Category Archives: illustration

RED NOSE STUDIO animation workshop

The insanely-talented Chris Sickels came from rural Indiana to rural Pennsylvania with a suitcase full of strange characters. He let me play with his dolls. – Me and a roomful of artists attending his workshop for the UCDA Summit at Kutztown University. Chris Sickels is Red Nose Studio. The studio is known for 3-D illustration and experimental animation.Continue reading “RED NOSE STUDIO animation workshop”

Matt Twombly’s Leap to Freelance Illustration

KU Grad Matt Twombly posted on Facebook that he had left his job at National Geographic and begin freelancing in 2015. He was a stellar student and won the Don Breter Illustration award when he graduated in 2008. So, I was curious about his transition and sent him some questions. 1. What was your job title at NationalContinue reading “Matt Twombly’s Leap to Freelance Illustration”

Gonzo Sketching with the Great Ted Michalowski

You have seen Ted Michalowski’s art on TV. He’s done courtroom reporting for ABC, CBS, CNN, all the major networks. He is an energetic part of the Scranton, PA art scene. When I say he is a ringmaster, it is not a metaphor, he has worked with the circus. His is a 4-time winner of the ElectricContinue reading “Gonzo Sketching with the Great Ted Michalowski”

Dane Lachiusa on illustration

He may not be a household name, but you have seen his work. Dane Lachiusa drew the cartoons that appeared on your Snapple caps, sketched  goofy images for Nickelodeon’s earliest website, and drew cartoons that covered the walls of your local Starbucks. He also drew the quirky images you may have noticed on your large soda cup at Blimpies. DaneContinue reading “Dane Lachiusa on illustration”

Scatter Joy Illustration Show

Kutztown University has produced some amazing illustrators: Tom Hallman, Stephen Kroninger, Renee French, Kathi Ember, Kevin Cornell, Tom Warburton, Tom Whalen, Simeon Wilkins.   An exhibition at the Scatter Joy Center for the Arts will showcase artists likely to be added to that list. Elham Ataeiazar, work pictured above, came from Iran to work on her MFA at Kutztown. ‘Ellie’ has already illustratedContinue reading “Scatter Joy Illustration Show”

William Grill, an English Illustrator Worth Watching

  I recently had the honor of being on a panel for reluctant readers at the ALA Convention in Orlando. The other panelists were Jim Ottaviani, M.K. Reed and a charming young Englishman, William Grill, who goes by Will. Will told the assembled librarians that he was a reluctant reader himself. He has dyslexia. As a kidContinue reading “William Grill, an English Illustrator Worth Watching”

Pigeons, Pigeons, everywhere. Keep your hat on!

Pigeons to the left of me. Pigeons to the right. OK, I wrote a book about pigeons, so I’ve been thinking about ’em. BUT! I am astounded by how often pigeons cross my path. On the NYC subway, my entire car was filled with pigeon-themed ads for Jet Blue. Arnold Zwicky defined the phenomenon “FrequencyContinue reading “Pigeons, Pigeons, everywhere. Keep your hat on!”

KU Kid Lit Conference 2016

The Kutztown University Children’s Literature Conference is 18 years old this year. The event takes place Saturday, April 16. The beautiful poster by Christina Davies is a puzzle showing a cast of famous children’s book characters heading for Kutztown’s campus. This year is a great year for illustrators. Three of the four keynote speakers are illustrators, andContinue reading “KU Kid Lit Conference 2016”