Welcome to this wandering tour of blogs by artists – writers, musicians, painters, photographers, and more. Catherine Johnson invited me to hop-along.
Catherine is a female Dickon (Secret Garden clue for kid-lit lovers), currently swinging a maple stick in a hockey tree – with a worrisome weakness for fried Kiwi and chips, or was it fishlips? In any case she writes and paints funny stuff – check out her blog and books at catherinemjohnson.wordpress.com
Now to blog-hop questions, and the stuff I am currently working on: portfolio pieces in preparation for the regional SCBWI conference in September; a fish-out-of-water picture book dummy; a ms based on a folk song; a rhyming board book (yeah, me – a rhymer – go figure!), and a slew of others in need of further polish. Also excited about 3 board books I illustrated for Bailiwick Press, due out in October.
How my work differs from others of its genre: With illustration, I try to harness the energy of an initial sketch; I scrap what isn’t working and start fresh numerous times. Maybe that is why my work is simpler, less detailed, but that doesn’t mean the process is any less complicated (that’s what I tell myself!). I spend a lot of time on the emotional connection in the face or posture of my characters. Humor and imagination are what I hope to convey and promote in both my illustrations and writing.
Why do I write/create what I do? I am a picture book junkie. The way the words and pictures meld together with the imagination of the readers elevates my spirit. The desire to make them has not always been there, but I have always found creative outlets, and still cannot understand how anyone gets bored.
How does your writing/creating process work? A snippet of a word, a scent in the air, a memory released by the shape of a cloud – anything, essentially, can spark the process of writing or illustrating. I trust my gut to take me on it’s own journey, then later apply skills to shape, restructure and refine. When I feel good about it I will send a manuscript draft to my AWESOME online and local critique partners (sometimes 27 times – sorry, pals). Doodling every day has improved my drawing skills tremendously – I am truly grateful for the Doodle Day facebook group for the support, encouragement and super silly fun.
Passing the baton to fellow artist Dani Duck at Dani Duck: Artist Obscure. Married, toddlered and reluctant cat owner. Writes, Illustrates and Moms. Basically awesome. Seldom boring. Avid coffee drinker and chocolate fan …
Check out Dani’s post on Monday, Aug.25th – HERE
What a fab post! *+*+*+*+
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Thank you, baton passer!
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What’s next? The high jump 😉
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The two of you make quite a team!
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🙂
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Awesome post!
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Thanks, Robin!
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Fun post!
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Love what you share, Julie! Those snippet, scent memories hit home.
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Especially the clouds, eh?
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Fun to read about your creative process, and love the results! 🙂
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Thanks, Susanna. Enjoying your days’ ‘off’ I hope!
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Loved your creative process. You are free as a bird when it comes to creating.
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A silly goose, to be more specific! Thanks, Patricia.
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NOW I KNOW ALL OF YOUR SECRETS!!!!!!!! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Even how to make your zucchini bread! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! 😉 😉 😉 Great post! 😀
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Even if I am super tired YOU can always crack me up! Ha!
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Cool beans! One of the best “WIP” blog-hop posts I’ve read! And you already know what a huge fan I am of your art. 🙂
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Yes, I have you well-trained to say nice things. (Check or money order?)
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This was so fun Julie! Loved it, and hearing about your process!
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Thanks, Telaina!
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Oh sweet Julie! I feel lucky we have met virtually. You are a treasure. I love your work.
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“I’m so glad you’re here…it helps me realize how beautiful my world is.” —Rainer Maria Rilke
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Every time I see your work on FB I smile and recognize it immediately as yours. Love learning more about your creative process!
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Thanks, Sylvia. I really appreciate being on the journey with you!
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Wow, Julie you are amazing. What a fun post to read. Knowing you, you can create and accomplish anything. You are so talented and it is always fun seeing and talking to you. Good luck for your future and keep doing what you’re doing. You rock. 🙂
You always make me smile, funny girl! 😉
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Vielen Dank, Bianca! Such kind and encouraging words! It’s no wonder your kids are doing so well with such a supportive mom. I’m proud to know you too.
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