Just a Week Away

The NESCBWI (or the North Eastern Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators...phew!), a regional division of the SCBWI, is hosting the 2012 "Keeping It Real" Conference in Springfield, MA. The weekend-long series of workshops is for beginning to advanced writers and artists, striving to work in children's books. It starts next Friday, April 20, through Sunday, April 22.  So many talented guest lecturers will be there, as well as yours truly. I'll be teaching a workshop called "Creating Traditional Illustration Digitally." I hope attendees will come away from it with a renewed creative vigor, and at the very least, get their money's worth!

In addition, I was invited to also be a part of the Advanced Illustrator Academy faculty which includes two other notable guests I humbly call very distinguished colleagues—Martha Rago, Assoc. Creative Director for Harper Collins Children's Books, and internationally acclaimed writer/illustrator, Dan Yaccarino. How I deserved to be among them is beyond me, but I take my role seriously and hope to impart a lot of useful creative and practical knowledge. Thank you, Casey Girard.

Click on any of the links above for more information. You can also click on the image for a jump to the conference site. Hope to see you all there!

Highlighting an Honor

For the past couple days, I had been receiving delivery attempt notices from UPS, for a package from Highlights which required my signature.  I couldn't imagine what it could be since most packages from Highlights are delivered via regular snail mail. When I finally received it, it was clear that it wasn't tear sheets, nor was it my birthday. Much to my complete surprise and delight, it was a pewter plate inscribed with my name, and the words "Puzzle Poem of the Year." Of the year. That's pretty significant. In addition, there was a letter from the editor conveying her appreciation on behalf of Highlights High Five. I was so elated it took me a few minutes to figure out which piece deserved such an honor. Thank you, Highlights! It's truly an honor and a privilege.

It's Groundhog Day...again!

Well of course it is.  February 2, 2012 marks another Groundhog Day.  Here's hoping spring will arrive early, though it seems the wish has come prematurely.  February 1, here in New York, was downright balmy.  Well enjoy it until spring is really here and don't forget to enjoy your copy of Groundhog Weather School, by Joan Holub, illustrated by moi!

Picture Book 2012

In addition to my latest DI ad is my latest in Picture Book.  This year's directory reflects the downturn in children's book publishing. The book is about half the size it was last year.  Good news is, I'm happy with how the ad turned out.  Let's see if it bears any returns.

Directory of Illustration 2012

This year my rep encouraged us to expand our clientele. Of course, in business, this is always a smart thing. So some of us have decided to advertise in the Directory of Illustration. Here's my latest ad as it appears, in an effort to be more commercial friendly:

To a Swell 2012!

Wishing you a creative New Year whether you're an artist or an accountant!  So my New Year's resolution for 2012 is to be much better about posting.  I'd love to help fuel that creative spark as well as find it.  Truly, there's nothing like a new year to give you that boost.

Christmastime came and brought a box of product samples of my latest illustrations for Mudpuppy.  Perfect for budding fashionistas: All Four Seasons Magnetic Figures - Galison/Mudpuppy.  It reminded me of my own childhood, creating paper dolls and storing them in recycled plastic sleeves that stored old bank books—creative packaging at its finest.  Mudpuppy's is an award-winning magnetic doll product, a rendition of the paper doll, using a substantial tin case that serves as the magnetic backing to hold the backdrops, figures, and their lovely little outfits.

What's new for 2012? Other than the usual musings, sitings, and latest projects, I plan to bring art tips and behind-the-scenes creations.  Stay tuned!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

And the winner is...

Et Voila!  Thank you, Grace Bonney! Check out the other winners!