Henry model sheet
book promotion, illustration processHere's the model sheet I came up with for Henry. This was a few years ago. I was working along the lines of classic model sheets for say, a Disney character, with the proportion lines and head-height. Nowadays my model sheets are a lot looser,…
The big picture
illustration processOver at How to be a children's book illustrator, they've got some video of Brian Selznick explaining his creative process.
The key idea to take away is this: creating a successful picture book requires having a vision for the entire project. …
Color and costume for Stinker
illustration processStinker and the Onion Princess is an updated Grimm's story set in Texas—but with a fairy tale quality. I didn't want the characters to look too real, but they should be sort of modern-day. To get the kind of vibe I was looking for, I turned…
Hannah
illustration processI did a caricature of our neighbor, Hannah. Here's the sketch, and painting in progress.
Big Mama/Big Daddy
book promotion, illustration process
Two more characters from Stinker and the Onion Princess. Big Mama and Big Daddy are tired of seeing their son lay around the house—they want him hitched so they can hear the pitter-patter of their grandkiddy's feet.
The Onion Princess
book promotion, illustration processSome more character designs from Stinker & The Onion Princess, the book that never got past the sketch stage.
Here's the lovely Onion Princess, pictured here dressed for Big Daddy's barbecue party. Big Daddy is hoping to get his son hitched.
She's…
Stinker
book promotion, illustration processSome time ago, I got a fabulous manuscript to work on: Stinker and the Onion Princess. Set in Texas, is was a retelling of the Grimm tale King Thrushbeard, but this time the proud and beautiful princess was replaced with a proud and handsome…
Interview
illustration career, illustration process, self promotionHead over to the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators website, where you'll find our newsletter, PSInside. Editor Anni Matsick interviews me.
A great old truck
book promotion, illustration processMy friend Tim is a landscaper in Mars, Pa, and owns this wonderful 1950s Ford truck. It still runs but needs a bit of, ah, cosmetic repair in one or two spots. Yes, that's a fender in the bed. I confess: I covet it and would love to have…
