Sketches

Part of being an illustrator is drawing ALL the time, so I thought I would share some sketches I've been working on.

NYC SCBWI conference

New York was awesome and I came back full of motivation and inspiration. There were many speakers, workshops and break out sessions on different topics. A couple key things I took from them were the importance of Networking, drawing everyday and researching.

I started daily sketches and I'm looking foward to playing with new mediums. I am now on Twitter and am looking in city projects I can get involved in. AND most importantly I'm reading every book and review I can.

I'm very lucky that I got to go to New York and I'm looking foward to working in and becoming more involved in the Children's Book Market.

Off to draw!

And I'm off!!

I can't believe how fast January came! The New York City National Children's Book conference is this weekend and I fly out tomorrow. yay! I'm looking foward to hearing the speakers and learning more about the industry. Plus the added bonus, art directors will get to my work! Also our Aunt Janet and Uncle Tom were nice enough to let me stay with them so I'll get to visit and see the city. I just love New York! Wish me luck!

The hula hooper

Back in September I went to the Northeast Ohio SCBWI conference and I had the pleasure to meet my new friend Dawn, an author from Indy. While we were chatting she told me all about her childhood and early adult years as a hooper. I didn't realize that there are actually professional hula hoopers out there until this conversation. Anyways, this black and white illustration was inspired by Dawn!

The Pumpkin Patch

I just finished my latest portfolio piece portraying an Ohio pumpkin patch in the fall. I love the fall and the experience of searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve.

My Life

Hello! Welcome to my new and improved blog. This is my husband Josh and I. Josh is a Graphic Designer for a local banner stand company and I am on my road to becoming a full time Illustrator.

We live in Cleveland with our two dogs Ralphie & Gertie (pics to come soon). We don't have any children but I'm sure we'll start thinking about it soon. :)

Right now I am working on adding more work to my portfolio to start sending out to art directors and publishers.

I'll start posting some work soon!