SCBWI-NJ- Illlustrator's Day 2008
My dear friend, Leeza, invited me to join her in New Jersey last weekend for the first annual Illustrator day. Not only did Leeza arrange the entire shindig from the schedule, the two reviews by two art directors, the awesome name tags and handouts but she also invited me to stay with her at her lovely house in the woods and picked me up from the train station (with the cutest assistant).
It was an awesome event. Laurent Linn and Patrick Collins were the art directors. Both were gracious and kind but also honest. They both said the same thing about my work so I now definitely know what I need to do to improve my portfolio. (Want to know? Ok I'll tell you. The secret seems to be my line work. Sometimes it shines, sometimes it clunks. I need to really make it varied and work in every piece. I also need to only saturate some colors of my paintings.)
Below I have posted the before and after sketches from one of the stories. The passage I chose was about a young bear crossing a frozen frozen pond for the first time. I submitted the first image to Laurent Linn, who suggested a few things; make the bear smaller, change his expression and make the scarf more float-y. I accomplished some of them in my second drawing. (I should have made the fox bigger and not added the tree. )
This conference was the inspiration I needed. Also, just being around Leeza is an inspiration in itself. This lady does everything. She has found her awesome new style and is rocking her career from all angles. I was just in constant awe at her energy level.
(I don't have my final color piece)
It was an awesome event. Laurent Linn and Patrick Collins were the art directors. Both were gracious and kind but also honest. They both said the same thing about my work so I now definitely know what I need to do to improve my portfolio. (Want to know? Ok I'll tell you. The secret seems to be my line work. Sometimes it shines, sometimes it clunks. I need to really make it varied and work in every piece. I also need to only saturate some colors of my paintings.)
Below I have posted the before and after sketches from one of the stories. The passage I chose was about a young bear crossing a frozen frozen pond for the first time. I submitted the first image to Laurent Linn, who suggested a few things; make the bear smaller, change his expression and make the scarf more float-y. I accomplished some of them in my second drawing. (I should have made the fox bigger and not added the tree. )
This conference was the inspiration I needed. Also, just being around Leeza is an inspiration in itself. This lady does everything. She has found her awesome new style and is rocking her career from all angles. I was just in constant awe at her energy level.
(I don't have my final color piece)
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3 Comments:
Leeza's like the energizer rabbit! Wow, sounds like it was a great event.
There is definite improvement in your second piece, Courtney. I think the size of the fox is fine (They are much smaller than bears after all. :D)
As for the tree: maybe instead of the branches sticking out from the side, you could have some tree silhouettes in the distance? A way to suggest they're in a wooded area without showing an entire tree?
I do have one question though. Is the bear sliding across the pond as the fox skates? The only reason I ask is that his scarf is floating in front of him...if he had some momentum, I'd imagine it drifting behind him. Maybe flip the bear so he's going backwards looking at the fox, and move the fox to the left? There'd be more engagement between characters that way.
I might be over-analyzing the whole thing, but regardless, these are some adorable characters with some fun details. Keep up the good work!
(oh, and I DID get to see Tomie today! He was fantastic with the kiddos, and very warm to talk to. Now I have my own signed copy of pop-up Strega Nona-yippee!)
I loved your bear&FOX on the pond. I agree that the scarf could float in another direction, but wind being what it is and the overall composition of the piece being so delightful I would like to see it left as it is in the later posting after your refinements. How neat that you got to meet Laurent Linn!!!! And if I read Dee's comment above Tomie DePaola was there too. I just love him and although we live in the same state I have yet to meet him. I envy his studio which is a totally awesome old barn converted into a massive space with tons of brushes and work areas. I also love that he likes to dress like an illustrator. Yes, he is great with the kids.
Your work is so good, I just love all of it!
Goodness, I love love love this sketch! Did you ever finish it in color?
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