Diva hippo

Character sketch for a short story illustration. I love this big lady already!

Inktober 2017: Gigantic

Inktober 2017: Screech

First Not So Scary Jerry Book Event!

Not So Scary Jerry has been out almost a month! October 8th, I had my first book event with a reading, illustration demo, signing, and more!

It was so much fun to be back in our old city, Knoxville, Tennessee, with friends who have watched my adult career grow and change in the 10 years of marriage and post-college life. I used to hold storytimes at Union Ave Books when our oldest was just a baby and they have been so supportive of this new venture.

The event was not without its kinks as the bookstore's book order did not arrive on time, so we had no books there! Thankfully, we still had a great turnout and everyone was incredibly kind and understanding.

Drawing in front of a crowd was as nerve-wracking as I expected, but I was pretty pleased with the results and enjoyed creating different expressions with the kids' prompts.

I found out about the lack of books possibility while flying there, so I spent the day before the event creating some Jerry bookplates to sign if needed. I'm rather happy with them as well!

I'm a sucker for fully investing in exciting things, so creating Jerry horns, wearing my newly named "Jerry sweater," and painting my fingernails hot pink were just part of the fun!

I also brought some super fun Not So Scary Jerry stickers as a bonus. I still can't get over how adorable they turned out. It is terribly difficult to pick my favorite.

And I was thrilled to debut my coloring and activity pages for Not So Scary Jerry! Everyone loved them!

And they are now available for anyone to download. I hope you enjoy and tag me on social media if you use them so I can see your creations!

Thanks to everyone who came out to support my first big event! Thanks to my bestie and her family who spoiled me rotten on my first weekend away from my family. Thanks to my husband who held down the fort in NYC with the girls. And thanks to everyone who continues to encourage and support me and Not So Scary Jerry!

Inktober 2017: Crooked

Inktober 2017: Shy

Inktober 2017: Sword

Inktober 2017: Long

Inktober 2017: Underwater

Inktober 2017: Poison

Inktober 2017: Divided

Inktober 2017: Swift

Inktober 2017: This is Ink.

This is Ink. I'm not very good at drawing cats, and I was wanting to add one to my next picture book, so here's the additional challenge for this Inktober. I'll be drawing Ink doing the official daily prompt. Follow along to see how it goes!

Inktober 2017!

Here's the official prompt list for this year's Inktober. Can't wait to do this!

Happy Book Birthday, Jerry!

Today is the day! I've been dreaming of becoming a picture book illustrator since I was a little kid, and my first picture book is officially out into the world. Pick up Not So Scary Jerry by Shelley Kinder, illustrated by me, at Clear Fork Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or ask your local bookstore and library to carry it. I can't wait for everyone to get to know Jerry, his boy, and pug!

Not So Scary Jerry coming in 19 days!

It's September! My favorite month of all and it is made even better as my first illustrated picture book comes out September 19! I can't wait for you to meet Jerry! Not So Scary Jerry is written by Shelley Kinder, illustrated by me, and published by Clear Fork Publishing. Keep your eyes out for it. Ask your bookstores to carry it! Tell your friends about it! And preorder at Clear Fork's site, Amazon or Barnes & Noble!

it all started with a rose petal…

warm-up sketch: chickens

Daily warm-up sketch yesterday. Don't ask why chickens were on the brain. I still have no idea.

Dick Bruna tribute

Another illustration hero gone. Dick Bruna passed away yesterday at 89. What a long, successful career he had. His simple, striking, emotive illustrations have influenced me so much. You will be missed Mr. Bruna, but your illustrated legacy lives on in your characters, books, book covers, merchandise, and more. Thanks for all you gave literature.

Not So Scary Jerry cover reveal!

Here it is! The big cover reveal for my upcoming picture book this September, Not So Scary Jerry, written by Shelley Kinder. Can't wait to show more as I go along!

p.s. you can pre-order it if you are so inclined.