Halloween Characters

If I had my own sticker line, it would look like this. Happy Halloween!

Its all in the Details

Japanese snacks packaging have always been a source of inspiration for me.
Check out the coolest UPC code I've seen in a long time:

Goodies from Japan! (Kawaii Heaven)

I got a HUGE package from Japan this week from Spadazzle. Thank you, Sarah! You are so generous I can't believe it! I was so excited that I even cut my finger while trying to open the box with scissors....but then I kept trying to open the box even with my bleeding finger (lol.)
There was so much stuff, I couldn't believe it. I was in Kawaii heaven! This tofu book is the best! I love vector art and I love food art, its the best combination!
This tofu pumpkin guy is suppose to be a cell phone holder (push in the "stem" and there is a slot to put your cell there). Can we get a collective "awwwwwww!":
Spadazzle's colorful collage work! Check out her work on her blog:
She also sent snacks and cute erasers. She really "got" me so well. Thanks again, Spadazzle! Some women like diamonds and furs, but I can be really happy with just stuff like this. Hope this was some good eye candy for all of you!

Goodies from the UK!

I've been getting packages from all over the globe! Here are some awesome goodies from illustrator Allan Sanders! Woohoo! I was hoping to get a postcard of his Superheroes from the Hot Rods and Hairy Beast show and he sent me so much more! I framed the robot print he sent, and it is now in my living room. I also LOVE the science experiment booklet-it makes me want to take a screenprinting class myself.
Thank you so much, Allan. If you don't know his work, check out his website and blog!

A Workshop I am Excited About!

I just got an email today from the Society of Illustrators announcing a workshop with Illustrator Marcos Chin. He is pretty famous for his illustrations for the Lavalife ad campaign that is all over NYC. I can't be more excited since I am a big fan of his work (plus all that time sitting in the subway staring at his ads and wondering how he did it.) I signed up after 2 minutes I got the email.

This workshop requires that you "bring your own fully charged laptop," which I thought was really funny. Even though I am a digital artist and I do indeed have a laptop, I've never gone to a workshop that runs that way. Welcome to the new age of technology.

Another note- The Original Art show is now up at the Society of Illustrators, which showcases art from children's books of the year. I haven't gotten a chance to check it out yet, but will hopefully go this weekend (and dreaming to be in the show one day.) Running now till November 26th.

Taking a class=procrasination zapper

I'm currently taking a greeting card/licensing class at The School of Visual Arts this semester. Many people are asking why someone like me need to take a class like this. The main reason is that I need deadlines, and it seems that if I don't have them, I don't get anything done. I've been talking about venturing out beyond children's books for a long time but can't get my butt into gear.

Don't get me wrong. I have alot more goals I need to accomplish in the world of children's books (like writing my own book, having a series, taking over the world with chickens, etc.) but there are so much more beyond, like licensing and even "grown up" editorial work. If I don't get those things cooking, it won't magically happen over night.

On another note, I feel like I've been writing alot of "sorry for the late reply" emails. I've been very absent-minded lately, so I apologize to anyone who has emailed or commented here and I haven't replied. Please know I always appreciate them. Cluck cluck!

How do you work?

I took this picture of my living room wall when I was working on The Haunted Ghoul Bus.
My work area is also my living room, and I had these sketches on my wall for months. It was driving me crazy that it was up there, but work-wise I needed them up on my wall, especially doing sketches for a book. It was easier to see the flow of the book this way. My "technique" is to pace back and forth, looking at the sketches, noting what adjustments are needed. It works well for me. I'm wondering if anyone else works this way?

Now if only I had a "real" studio with 4 walls and a door. Someday....

Goodies from Barcelona!

Ooh! I was so happy when I asked the talented illustrator Xavier Salomó if he wanted to trade books with me and he accepted. I love his style and wanted his books, but it would be difficult for me to get them here in the US. The books arrived yesterday, all the way from Barcelona, and they are so gorgeous. Check out his blog for more of his work. Thank you, Xavier!

Blog friend meet up!

Its so great when us bloggers get to meet up in real life! So it was a treat to meet with Deborah Mori of Life without novacaine and her sister today. They came all the way from San Diego on vacation. I'm so flattered that you would want to meet me, Deborah! But now you know I'm not an actual chicken in real life! Thank you so much for tea and a great chat about illustration and design.

Sand drawings

I wanted to post these a few weeks ago from a much needed mini break to Myrtle Beach. I was still drawing:
Oh Wait, it needs a little something something:
My dearie (aka Math Boy) still did some math:
(Please don't ask me anything about this math problem!)

I guess we were suppose to write our initials in hearts or something. But we think drawing chickens and math problems are way better.

Thank you

Thank you to the super sweet Diana Evans for this one sweet blog award. She is always drawing something food-related and you know I LOVE food artwork!!! And speaking of which, my new fascination is red velvet cupcakes from Crumbs. They seem to be opening up more bakeries in NY, I just saw one that will open up near union square. So good!

I'll give this award to so many of you who supported my book, The Haunted Ghoul Bus. I've been hearing from so many people who went to look for it at Barnes & Nobles, bought it, told me where exactly it was positioned, strategically RE-placing it for me (lol), or sending their congratulations. It really means alot to me. Thank you, I am humbled.

And a special thank you over to Splendid Sustenance who gave the book a 5 star review over on Amazon. My first review there ever! Exciting!!!

Making a Living as an Artist

I'm enjoying this post over at Lilla Rogers studio on "Can Artists make a Living?"

"I did it because I wanted it more than anything in the world and was willing to do whatever it took to make a living entirely as an artist."

Yup. Two cluck clucks from me.

How Children's book Illustrators party

Its been an out-of-the-ordinary week last week. My rep, MB Artists, (formerly known as HK Portfolio), throws a great party every other year in which the illustrators in the group get to meet up and also get some face to face time with our clients. Throw in some pineapple mojitos and we've got ourselves a party!
Here is the invite for the party at Spice Market. The space was gorgeous, and if I was a good blogger I would of brought my camera with me. (Oops!) All the illustrators in the group contributed a black and white line art for the invite. Guess which one is mine? (see below)
A nice surprise was the party favors- a cotton tote bag with all our art on it! Many of us illustrators used it the next day to carry our portfolios in when we went on our appointments.
There were too many kind illustrators, art directors, designers, editors and awesome people that I met in the past few days to mention them all here. Being an illustrator is such a lonely profession sometimes, and getting some face to face time with my peers is priceless. Thank you for your warm smiles and kind words.

A blogger shout-out to two fellow MB artists with blogs whom I met the past week: Valeria Cis and Macky Pamintuan. I regularly follow their blogs and its great to finally meet! (their portfolios are amazing...check it out!) I think a few other MB artists blog as well, I will have to go check those out.

Thats it for now. Thank you, Mela, for throwing the best party in town!

Look, mom! There is my book!

Thanks to Alicia Padrón for taking this awesome picture at her Barnes and Nobles! I'm going to enjoy every moment of this till they take it off the shelves after Halloween. Now everyone go to your nearest bookstore, find my book and make sure it is, um, "strategically placed"...*wink wink nudge nudge* :-)

Its also interesting to see what other Halloween books are out there. When I was working on this book, it was no where near Halloween. Now I can look back and see what other quirky things/ideas I might of missed.

This week I am taking a class and a much needed mini vacation. I'm sure there will be interesting things to report back. Have a good week, everyone.

New Greeting Cards

I finally made this blank greeting card out of the illustration I did from The Wish Trees giveaway post. I don't have any real personal stationary to use for everyday so this will be very handy.

You know how when you are an artist, and your friends and family expect that everything you give them must be handmade or with your art on them, especially greeting cards? Hey, sometimes I don't have time and have to pick up a Hallmark card! My mom seems to be disappointed when that happens though.
I've also put some of them in my shop. Its been seriously neglected but I hope to be back into it soon.

My Re-Ment Miniatures Habit

I love my siblings!!! What's this, you say? I just got a package of Re-Ments from my sister who recently went on trip to Japan. Look at all of this! I never got this much Re-Ments all in one shot!

If that wasn't enough, my brother also went to Japan (separately) and hooked me up with more Re-Ments, the grocery shelves and cabinet:
So here is my awesome Re-Ment grocery aisle, I love looking at it and re-arranging the foods and signs. It stands about 8 inches tall:
One of my mom's friends came over and saw my toys and asked if they were from my childhood. I said, "Umm, no000 I just got that the other day!" Hahah! And then she found out I was a children's book illustrator and it finally made sense to her. My profession is a lovely excuse to have toys around and get away with it.

I'm so thankful for having siblings who feed my habits. And also those of you who send me chicken links and chicken things!

Thank you for everyone's comments on The Haunted Ghoul Bus book. I am not sure if its available internationally, but I hope so. I can't wait to see it in Barnes and Nobles...its going to be a huge milestone for me.

My Latest Picture Book!

How long did it I wait to post this!? Let me introduce to you my latest picture book, The Haunted Ghoul Bus, written by Lisa Trumbauer, illustrated by me. I got my advance copy a few weeks ago and was so excited about it, or was it "omg omg omg omg omg!?!!!"

I also got an opportunity to design the book, so I felt in total control. Having an art director and an editor who completely believes in me makes me want to give 110%. Its hardcover with embossed pages, with a beautiful, high quality printing. I'm super pleased.

A favorite detail in the book, my vampires drinking from "blood juice" boxes:
It will be in bookstores in October, and on pre-order on Amazon right now. I'll be posting more about this book till its release!

Oh and goodness, thank you for ALL the comments about my "routine" entry! I think I have a name that I like for the Pink Bear. I promise you'll be seeing more of him (yes, its a him) soon!

Illustration Friday-Routine

Its been so long since I've made a fresh piece for IF. Here is a new little character of mine, Pink Bear. I would like to give him a name. I know he is pink and maybe he is really a she. But I feel like he is a boy bear. Any ideas?

Out of the Comfort Zone

About two weeks ago, I was asked to submit a sample for a possible children's Bible storybook assignment. At first, I must admit, I wasn't quite sure about it, since I was not brought up religiously and this was something outside my comfort zone.

The publisher had a specific scene in mind for the sample and gave alot of reference. Here is the piece I did:
To my surprise, I was very comfortable! I had alot of fun doing this and learned something in the process. (It was pretty neat to see how my interpretation of Jesus would turn out.) Too bad though, I did not get the assignment. But now I'm ready for the next Bible storybook assignment when it comes my way.

So the moral of the story is, try something out of your comfort zone. You might surprise yourself.

More Goodies!

I know its been over two weeks since I've posted anything! Lots to post about, but I'm trying to stay off the computer and enjoy the summer while I can.

Well, I've got more goodies in the mail! These cute chicken card holders are from fellow illustrator Kristin Sorra. I first met Kristin at the Highlights illustrators' party last year. She is super talented and I'm so happy to have met her and her hushand, who is also an artist. They are so nice and super cool. Thank you for letting me adopt them. I'll take good care of them :-)

Math Boy thought they looked like chicken bumper cars?!? So funny!

Goodies and other fun things

Thanks to Alicia for sending her book, The Wish Trees, to me and my chickens. We enjoyed it very much and the artwork inside is adorable!

Other tidbits:
-Sarah at Spadazzle teaches English class in Japan with my book, The Penguin's Perfect Picnic! There are so many more cute penguin drawings from the kids. I hear a kid did a penguin manga, now this I have to see!

-Zime is doing something called Pay It Forward, in which you send a handmade gift to 3 blogger friends, and in return they do the same to 3 other blogger friends. I love the idea! I will do this too except I think I will make the gifts first, then post about it. (I owe at least 2 people some ATCs, so I am very backed up right now!)

Thats it for now. Stay cool in this heat, everyone.

My New favorite Children's books!

Last weekend, I went browsing at the Kinokuniya bookstore...checking out all the Re-Ment Miniatures and resisting the temptation to buy any...then only to discover these books instead- they are now my new favorite! I can't read Japanese ( I guess the Japanese I learned from watching anime isn't going to help me now) but after some research, I found out they are a popular series called "Bam & Kero" by Yuka Shimada.
Although I can't read the text, I can tell what is going on just by the pictures. They have a cute yet off-beat quirkiness and humor about them; my favorite combination.
Oh yes, and the illustrations are to die for. Yes, I want to live in that world. (I know this sounds really dramatic, but I am definitely in love with the art!)

I only bought two of the books but now I am tempted to buy the whole series. They are that wonderful!

Whats Up in the Coop

Its been too hot to blog! I've been:

READING:
-Giant Robot magazine with cover art and interview with James Jean. Good stuff.

-Computer Arts magazine: I splurged (import from the UK, comes with a disk. I spend $17, ouch!) mainly for the article/tutorial about creating textures with vectors. Haven't gone through the tutorial yet, I'll let you all know how that goes.

MAKING:
-Some cards for a friend who just graduated, and wanted to have custom cards to send to her professors.

THANKING:
Lisa, Tracy, Jenn and Mike for awarding me! I feel like the most popular chicken shack in town! ;-)

The rules for accepting the award are as follows:

1. Add the logo of the award to my site

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs

4. Add links to those blogs on your site

5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

AWARDING:
Linda, Crystal, Sherry, Zime, Pati, Roz, Ellen

Stay cool, everyone!

Ben and Ruby Character Sketches

Thank you for all the comments on the I'm Reading Now series! Working on a big series like this, the most important thing is to have the character sketches down pat when I start. I got a short character description of the whole family, and here is what I came up with. Here, the main characters Ben and Ruby:

Ben is suppose to be 5 years old and Ruby is 4. Here they look a bit too old. Try again!

Better here. But what's up with the Elvis hair on Ben? And I was told the dress on Ruby was a bit too old fashioned (Hey, I would wear that cherry dress at 4!)

Perfect!

Ok, actually there were many more rounds back and forth with the art director and editors before I got it just right. But its better to get it right in the beginning than later.

And last but not least, a BIG shout out to Alicia Padrón's kids for their fantastic critique of my tree entry for The Wish Trees giveway! It was a gift in itself listening to their reaction (I've never heard directly from my audience before) and it truly confirms I am in the right profession! It was so gratifying and made me all warm and fuzzy inside!!! So thank you, Gabriel and Alexandra. And kudos for everyone who entered, I had alot of fun looking at everything!

I'm Reading Now! Series

I'm so excited to show these books after working on them for over a year. They are a series for Scholastic called I'm Reading Now! There are 4 sets to be published throughout the year, with the first set (shown here) coming out in September. Available through Scholastic Book Clubs.
Each set comes with 8 books, about the adventures of a 5 and 4 year old named Ben and Ruby.

I just recently finished the last set; it was sad to see Ben and Ruby go. But it was very rewarding to see the printed books for these- I'm happy with the way it turned out.

Happy July 4th to the folks in the US!

Trees

The very talented Alicia Padrón is holding a lovely giveaway of her book, The Wish Trees. To enter, she asked everyone to submit an illustration that demonstrates the importance of a tree, so here is mine.

I thought about how trees were homes to animals. Or cafes. Somehow it morphed into looking like a book cover. A possible book idea?!

Anyways, visit Alicia's blog and enter, the deadline is July 4th!

High 5!

This is a spread I did for the July issue of Highlights High Five magazine. Its like my little homage to Richard Scarry, one of my favorite illustrators of all time!