Category: Illustration

ReFoReMo Day 19: Kirsti Calls the Doctor

3/19/2016

by Kirsti Call (and a special guest)

Reading stellar picture books and interacting with the ReFoReMo community has me inspired! I love figuring out what works and thinking deeply about why I like some picture books more than others. Fantastic illustrations are essential and as writers we have to acknowledge their importance. There’s a lot we can learn by studying the interplay between words and pictures. Here are some questions that I ask myself:

1. How does the text alone make me want to turn the page? How about the illustration?

2. How does the text leave things unsaid in a way that allows the pictures to help propel the action?

3. What words infuse emotion into the story and give the illustrator an opportunity for vivid interpretations?

4. How do the illustrations enhance the written word, and how can I apply these lessons to my writing?

As I reflect on illustrations, I wonder what an illustrator would think...so I make a call.

“Hello? Is this the doctor? I have an emergency! Is this Dr. Mira Reisberg?" Thankfully, it is!

Kirsti: What exactly should illustrators consider when transitioning from study to studio?

Dr. Mira Reisberg: The key is to have fun with it and pay attention to what you like or don't like so that you can learn from it. I hope the following reflection questions help:

1. How does the illustrator show emotion through body language, expression, and color?

2. Do they have a recognizable color palette throughout the book that helps convey the overall mood of the books?

3. What does the illustrator do to make her or his contributions fresh and original and do they complement or extend the text? If so how?

4. How does the illustrator mix it up to have different compositions on each spread that play with scale, point of view, balance, and perspective?

Thank you Dr. Mira! After reviewing Dr. Mira's questions, I realize that even those of us who aren't illustrators can benefit from thinking like one. Dr. Mira kind of saved the day, didn't she?

Mira is giving away her course, The Hero's Art Journey. This is an incredible course for anyone who is interested in exploring their artistic self! Thank you, Mira! To be eligible, you must be a fully registered participant, comment on this post, read daily, and keep records of your progress.

Kirsti Call reads, critiques and revises every day. She is a member of various critique groups, and blogs for Writer's Rumpus, Children's Book Academy, and the Institute of Children's Literature. As the published author of The Raindrop Who Couldn't Fall and a homeschool mom, Kirsti coaches revision for children ages 5-18. Her school visits involve interactive writing, singing, and of course, reading for research! Kirsti contributed as a 2015 CYBILS YA Fiction panelist and is proud to be the 2016 ReFoReMo co-coordinator. You can follow her journey at www.kirsticall.com.

Mira Reisberg has helped MANY authors and illustrators get published. She has worn just about every hat in the industry including art director, editor, award-winning illustrator and author, kid lit university professor, and literary agent. Mira holds a PhD in Education and Cultural Studies with a focus on children's literature. She is also the Director of the innovative online school Children’s Book Academy. Mira will be co-teaching the highly successful Craft and Business of Writing Children's Picture Books with Random House Editor Kelly Delaney in May. To find out more and receive early access click here:http://bit.ly/yourCBAtribe. Mira is also working on an on-demand and in-demand Writing and Illustrating Graphic Novels course that should also be lots of fun.

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Pre-ReFoReMo Day 2: A One-Question Interview with our Resident Illustrator: Lori Nawyn

2/28/2016

136 Comments

Which picture books have influenced your illustration voice?

The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau

I absolutely love this story about self-taught artist Henri Rousseau. I admire his resolve to pursue his love of painting. His work garnered harsh criticism, yet he found the strength of heart to improve his craft and find success. True magic flowed from his paintbrush! Rousseau's paintings now have homes in prominent museums world-wide.

Amanda Hall's illustrations are captivating and colorful; Michele Markel's text deftly captures the soul of the man in an unforgettable story of determination. I was drawn to the book because I enjoy picture book bios that aptly balance depth of emotion and kid appeal. In this case, readers
not only understanding what it takes to reach goals and dreams, but a feeling of pride for someone who persists in their craft, and the sense they can do the same.

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909

I so enjoyed Markel's book on Rousseau, I also picked up this story about young Clara Lemlich. Again, Markel's writing is the perfect blend of historical fact and soul that makes the character come alive in young hearts and minds. The book reminds all ages that anything one puts their mind to is possible. Melissa Sweet's (one of my absolute favorite illustrators!) illustrations are, as always, rich in detail with a splash of whimsy that makes you want to jump inside the page.

Flora and the Penguin

I can't get enough of Molly Idle's books! Tea Rex and Flora and the Flamingo made me a diehard Idle fan. Flora's icy escapades with her new-found penguin friend has visions of ice skating penguins swirling still through my head and heart. Looking forward to the May release of Flora and the Peacocks! Idle's simple yet masterful work is hard to equal. Her ability to convey depth of story through the smallest gesture or expression make her the kind of illustrator I want to grow up to be!

Lori Nawyn is the author of two inspirational books for girls and women, the author of three cookbooks, and the illustrator of three children's books. She has written freelance articles for online and print publications across the U.S., and she enjoys writing picture book biographies, stories of courage and impossible journeys, and living and working in the out of doors.

After breaking her leg in a dog sledding accident last year, Lori decided life is too short to not do what you absolutely love. She is currently pursuing a degree in Outdoor Product Design and Development and plans to create all-season outdoor apparel and gear for women and children to enhance their enjoyment of being in and exploring nature. A chief component of her work will be dedicated to developing a series children's travel and sports books that will coordinate with matching fabric and design elements as they celebrate the spirit of adventure.

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PreReFoReMo Day 2: Lori Nawyn Illustrates from the Heart

2/27/2015

94 Comments

It is with great pleasure that I introduce Lori Nawyn. Her gentle heart and creative spirit shine through our ReFoReMo badge and all of her illustrations. As picture book writers, we know the impact illustrations have. They bring new meaning and life to stories, producing a combined art form unlike any other. Lori takes her illustrations a step further, and aims to help others. It is my honor to feature her work here in the ReFoReMo community.

CB: What has influenced you most as an illustrator?

LN: I think my greatest influence was my grandfather. With no more than an elementary school education, he designed and built fabulous machines that "flew" over the snow. His SnoPlanes--he built over ninety of them in his lifetime--made winter travel possible (during the 1930s through early 1950s) in the snow bound regions of Idaho and Wyoming, and for Eskimo school children in Alaska. In addition to having a keen sense of functionality for his machines, he also had a keen eye for color and design. A park ranger in Yellowstone once noted that Grandpa's snowplanes were some of the most beautiful crafts he'd ever seen. Not only has my grandfather's artistic sense inspired me, but also his claim that there's, " . . . no such word as can't." He firmly believed that if you have the passion and drive you can achieve whatever you set out to do.

CB: What was the inspiration behind the books you have illustrated?

LN: I endured a very abusive situation when I was a child and it is my passion to share with others what I have learned about emerging from the shadows and living in happiness and joy. In particular, to share my work with children.

I was so touched to be invited to illustrate Love, Hugs, and Hope! The book was written by a marriage and family therapist, Christy Monson, from Utah. Her heart aching, she wanted to somehow reach out and touch the lives of children after the tragedy at Sandy Hook. She wrote the text the weekend following the shootings; her publisher called me the following Monday. I worked nonstop to complete the illustrations before Christmas. It has touched me deeply the children and parents (not only those associated with Sandy Hook) who have said they have found healing in its pages—whether from death, divorce, loss of a pet, illness, bullying, or abuse, as well as the fear, sadness, and anger we can all feel at times. The book in now used in therapy settings and with children who are hospitalized.

I loved illustrating What Are You Thinking? as well. The book is still selling strong, and has helped children overcome negative emotions and believe in themselves and their capabilities. It will be released as an app late this year. From Head to Tummy was written by the phenomenal Haley Freeman, an anorexia survivor who is passionate about helping children with self-esteem issues and eating disorders.

Addie and Sage are a part of my Gratitude Journal Project on Facebook -- a series of art for all ages that explores what it means to live in gratitude and joy. I am currently seeking licensing opportunities for the characters (and a turkey, penguin, and duck that accompany the Addie and Sage collection) on gift products.

My paperdolls celebrate the strength, courage, and talent of girls and women across America! They are currently only available on Etsy, and they are just as introductory one-page downloads (and I still need to get all the states uploaded to Etsy). The full doll sets (six pages) include several changes of clothing and articulated toys (in addition to the teddy bear each one has) a craft to complete, and a decorative carrying case kids can assemble themselves. The full sets will be available later this year as already printed sheets and stickers. Read more about the inspiration behind the dolls HERE.

Abbie & Jack are part of my children’s travel series, which will launch spring 2016 with Familius Publishing.

CB: Where can we find your work?

LN: Samples of my art are on my art blog. I'm also experimenting with an Etsy shop, where you can find my paperdolls and other goodies. My books on Amazon.

CB: What type of art are you drawn to in picture books?

LN: For me there's no one that can simultaneously touch my heart and sense of humor (and humanness) more than Mo Willems. I could read the Knuffle bunny books over and over again. Trixie so reminds me of my youngest daughter and her early childhood adventures with her teddy bear.

I love the work of Brian Floca, in particular his book Locomotive, because I frequently write about the history of the transcontinental railroad.

I also enjoy the mesmerizing and beautiful work of David Wiesner.

Our ReFoReMo badge collaboration was a special treat, Lori! In true fashion, your giving spirit shines through, once again. ReFoReMoers, please proudly display the participation badge on your sites and social media. After your reading efforts are complete, you will be rewarded with a winner's badge, too! I am so excited to reveal it, but you will just have to wait until the end of March!

Now, please give it up for Lori...a standing ovation is in order, wouldn't you say? When you sit back down, please tell Lori which illustrations inspire you.

Lori Nawyn is an award-winning writer, illustrator and graphic designer whose key passion in life is to help others discover their own unique inner strengths. Her short stories, which touch on surviving grief and thriving with joy, have been included in six anthologies. Her essays and articles have been featured in numerous print and online publications, and she is the author of seven books.

Wife of a fireman, mother of four, grandmother of four, and mentor to three opinionated dogs she's training for urban mushing, Lori enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, reading, and growing basil and lavender.

94 Comments

ReFoReMo Day 19: Kirsti Calls the Doctor

Pre-ReFoReMo Day 2: A One-Question Interview with our Resident Illustrator: Lori Nawyn

PreReFoReMo Day 2: Lori Nawyn Illustrates from the Heart

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