2019 Fall Letters and Lines Conference in Denver!

A few weeks ago I had the most wonderful time presenting at the SCBWI Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Fall Letters and Lines Conference in Denver, Colorado!

A group photo of our vision boards after our Illustrator Intensive on Sunday

I gave a seminar about planning for one’s Ideal Illustrating Career and another about strengthening one’s creative muscle, an art intensive about the importance of having your own business plan as a creative entrepreneur, and some portfolio advice to a few budding illustrators.

Some really cool sketches made by Brittany, aka @carrotpencils while the speakers were presenting.

You know what made this conference even more special? It was my very first speaking gig! It’s always been a goal of mine, to share my growing pains as a kidlit illustrator to help others on their path, and I finally got the chance to do just that. Yes, I had a few nervous jitters and some butterlies in my stomach, but the experience was so worthwhile.  

Of course, there were a few things I wished I had done differently but I sincerely hope the participants who attended were able to get something valuable from my experience and advice. :)

Some books I bought at the conference that I can’t wait to read. :)

A huge thank you to all of the SCBWI members in the Rocky Mountain chapter and to the rest of the faculty for making 2019’s Letters and Lines such a memorable event! And thanks, Kaz Windness, for all the selfies you took when I forgot my phone in the conference room! :)

Air Serenbe Residency

For the month of October, I had the honor of being the Artist-In-Residence at Air Serenbe, the nonprofit artist residency program of the Serenbe Institute in Chattahooche Hills, Georgia.

Weeks of solitude, peace, and quiet, I lived in a fully furnished cabin adjacent to the Serenbe community completing my book projects for Scholastic and Lee & Low Books as well as exploring their progressive little town.

I even had the privilege of being filmed by a very talented and local filmmaker, Mr. Blake Williams of Proper Medium who’s done an awesome job of showcasing my drive and passion for what I do as an illustrator in his short video for Serenbe.

Because, unfortunately, many people just don’t get it.

The wonderful ladies at Scholastic, Kate and Laura, who nominated me for this residency.

This may be hard to believe but I am approached by many people who assume that I choose this path as an artist for fame, praise, and recognition. Even though I appreciate their kind words and these small perks, I couldn’t care less about any of that; I am not compelled to do what I do for the validation and approval of others.

I am an artist because I love to create, and I’m fueled by my passion to educate others, advocate for racial equality, and share diverse narratives. And I love knowing that I can make a difference to a child’s wellbeing with the art I create for children’s books.

I don’t think many people understand this, but thank you, Blake, for creating this video that provides people with a facet who I am, how I work, and why I’m driven to make art.

I hope you enjoy it.