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Two Tugeau 2 artists won awards for their poster art the Annual New England SCBWI Conference (April 25-27, 2009). About 50 artists took part in the contest and showcased their own illustrated concept of the theme “Many Voices”. T2 artist Kathy Weller won prizes in two categories: Best in Show, Published Artist and Third Place, Viewer’s Choice. T2 artist Dani Jones won Second Place, Published Artist. Yay for T2 artists!!
greeting card © 1996 Kathy Weller
Anyhow, I’m really, really proud of the work I did with my little card business. It was a springboard for so many different things creatively, it’s hard to even begin making a list for you without writing a book. Professionally, as far as helping me gain both self-confidence and business acumen, nothing can match the experience – and especially at a time in my life when I was so in need of direction.
Here is one of the cards that was in my line back then. I’ve always loved this one, and in the following years, I’ve found that the “stage” concept has clearly adopted itself as a running theme in my work. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Prolific children’s writer Anastasia Suen’s blog “Six Traits” (Picture Book of the Day) has posted on my book “The Months” for her blogs’ weekly “Poetry Friday”. The post offers a couple of ideas on how the book can be used in lessons. Pretty cool!!
I am a member of a children’s illustrators’ group called the Picture Book Junkies (we’re the “PBJ’s” – yes, just like peanut butter and jelly)! About once a year, we do a promotional postcard as a group, and this year we have decided on a “Back To School” theme.
We also share a group blog. We have a weekly theme, and then each of us posts once a week on the theme. This week, our theme is our “Back To School” postcard art. (I designed the postcard this year, too: front and back)
Please check it out, and enjoy!
Want to stay on top of trends in the kid’s markets? I want to share a good little resource with you. Big Blue Dot is a multimedia firm (web, print and TV) devoted to serving the kids’ industry. They have a bi-monthly email newsletter called Trend Update, which tracks trends in the kid’s world. It’s a cool tip-sheet and a free, effortless way way to stay on top of what’s hot and going on at the moment. Check it out!
Many companies like BBD, plus children’s publishers, put out similar newsletters. Happy web surfing, and if you happen upon any that you find useful and would like to share, please do (in the comments)!
I’ve been working on some mini-pieces. They are called ACEO’s, which stands for Artist Cards – Editions and Originals. The size is always 2.5 x 3.5. Here is one of my most recent pieces. I picture this particular knitting doggie listening to (and sometimes looking up to watch a snippet of) the old TV show “Murder, She Wrote”. Do you get that mood from her, too?
Hope you enjoy!
I had been working on an illustration for my weekly post at the PBJ’s. I really liked how it was coming along, so I started compiling ideas of ways to improve the picture. I implemented these changes and I think they have really improved the piece aesthetically as well as from a narrative standpoint. I’d love to hear what you think!
Version 1
Revised version
Here’s that kitty cat again… this time, she is ready for bed. I have prints available of these two and other new little paintings in my Etsy store. Hope you enjoy!
I’ve been doing some paintings, just to creatively ‘loosen up’ a little.
Here is one of the pieces. This also has a companion piece which I will post at a later date! Hope you enjoy the work!
I recently had the opportunity to do the cover illustration for the Graphic Artists’ Guild national newsletter (March/April 2008). The subject I was given was “Trademark”. I of course looked for any opportunity to integrate cute and cuddly characters into the illustration. This one worked well using these funny dogs to help tell the story. Hope you enjoy!
