Author Visits...
are one of the most rewarding aspects of being an author/illustrator. I love watching young readers connect with books and express themselves through art. Through speaking I always learn something about myself and my books. I have a few ways in which I present my work depending on the size and age of the audience.
Elementary and Pre-K
For Elementary (pre-K--2nd grade) I present a reading of two books, discuss what an author / illustrator is, and do a drawing demonstration. This is a 30 minute presentation and I can do 1 to 4 presentations with a 10 minute break in between. Audience size can range from 10 to 50 (or so) per presentation.
For a large assembly including upper elementary grades, I present a slide show, book reading and longer Q+A. I'll discuss topics such as research, sketches, writing drafts and image making technique, in addition to talking about the stories.
Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School
For Middle School, High School and upper Elementary grades, I present a slide show and discuss topics such as research, writing, sketching and technique as well as discuss the different jobs an illustrator can do and how I've made a career as an artist.
Illustration Workshop, Middle School and High School
For smaller Middle School and High School groups, I teach a workshop where students get hands on experience, coming up with concepts and making sketches for an editorial illustration assignment—similar to what I might do for the New York Times. We will discuss brainstorming, research, free association, metaphor, problem solving, reading and interpreting text, and creativity.
Art Workshop All Ages
Young people and adults explore the art making process through a hands on workshop which includes cut paper and drawing, painting with stencils, and concepts such as thinking with shapes and story telling through images.
University
I also speak at universities and conferences about the creative process, what it means to be a professional illustrator and how I make books. Presentations for large auditoriums and smaller groups available.
Please be in touch if you'd like to schedule an author visit.