Do you use a computer?
How do you get your ideas?
How do you get your ideas?
Sometimes! But I still mostly use traditional art materials and tools.
Above are templates, triangles, a French curve, on a desk with parallel bar.
For my illustrations I use watercolor and India ink on watercolor paper. My favorite paper is Fabriano Artistico Hot Press. I use Rapidograph technical pens for inking. I have started sketching on an iPad Pro using Procreate instead of my previous method of using miles of tracing paper. I then transfer my sketches to watercolor paper using a printout and a lightbox, using pencil which I ink over and then erase.
At that point I may use my computer to touch up small mistakes once the illustration is complete, or to add a text layer.
How do you get your ideas?
How do you get your ideas?
How do you get your ideas?
I build my ideas up from little things, and keep adding and subtracting until I work out an actual story.
I find ideas can be put together from mixtures of elements from anywhere and everywhere in life: memories, dreams, strong interests, observations, favorite things, obsessions, wishes, strange facts, curiosities.
I also try very hard to remember what I liked in childhood: what kind of ideas I found irresistible. Such as: finding a secret passageway (I am still looking!)
WHAT OTHER JOBS HAVE YOU DONE?
HOW LONG DOES MAKING A BOOK TAKE?
HOW LONG DOES MAKING A BOOK TAKE?
Many! Some highlights:
- Making the lines on baseball fields
- Sweeping one of the largest enclosed spaces in Brooklyn
- Once painted the lettering on the side of a truck
- Window display at Bloomingdales in New York City
- Sketching and graphic design in the garment industry
- Designer of novelty items and fabric.
- Animation (full disclosure: my first job was on a 80's Duran Duran video!)
HOW LONG DOES MAKING A BOOK TAKE?
HOW LONG DOES MAKING A BOOK TAKE?
HOW LONG DOES MAKING A BOOK TAKE?
About a year or more for a 32 page picture book, depending on complexity and length.
INFREQuently asked questions:
can you ride a unicycle?
Did you ever wear a rubber wig, a sign around your neck, and sell snacks out of a wagoN?
Did you ever wear a rubber wig, a sign around your neck, and sell snacks out of a wagoN?
Yes. I was trying to build skills for a possible future in the circus. And I learned to juggle too.
Did you ever wear a rubber wig, a sign around your neck, and sell snacks out of a wagoN?
Did you ever wear a rubber wig, a sign around your neck, and sell snacks out of a wagoN?
Did you ever wear a rubber wig, a sign around your neck, and sell snacks out of a wagoN?
Yes
I am the one on the right. With the sign and wig.
(Parents: take note of the above warning signs of the future freelancer!)
Have you ever ridden a bicycle 1000 miles?
Did you ever wear a rubber wig, a sign around your neck, and sell snacks out of a wagoN?
Have you ever ridden a bicycle 1000 miles?
Twice! Each time took five weeks
Have you ever had a printing press in your "living room"?
How did you get your hands on the hat of Babar's cousin arthur?
Have you ever had a printing press in your "living room"?
Yes.
I heard of it being thrown away one day in Brooklyn: I took the subway to get it and caught a cab to bring it home.
Do you currently have a toad house in your garden?
How did you get your hands on the hat of Babar's cousin arthur?
Have you ever had a printing press in your "living room"?
Yes
I had coveted a toad house for a long time, and made one out of an upside down clay pot.
How did you get your hands on the hat of Babar's cousin arthur?
How did you get your hands on the hat of Babar's cousin arthur?
How did you get your hands on the hat of Babar's cousin arthur?
I will never tell!