Rozzie Land

Sailing

Happy Monday all! Here is a portfolio piece I created last week. I incorporated some scanned papers in this one to see how they would work. For the dog and the little girls hair, I used toweling. Unfortunately that texture was lost when I reduced to 72dpi. Aww, well.

Rock Stars of Reading- Jeff Mack

Rock Stars of Reading part 11: Jeff Mack

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Twittering Autors & Illustrators

Tara Lazar has created a list of children's book authors and illustrators that are twittering. 

I hope more start "tweeting", it's a great extension to your existing blogs. 

Grey Gardens

Did any of you catch, "Grey Gardens" this weekend on HBO? Immediately after the film, I went online to see if I could find the real documentary and here it is!

http://tinyurl.com/dho2j2   

It's absolutely fascinating. After seeing the true characters,  I bet Jessica Lange and/or Drew Barrymore will receive awards for their portrayals. Spot on!

Rockstars of reading- Jarret Krosoczka

Rockstars of reading continues over at "Just One More Book". So fun to watch an illustrator work in his studio .http://tinyurl.com/cafsnt

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone.

dummy book art revamped

I'm getting ready to re send my little dummy book out into the world. I wanted to revamp the final art samples to reflect my new style. I mentioned this over at Twitter and said I would share it, so here it is. Click to view larger.

Here is the original felt version:

and here is the updated one:

I have given up the desire to make the new style look exactly like the original felt. I was stressing myself out too much with it and realized that it was defeating the purpose of... less stress. 

I'm often asked why I transitioned to digital and there are many reasons. Number one, it's a lot of fun! I have way more freedom now and I look forward to experimenting and exploring. Now, I can try several color or pattern scenarios without having to commit. 

Another major reason is it's much easier to meet deadlines. Over the years, I've noticed more and more that publishers are wanting changes to the final art. This was challenging with my traditional pieces. Often, it meant completely starting over, even if it was a minor (to them) change. 

Artist's starting out that work in textiles ask me if I think they should work digitally. My answer is no. Not if you truly love what you do and it's your form of expression. There is nothing like the look of traditional fabrics and stitching. I still love its natural, organic quality.  

I just particularly enjoy working on the computer.  If you move to digital just because you think you "should", you'll be unhappy.

Just One More Book- Diane DeGroat

Here is another fabulous video that Just One More Book posted today. It's Diane DeGroat sharing how she created her book,DOGS DON'T BRUSH THEIR TEETH, using photoshop. So interesting! She also discusses her transition to digital.  

Thanks for providing these great videos, Just One More Book! 

What dog are you?

This is a fun game and I was freaked out when I saw the dog that I am. It is a miniature spitz but it looks exactly like my Lily! (Press the green button above to see)

Wanna play? Go here.

http://www.gone2thedogs.com/

The game is on the sidebar to the right, "click to play what dog are you".

Lane Smith shares his process

Hop on over to "Just One More Book" and check out this great video of Lane Smith sharing his process.

What I particularly loved hearing was even "famous" illustrators have to go through revisions. =0) 

Furball Friday

Happy Friday to all.   I thought I'd share my girls and what they've been up to this week. First the "good girl", who is doing what she loves best. Sorry Val, didn't mean to wake you with the flash. 

 

Then here is little bit showing off her new trick.

 

This morning she is trying to cute me to death so she won't get in trouble for digging.

 

Yes, it worked.  =o)

Jill Phillips

Totally loving this illustrator's work. Do you know Jill travels to Japan regularly to gather inspiration? Now, that is my idea of fun! I lived in Okinawa for a few years growing up and I would go back in a heart beat!!