Illustrating Children's Picture Books

There is a great book out right now that I'm so honored to be a part of. It is called Illustrating Children's Picture Books, written by Steven Withrow and Lesley Breen Withrow. Don't you just love the cover?
I feel really humbled to have gotten a double page spread artist profile...along with other artists I admire such as Steve Mack, Bob Staake, and Meomi in the digital dreams section. (I'm not worthy!)
I find this book fresh, modern and very extensive. A complete resource and well-rounded guide to creating picture books. There are alot of tips on visual storytelling, tutorials, and of course, inspiration.

Its weird-I've been getting little signs from the universe that this is the year where I'm going to complete my picture book dummy (write AND illustrate.) Yes, I've been working on that more than ever lately, and this book gave me a little spark to push me along. Thank you, Steve and Lesley, for including me. Get it here on Amazon.

100% Digital Finger Painting

With a 4 hour train ride from Ann Arbor to Chicago, I had some time to kill. So I had fun playing around again with the Brushes app on my iPhone. I wonder about the possibilities on a bigger screen (aka iPad)?!?

I had a wonderful time in Chicago. When I stepped out of the train, I saw the tall buildings and concrete and felt instantly at home. I forgot how much I missed the cityscape. The Art Institute of Chicago had an impressive collection and it was welcomed break from surfing the internet for inspiration. It reminded me I should go to the museums more often. Other fun things: wanted to buy everything at Penelope's, t-shirt for husband at Threadless, crafty pilgrimage to Renegade Handmade, walk at Millennium Park, dim sum at Chinatown, grilled octopus at Greektown. (we didn't end up having deep dish pizza though. I suspect my loyalty is still with the NY thin slice!) This trip was just what I needed- already planning to try to go back soon!

Rounded Corner Love

Thanks to Print Click for featuring my business cards in their 35 Outstanding Rounded Cornered Business Cards Designs. Check out the post for some fabulous inspirations.

Things are a little quiet here on my blog since I'm visiting the beautiful city of Chicago at the moment. I forgot how much I missed the tall buildings, the concrete, and the city sounds. It was just the little zap of energy I needed.

Lunar New Year

Chinese New Year falls on Valentine's day this year. Its the year of the Tiger! It seems like around this time of year, I always mention how much I want to do more Asian/Chinese inspired work, and I end up doing just one piece. Well, I really enjoyed doing this particular piece and it sparked some good story ideas, so hopefully I will keep it up.

High Five Magazine

Check out this month's High Five Magazine- featuring this spread I illustrated called Fix the Flat. Also in the same issue is my friend and fellow Illustration for kids member Anette with her awesome double page spreads- check it out here. Yay!