Author Archives: illustrationclass

Kickstarter and Comics

According to Publisher’s Weekly ” Kickstarter has become the dominant crowdfunding platform in the comics space, with some 3,414 projects raking in a total of $46.5 million in 2024. That year, more than 67% of comics projects were successfully funded—the highest success rate by category of any type of Kickstarter project.” Over the years I’veContinue reading “Kickstarter and Comics”

TIM FISH’s DO-OVER

At the ALA Convention in Chicago I tabled at Artist’s Alley next to Tim Fish. His new mini-comic project involves redrawing minis he originally drew in 1993, over 40 years ago. I found this project mind-boggling, so I found the recorder app on my phone and asked Tim to explain it. Q: What’s the storyContinue reading “TIM FISH’s DO-OVER”

BULLET as a SCHOOL MASCOT ?

Last week was “Read Across America” week. Children’s book authors and illustrators, like me, get lots of invitations to visit schools. I visited 4 different area schools. I like to leave a work of art as a gift for each school. I draw their mascot and frame it for the library. On Monday I presentedContinue reading “BULLET as a SCHOOL MASCOT ?”

Sneak Peek: Capybara Book Sketches

Wild About Capybaras! coming May, 2026 will be my 7th TOON book. I want to share my cover sketches. If you are not an illustrator, you may be surprised to see how many sketches I did. This is almost the cover… My editors liked this idea best, but, they didn’t like the cartoon balloon. TheyContinue reading “Sneak Peek: Capybara Book Sketches”

Santa’s Sketchbook

I brought my sketchbook to the Santa Gathering, Lancaster, PA. The 4-day Santa convention is an incredible event with over 100 professional Santas. There are vendors of custom suits, designer beards, belts, and buckles. I go to meet other Santas. Santa Ken is a charming fellow and one of several African-American Santas in attendance. He’sContinue reading “Santa’s Sketchbook”

Bologna Children’s Book Fair: A Mecca for Illustrators

The Society of Illustrators , NYC, hosted “The Bologna Children’s Book Fair as the Epicenter of International Illustration.” Illustrator Steven Guarnaccia paced the floor and delivered a rousing pep talk about the BCBF (Bologna Children’s Book Fair.) The room was packed to capacity with famous illustrators including Leslie Cober , president of the Society. MuchContinue reading “Bologna Children’s Book Fair: A Mecca for Illustrators”

A Little Book Found Me in Italy

I’d never been to Italy and didn’t expect to visit. Françoise Mouly, the founder of TOON Books, was invited to the 2025 Bologna Children’s Book Fair. As luck would have it, she had a conflict and asked the Book Fair if she could pass the invitation on to me. So, I represented TOON Books inContinue reading “A Little Book Found Me in Italy”

RIP Maestro Marshall Arisman

I’ve told this story before, but one thing Marshall Arisman taught me is that a good story deserves to be retold. In 1984, I was a bartender at the 8th Street Tavern in Hoboken and doing occasional illustrations for The New York Times and The Village Voice. I learned from an ad in the TimesContinue reading “RIP Maestro Marshall Arisman”

Tara Hannon’s ‘BIRTLE’ Graphic Novel for Kids

Tara Hannon, a Kutztown University grad, is celebrating publication of her first graphic novel for kids, Birtle. Supportive communities like SCBWI and 12×12 helped Tara refine her writing and led to her finding an agent. Despite initial rejections, Tara persisted and her novel Birtle, a story of belonging, is set to be published in 2024.