Girl!

 Half way. Half way between mary janes and high heels.  Half way between fairies and flirting. Half way between holding my hand and letting go. Half way to being the person I always knew you would be - a caring, creative, book worm with a head of golden curls and a heart of gold.

Mags turns 11 today. We're celebrating at the Harry Potter Park in FL. Today- we stay on the kid side of half way and drink tons of butter beer!

A Holiday Gift over @ The Sketchables!

I decided to share with you some sketchy characters for the holidays. Have you ever re-gifted?
Been the re-giftee?

I have re-gifted wine. (Un-opened (yes-un-opened!))

There is a crock pot from 1974 that resurfaces in my family some years. It has a red brick motif... I am always afraid it's my year when a big box comes from the UPS man!



Go to The Sketchables- find the link and download high res art!

Lennon

I was 10 and at tap class getting ready for the Holiday Show, When Margie, my dance teacher came in crying- and said John Lennon had been shot. I don't know how many girls knew- or cared, but my brother and I had been buying Beatles albums with our allowance since I was in kindergarten and we saw Yellow Submarine on TV. By the time I was in college- my walls were covered with his face and his music was always on. I danced to him at my wedding. His picture hangs above my studio door. - It's just never made sense that a man who asked for Peace died the way he did, but He wouldn't want the world to dwell on that- He'd want you to go out and ask for Peace too.

Rejected: My Christmas card sketch

Now Santa was supposed to look - annoyed... tired..... bored.... longing to be elsewhere.....


However- perception was "creepy" "unappealing"

Little girl was supposed to look angry- nasty - in a foul mood - "Naughty"

Perception- "cold" "afraid Santa is going to do something inappropriate to her"

So-  hmmmmmm. Scrap that. Back to the drawing board!


I love his feet tho.

Illustrator Jarrett Krosoczka starts his own ripple... The "Joe and Shirl Scholarship"

New excitement in the world of Illustrator do-gooding is going on!
Ripple's own contributor and Illustrator Extraordinaire- Jarrett Krosoczka has created a wonderful foundation to raise funds to provide scholarships for art studies to kids with family challenges.  The "Joe and Shirl Scholarship" honors the gift his Grandparents gave him- the chance to pursue his dreams - by paying it forward.

All of the info can be found HERE   

The auctions went live today.

I am particularly excited by the chance to be a character in a Lunch Lady book. Ripple had lots and lots of wonderful librarians supporting our cause- I know, in part because of the faboo illustrators who gave original art- So, Come on Back now ya hear? - Seriously, what better thing to do then find a way to give back what we can - especially when we feel so lucky ourselves to be where we are. Give a kid an opportunity to explore art and get some great art at the same time. It's a win - win!

Pour a Tofurkey- pardon a bird , Happy Thanksgiving!

The Sketchables celebrate Thanksgiving traditions!

ahh Life...

I am burnt toast.

Ripple burnt me out. Since September 19th - I have had to get out
the butter knife and try to scrape off the crusty burnt bits and
get back to work.

40 came and kicked my ass.
I have to concentrate a bit less on art and a bit more on
health.
Funny - just as you start to see the fruits of the hours and hours
spent Butt-in-chair drawing, painting and writing... all of those
hours show on that butt and in your blood test.

So I have started 3 days a week with a personal trainer.
I hate it.
I won't lie.
It bites.

But I'll do it for my  health and my life and for my daughter and
will try to regroup and make myself
golden brown buttery good toast again. (OK smart balance
- heart healthy spread good)

Land HO!!!

I had to do it. I had to doodle Steven Page again. If you've read this blog since it started- or if you go back and look- you'll see him make a few guest appearances.

The last time was when The Barenaked Ladies split.

4 in one direction- 1 out on his own.

It's been a long 2 years.

There is a bit of marital discord in my house- my husband stands with the BNL guys and their musical adventure. Me, I waited and waited for Steve to resurface from his voyage of self discovery.

It was so worth the wait. The first listen to his new cd "Page One" and my ears hollered "Oh Thank You!"

It's really really good. Like "Holy Crap" good. It's all that he was these past 20 years and so much more. It's his musical "This is me." 

I saw him at the Highline in NYC a week ago. Sitting center room, the stage was scattered with cool old stuff. The music stands and the fabric all the same blue of his website and his cd cover. Details like this jazz me so much. He has such an eye. The visual impact is very important and he gets that. His opening act was weirdly great and so perfect for what he's doing now. She energized the audience but left us with a feeling of being exposed to something really different- just what we needed to feel as he walked onstage and started with a new song.

 "A New Shore"

It's my favorite song on the cd. It's as cleverly written as anything he's ever written but it's also a declaration. It 's a song that builds to a climax- Land Ho! Land Ho! sung full throttle. He's got balls as big as Texas - walks out there opens that ginormous mouth and WHAM! - a great show has begun. Every new song is good. I enjoyed them more than the old. The band is a quirky crew that I felt complemented him wonderfully. Song to song- the way he talks to the audience and jokes about the last few years is self deprecating without making concessions or apologies. He wouldn't be here- if he hadn't been there. And that's what it's all about as an artist.

It was the best live show I have seen in a very, very long time. Of course I am 20 years emotionally invested in his career, but I would recommend seeing him to any non BNL fan. See him. 

See a Steven Page show.

opening act http://www.katemillerheidke.com/

Steven Page's website:  http://www.stevenpage.com/ 

Kelly: Illustration Friday- "Spooky"

I messed up the Sketchables IF link- how?I do not know- I cut and pasted. -So Here is IF this week "Spooky"- here is The Sketchables link.

"YES- Mr. Clown- you are SPOOKY! I hate clowns. Always have. Not funny- not cute- totally completely freaky! -I know I am not alone... kids can be heard screaming and crying at every circus and birthday party all around the world. I don't care how many balloon poodles you make. I don't care how many of you fit in a car. Shoot yourself out of a cannon far, far away from me."

"I am out with lanterns looking for myself"

Sometimes you have to scribble something down -fast - either before it leaves you or so that it will leave you alone.

I went to Emily Dickinson's house on Sunday. I do not claim to have more than an AP English high school knowledge of her poems - but I left with the complete works and a new found connection. 

This line "I am out with lanterns, looking for myself.." -  yes- yes I am. Trying to get a book done that I wrote and trying to make it right- and trying to communicate what's in my head feels like a search for myself. So a pause in the work to scribble today- so Emily can leave me alone for now... so I can finish. I hope to come back and do her some justice - want to paint some flame red hair...
This image has been in my head since Sunday- Emily out with her newfoundland, Carl,  at night.. searching... for what was missing for her...  her search was beautiful.

sharing is caring 99.999% of the time

Today- my kid went off to the mall- to shop for school shoes- wearing- my shoes.  For the last year my shoes are fair game as she is 10 and slightly taller than I am.  I share so much stuff with her- as long as she asks politely first. Hairbands - some costume jewelry.. and art supplies.  I have watched many a paint brush die an untimely death at the bottom of a jar as she tried to "wash it real good"; prismacolors- sharpened to nubs; watercolors- mixed in between the pots-ahhhhg.  My nice markers- strewn about no caps on!!! Almost more than an o.c.d Mom-artist can take. But I draw the line- at- my - vellum.  

Tuesday she had to make a bookmark about a book she read this summer. "Mom- what should I use- this sketch paper is too flimsy and I can't see thru it."

"Put it on the lightbox!"

- "Nah, how about........"

(and I turn around- knowing what she's about to say- fearing it......)

-Vellum?"(it's already in her hands!!!AHHG!)

(my inner Joan Crawford in check) -

"Tracing paper!!" "It's around here somewhere!!!!!!"- I tear apart the studio - find it- say "Go to town."

-sigh. Ahhh. Done with so little emotion- as to not alert her to the fabulousness of the vellum. That's it- that's where I draw the sharing line. My drawing vellum. It is off limits - I covet my drawing vellum.

She has a nice art life - being my daughter- so no sympathy for her. Some day she can buy her own vellum.


On a side note: I have a pal- who has a blog.(really? a blog?) yes- we all have them these days- but she's a prize so I think you should check it out.


The Mommy Chronicles

Happy Birthday to All of Us

The Secret of Life is enjoying the Passage of Time - that's what James Taylor says. The secret  behind the secret is having friends to pass the time with - that make it enjoyable. 2 couples, 4 friends since college- and we are all turning 40 this year feeling like;"How did we get here so fast? "

Her husband put together a book for her birthday and this was my contribution to it. Yes- I made us 2/3rd's on the way to cranky old farts - cause I know- we'll laugh all the way.


As children of the seventies- it is an homage to this:

Simon in the Land of the Chalk Drawings- a series of awesome British animated shorts

Ride the Cyclone

I've never been one to do the things that scare me. I'm the one who'll hold the drinks while others ride.

I don't like the screams - What if it breaks while I'm on it? - I'll wait here, you go.

A roller coaster like this says in a thick Brooklyn accent "C'mon- I dare ya.." "I'll toss ya around- I'll rattle your spine""I'll shake you to the core and just when ya think it's over- it ain't." "No guarantees you'll come off in one piece- the only guarantee is that you'll have one wild ride."

I've been to Coney Island many, many times. 

I rode the Cyclone for the first time. I chose the wild ride - finally.

Bring it on 40. - I dare ya.

Tired - inspired - and a little quaqmired SCBWI LA 2010

Quagmire: (from webster's online)

Main Entry: quag·mire 

Pronunciation: \ˈkwag-ˌmī(-ə)r, ˈkwäg-\

Function: noun (Not an adverb-or verb or adjective Kelly made that up- report her to the grammar police)

Date: circa 1576

1 : soft miry land that shakes or yields under the foot
2 : a difficult, precarious, or entrapping position : predicament

I am back!! Today- back into my studio- and my "mental studio". I got back from LA on the night of August 3rd. The next day friends from Texas arrived- and we did a whirlwind tour of Coney Island, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and dinner in Times Square. The next day- my brother and his family came in from Chicago. Needless to say - I have not unpacked - 6 days later. I have not digested all of the talks- all of the break outs- all of the meeting new people and hanging with friends.

This was the first conference I was not nervous about. Ripple has kept me so busy- I had to throw away my pre-conference "To Do" list. Which eliminated quite a lot of stress.  I flew out only nervous about the flight- but it was fine.

I met Aja Wells at the air port- we used to be in a crit group together. I opened my hotel room door and there was my roommate Heather Powers. She was a great roommate - we had a lot of laughs. Starting at the bar with some bad food that first night.

I did not eat breakfast - the food/rushing around/stomach issues will be a running theme thru this report.

I met Priscilla Burris at check-in. We've gotten to know each other thru the Sketchables but OH! How nice to actually see her with mine own eyes! - She is her artwork - all personality and energy.

Heather is the RA for San Antonio, TX- she "walked the line" the first morning and told me she was going to say "Ripple" as her first word. When she did - I heard a large round of applause - and got all choked up. That should have been my first clue that there were a lot of Ripple artists amongst the LA conference goers!

The kick off by Jon Sciezka - was great. Funny and what a way to start off with a BANG! - then we took a turn and wound up in Delaware with M.T. Anderson. -  I think Delaware must be in the Twilight Zone or they slipped something into my iced non fat vanilla latte - cause the whole room got trippy and there was some singing.... I think...... about Delaware- with a lilting  middle eastern tinge..all that was missing was a sitar. by now- I'm sure Mr. Anderson has learned to play one.

I went off to Stephanie Owens Lurie's talk on "How to think like a publisher".  - I like her. I like people who like Disney-work for Disney and wear Mickey stuff- we are proud mousketeers.  She's a positive voice in publishing and she was refreshing to listen to after the past 2 years of lots of doom and gloom. what a wealth of experience she has. 2 of my best friends went into publishing out of college- and I actually thought(don't shoot me ) "How boring"- what a dummy I was. (I also was broke- broke and dumb) but I digress...

LUNCH!-Starving at this point.... run! RUN! to the mall food court!- ok, no running- but get there- get your food , eat - go back. Must have protein- will have burger- num num num.... back to the big room...

Panel of editors - Like the old game show "TO TELL THE TRUTH" - these are always interesting...

Off to the break out! - here's some fun. Priscilla Burris  is ready to let us draw! Oh Thank heaven!! I get so tired sitting and listening for so long. I want to "do"! I consider it an exciting opportunity to draw here- a room filled with people "my tribe" and we are drawing together- this excites me. We work on expressions and emotions and it's about 1/2 the breakout- I could have easily done this the whole time.  Next David Diaz does a painting demo- which is wild to watch but not enough time to really experience it.  So I think these guys could have easily done an hour each- and it would have been groovy.

Priscilla did kindly ask me to tell the room about Ripple at the beginning of the session. So- I did- and I seriously need some public speaking help!

Back into the big room. "The Hills are alive... with the sound of Tractors....." I will sing the praises of Loren Long and his  philosophy of "If I can do this- Why can't you?"- of his wanting to make books like the ones he loved as a child- Like Ferdinand the Bull. He is such a down to earth fellow... and I completely dig his being influenced by the art on "Good Times"- which was not really painted by JJ "Dyno-mite" Walker.  You can see Thomas Hart Benton's influence.... and for sure  Mr. Rockwells'  a homey - timeless or time we long for quality in his work.  He gets a gold star in my book. I dig him big time.

Wine and cheese are waiting....  and Dan Santat's Ripple card was going up for sale @ 7 PM!- Speaking of Dan - A word of advice from me to all future conference attendees: when meeting someone you admire- first make sure they have not just put an entire cracker with cheese in their mouth as you touch their shoulder  and introduce yourself. 

His book OH! NO!- could have gone on to be his last and I could have been the culprit.  I'm sure he could have parlayed it into a hilarious book called "There are always lots of Heimlich maneuvers at the conference" - It was nice to meet him tho- he is a nice guy.

I had a $10 glass of blechy wine and one smudge of brie on a shingle. 

I sat in the lobby bar and sold Dan's art on Ripple in 4.4 seconds. I earned my pina colada , baby. I have waited all summer for it. I brought a bag of my own paper umbrellas and headed up to the illustrators social- it is 7:30 in the evening... 12 hour day so far.....

This is fun. I met Kim Fleming - a Ripple artist here all of the way from Australia- so cute! Here's where you see faces you know and didn't know were going to be at the conference. We get men-tees and talk them thru their first conference- it's fun. I met more people from NY this year which was nice.I am all about bringing the illustrators together more. They should have this 2 nights- maybe we can pay to have a dinner in there?- dinner?- oh yeah..

Around 10:30 I ate spicy chicken lumps at the bar with a few chopped up cucumbers. Off to bed- knowing sometime tomorrow I would hear in my head that sound submarines make- the alarm when everyone yells DIVE!DIVE! - as my stomach does not travel well. 

Up and dressed and at Starbucks by 8:00 for a Ginormous Ice coffee and a fiber muffin.

Gordon Korman was an enjoyable speaker . I took away from his talk to stay in touch with what YOU thought was cool as a kid.  So... roller disco , hmmmmm...

Agent panel! These panels feel like Hollywood Squares- they need light bulbs and buzzers and that skinny microphone with the little grey ball on top. - One of the agents had the deepest voice- it was like turning the bass all the way up- you could feel the frequency... it was hypnotic. They had good stuff to say too. Hot Hot Hot middle grade - esp boy stuff. That Percy Jackson has stolen Harry's thunder! I'd like to see them duel.(team harry) All about the chapter booksand young MG , Picture books are "tough sell".

Breakout - Pat Cummings and Cecilia Yung  "Illustrator Tips on Portfolios and Promotion".  The day before there was another portfolio break out that I did not go to. Perhaps- there should be 2 illustrator tracks? more options? One for "newbies" - One for the mildly published - who want to move to the next level-I have already been thru 9 conferences and 16 portfolio info sessions.


off to get a sandwich.....

I enjoyed lunch with Angela Matteson and Linda Silvestri- and a table full of illustrators.

Big Room : Marion Dane Bauer - hit this Mom's heart hard. Tears flowed. Further proof that authors have a mythical mojo that is other-wordly. She poured out her heart in her speech and her books must be amazing.

And then there was E.B..

E.B. Lewis 

I don't even know what to say. He's the kind of man you wouldn't want to disappoint. Like your favorite 4th grade teacher. Or your beloved coach -Or your Dad. He sets a standard and you feel like "Yeah- that's where I should be- I'd better work my ass off to get there or else." 15- 18 hours a day in the studio. (Wow. Yeah- that would get me in the zone and keep me there... I long for that. But can I give that as a mom of a 10 year old?- no. But I feel like that's a key to it- that I am missing.)

He said things like "Do you TRULY want to do this?" (um, yes- I mean YES!Yes Sir!)

Passion- Passion is key. His "Icons" on lottery cards- his need to express what he believes- what he teaches - what he feels about kids- is remarkable. I counted the hours until his breakout.... 

But meanwhile Loren Long awaited in his breakout and he was like a cold slice of watermelon on a hot summer day. Are you an illustrator who wants to write?(yes) Well- it's about ideas. (He's kinda the Jimmy Stewart of children's books) - When you write and illustrate theres' no other "pesky" name on the cover!;) Jot down every single idea- just know they are mostly bad ideas. Keep it simple!-Cause most of the best books are just that- simple. Cut- and cut and cut to get to the heart of the story... (Oh agony agoneeeee- this is what I am doing at home next week)

He ended the session with his belly on a lady's head to show cast shadows- and how to not draw every little detail...and it was funny cause it was so awkardly innocently strange... and we could have stayed there all afternoon with him.

And then the Submarine alarms went off and I cut out until the portfolio showcase.....  I know when to say "Uncle" to too much inspiration for one day... put on my pjs and laid down. Apologies to Gail Carson Levine - who's books my daughter loves.

THUNDER DOME (the portfolio showcase)

To me- this is the reason to come- if you have to boil it down to one reason. This is the main event and all else is gravy. In one hour- you have more important eyeballs on your work than you are going to get in a year. And like the NY lottery says- "You gotta be in it - to win it".

Show tunes come in very handy as you walk Thunder Dome: 

I like Westside Story....

Who knows....
There's something due any day;
I will know right away,
Soon as it shows.
It may come cannonballing down through the sky,
Gleam in its eye,
Bright as a rose!

Who knows?
It's only just out of reach,
Down the block, on a beach,
Under a tree.
I got a feeling there's a miracle due,
Gonna come true,
Coming to me!

Could it be? Yes, it could.
Something's coming, something good,
If I can wait!
Something's coming, I don't know what it is,
But it is
Gonna be great! 

(If you are feeling slightly sad at not winning a prize or men-tee spot... perhaps looking forward to what might be....)

There's a place for us,
Somewhere a place for us.
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere.

There's a time for us,
Some day a time for us,
Time together with time spare,
Time to learn, time to care,
Some day!

Somewhere.
We'll find a new way of living,
We'll find a way of forgiving
Somewhere . . .

There's a place for us,
A time and place for us.
Hold my hand and we're halfway there.
Hold my hand and I'll take you there
Somehow,
Some day,
Somewhere!  

Anyway the cookie crumbles it's a great experience to put yourself out there - and into Thunder Dome. How do you match up? Where do you fall? What are you missing? What can you work on? Why did they win? What am I damn good at?-  all are spoils of Thunder Dome. 

And then the party... 15 minutes later. I ran up to Tina Nichols Coury's room for a pre-party bash. It's like the Mummer's Parade Exploded in her room. Glitter! Sparkles! Blinky Lights! Pink Champagne! She is quite the hostess and is a warm and welcoming presence out in LA. She had assembled a group of McVeigh Agency peeps and it was a nice opportunity to meet everyone.  A glass of champagne on an empty stomach... down the elevator...

....outside It's shove a fajita down your gullet so you can have a cocktail and not find yourself dancing on a table naked covering your parts with giant heart sprinkle cookies.  

That DID NOT happen.

I did have my picture taken with many many people. Through the course of the party I met many many Ripple artists and it was a blur... of red... until bed. Sleep.......... getting up very early to have a real breakfast with Heather and Priscilla. 

 It was SO nice to sit and talk with Heather and Priscilla over a real meal. Coffee and toast and eggs and conversation. 3 of the Sketchables together!

Heather and I went out to play hooky and sit in the sun and sketch. I was feeling toasted. I was looking forward to E.B. Lewis' breakout session. and it didn't disappoint.

E.B. Strikes Back

I just could listen to him all day...

Tidbits of wisdom... that flows freely from him..

 "Chubby Checker Syndrome" - don't do the same thing over and over- Chubby Checker at almost 80 is still singing "The Twist"

Be your own worst critic.

One bad line can destroy an entire piece

Dig deep-research, scratch and dig at whatever the subject of the story is

Don't put in every single detail (Loren said this too)- "Leave the Gap"- like NC Wyeth - work in the shadows

Don't look at who won the award- (I needed to hear that after Thunder Dome)

As a parent- I really agreed with his saying that we "Monitor" kids more than parent them. How many kids I know that are in front of the TV - computer - DS - on the cell phone- constantly at activities while the parents are doing something else. We need to engage with the kids- shut everything else off and be face to face- having conversations.

And then my moment of blubbering.. (I took this from my Ripple  blog post)He brought up the oil spill and said- "What are we as artists going to do about it?"  (I'm paraphrasing...)  He went on to say "My father said there are 3 kinds of people- Sub Humans, Humans, and Super Humans". "Sub Humans are like Hitler or Osama Bin laden- people who do harm, cause pain and suffering.""Humans are people who exist- but don't do anything- don't act - don't stand up and make a difference." "Super Humans are the ones who say "I will not sit by and do nothing""They are the ones who try to make a difference."  -  I burst into tears. Like a fool... I hope he didn't notice...
I have been so busy running this- the absolute SCALE of what Ripple has done- what it has become- and what it continues to do-  hadn't hit me until then. As I sniffed and calmed down- my friend Amy Farrier- quietly said, "Kelly Light- super human" -and the tears flowed again.

You get the feeling E.B. Lewis eats paint- brushes his teeth with a sable brush -  sleeps on canvas - and showers in watercolor... I mean this man lives it. He does not make art- he lives it. He's quite an inspiration.

We had the Golden Kite Luncheon next. Filled with good stuff.

I went to Steven Malk's talk as last years' was very informative. He's a good guy- he breaks the biz down- and makes it seem so doable.  I have 2 pages of notes- He's generous and says- He's here to help. And I believe him. Raised in kids' books- he's a great resource to hear speak.

Awoooga Awoooga! - submarine siren going off again- head pounding off I went. I was tired and emotional from E.B. - I felt wasted. I was asleep by 7. 

 I felt much better the next morning. I needed that sleep. I guess this is jet lag + Ripple lag + inspiration overload.  I got to Starbucks and got that ginormous iced coffee again and a scone. I doodled all day thru the presentations- those pages can be seen on The Sketchables.  I was looking forward to ending the conference with Loren Long's last break out- but we decided to sit down and eat a lunch- and it took so long- we missed 2/3's of Loren. - sorry to have missed that!  

I confess - I did not know who Ashley Bryan was before this conference. "He's a national treasure!" my roommate told me- well- He certainly looks like one! -I said.  He gave us a taste of the "Ashley Bryan Experience" during the Golden Kite luncheon. His closing keynote was a "happening". He was a force of nature. He's changed forever my appreciation of poetry. He brought it to LIFE! I will tap the book to the beat and stretch out the sounds til the senses experience the words.  It was a joyous big room goodbye.

Now - Go forth and create.

I filled out my comment sheet w/ a few suggestions for illustrators at these big conferences. I'd like more drawing- life drawing session?- Gestures? - a sketch crawl? ... generally  more hands on- workshops. I've been to the Florida SCBWI summer conference twice and it's a great one. Friday is a full day workshop - that spills into Saturday. Like the master class ideas - but breakouts as options for those who have already done the basics of breaking into the industry.

And as I finish this it is August 11th. My quagmire: I may be about ready to tear apart that PB dummy and get it finally paired down- scratched-dug deep- down to the heart of the story. 

I took 3 pictures in LA - 2 of which are of pina coladas.

To market- to market.....

I made my promotional goodies for Los Angeles so fast. 3 days to make a little book- sketch to color- to printer. I'm really happy with the way the little books came out. It looks so much better than in a portfolio- it's an actual book! I did the quickest postcard I've ever done- 3 hours start to finish to printer. I put the postcard image on the back of the little book. I did a Ripple business card which is just the banner from the blog - all black front and back (back has contact info). And a bookmark. I just ripped funny characters out of illustrations. I used Got Print and am extremely happy with the printing for the money!!! last Xmas- I used a local printer with devastating results- never again. I've also used a printer that prints the most gorgeous cards ever for 4 times the cost of these- so never again- this is just right.

So- now do I do the last minute freak out art or not- I shouldn't -but it's like an OCD thing- so compulsive!!!  - Just say no Kelly....

Thursday is Sketchables Day

Over at the Sketchables the sketches are flyin'!!!  My turn today to throw down some pencil. I opened the vault into my sketches from a past life....

Embracing the mess of my sketches

I finished up the little sample book. 6" by 9". I did this so fast- I kept my sketches in- cleaning up only the lines that created tangents and cut thru features.  So busy with Ripple- I couldn't give it a full color teatment- so I thought about books I had as a kid- I would get them from Scholastic Book clubs.. little white softcover books- with spot colors. Colors that were not neatly applied within the lines. I dumped "Mr. Sprinkles" (Ice cream sprinkles) on the scanner to get the colors. Does it work for me? - Kinda- maybe -hope so...'cause it's done. I have to find a quick turn around printer tomorrow. And do a postcard... fast.

THE SKETCHABLES

Thursdays are my day over at THE SKETCHABLES - today- sketch to finish!

THE SKETCHABLES

Hey All! it's my turn over at THE SKETCHABLES!!

This is a great group of illustrators and I am fortunate to spend time with them. We all are doodling fools and love to talk about artists' sketches. Keep your eye on the blog as we share more each week!

Goin back to Cali - SCBWI Style

Ripple has raised $6000 as of today!!! - Amazing. I have- not drawn in a month... kinda a biproduct of do-gooding. So This weekend I worked on something new for the L.A. conference- a mini- book. I'm basing it on the sketch I did about my cousin and I'm calling it- "HEY! CUPCAKE!" - I hope it will be a little somethin' somethin' printed and a hand-out. Here's some of what's done.