How Are Things Looking For Children's Books

The Sun May Still Shine On the Children's Book Market! Check out this article from the Publisher's Weekly called, "Don't Write the Obit for Children's Books Yet." Check it out!

"Children's book publishers are still reeling from the New York Times front-page story back in October called "Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children." Was the venerable newspaper right? Or do publishers consider the article and its alarming title the kid-lit equivalent of "Dewey Defeats Truman"?"

Sesame Street PinballSong

When I was coming up watching Sesame Street, I loved this little song!! How many of you are old enough to remember it? As an adult I was surprised to learn that this is actually performed by the Pointer Sisters! That just makes it that much cooler!



The Pointer Sisters are highly underrated! The deserve way more accolades! They had a ton of hits in the 70's and 80's. I put up a performance of a medley of their hits as well! Enjoy and be wary of these outfits, it was the eighties!! LOL!

"Automatic" was my favorite song from them! For the longest I didn't even know this was them. I thought this song was sung by a guy! Ruth is my favorite in the group. She sings those deep leads on this one! And June needed to run a check on her skirt! I know the guys below her got quite a show! Anita is on the left.

Holli Conger-Holiday Gift of Advice!

Image is © Holli Conger 2011

All this month, Childrens Illustrator Holli Conger is writing numerous articles about various aspects of getting started in the Industry. For this month she'll be posting a question everyday and then she'll answer further questions about that post over on her Facebook Fan page! We're already 6 days in so get on over there and catch up and soak in all the great information!

Day One Post-How do you find clients??
Day Two-Balancing Work and Family
Day Three-Find Your Style
Day Four-Process-Working Start to Finish
Day Five-Paying Your Dues
Day Six-Going Out On Your Own

Inside Illustration Competitions E-Book

A friend of mine suggested that I start participating in more contests as an alternative form of self promotion. Granted, the promotion works best if you win! But what a good idea and what a great vehicle for promotion that could be!

Most Illustrators that I am aware of are from seeing them in Society of Illustrators Annuals, Communication Arts, Spectrum and so on. The first time I saw Kadir Nelson's work, he was being awarded in the Student portion of The Society of Illustrators Annual. I'm sure that's how a lot of AD's saw him for the first time as well.

So when I saw Thomas James of Escape from Illustration Island, promoting his latest e-book, Inside Illustration Competitions. It seemed right up my alley! So I think there is a good chance that I may splurge and pick this puppy up! If I do, I'll give a review afterwards to let you guys know what I think!!

"The 4th book by Thomas James of Escape from Illustration Island features a behind-the-scenes look at the way Illustration competitions are run, with the help of contest organizers and jurors such as Charles Hively, Mark Heflin, Luke Stoffel, Scott Hull, SooJin Buzelli, Stephanie Glaros, Edel Rodriguez, Anita Kunz, and others.

If you’re curious about how the jury is selected, what criteria they use for choosing the best of the best, how the winners are promoted, and a lot more, be sure to pick up your copy right here on Monday, Dec. 13th!"

Questions/Answers with Art Rep Nicole Tugeau

Recently Nicole Tugeau of Team Tugeau2 Art Representatives answered a series of questions from some of her followers on Facebook and Twitter.

Nicole is a Children's Art Rep who represents such great talents as Don Tate, Dani Jones and Orlando Ramirez. Nicole is the wife of Jeremy Tugeau, an accomplished Illustrator. Jeremy happens to be the son of Chris Tugeau, who is also a Children's Art Rep(CATugeau Art Representative). Talk about keeping it in the family!

I was lucky enough to have two of my questions answered. Lots of great information for those who may be interested in getting an agent at some point in the future! It's great to know how they think, feel and approach their craft! Follow this link to the article!

Nicole also offers a Portfolio critique service. It costs $65 for a portfolio of up to 24 images. Check out her site for info!

IF: Savour

Illustration Friday: SAVOUR

Lesson learned

These are some sketches and a color rough I did up for a possible book job that I didn't get. :(

But enjoy these images anyway! I guess you have to Savour both the victories and the defeats! Lessons to be learned everywhere! Enjoy!