KCCI Des Moines: " In The Artist's Studio"

{KCCI Channel 8 Des Moines Interview, 2011}

I was super excited to be asked to talk about my work and my new books on our local news station! Mollie Cooney was so nice and I owe her so much gratitude for giving me a little press! The video is almost 5 minutes and it aired yesterday (Sunday) morning. I managed to wake up early just to watch it. My favorite part is near the end when they show my little studio buddy, Oliver! One more thing, does my voice really sound like that? It's weird to see yourself and hear yourself on camera!

"Santa's Secret Story" Trailer on YouTube

{Video by Pauline Books and Media, 2011}

I found a trailer for "Santa's Secret Story" on YouTube this morning. I think this video is so cute! (and I love the idea of trailers for books!) Check it out!

Included in Publisher's Weekly!

{Click for Larger View, Screenshot, 2011}

Its becoming more real now! My name is listed alongside other authors and illustrators for the fall children's release list in Publisher's Weekly! Yay! I can't wait to hold that book in my hands!

Juice Magazine Feature Article

{Screenshot of online version of article, Written by Joe Lawler, Photos by Eric Rowley}

Read the whole article HERE!

*article correction: I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan and worked in Cleveland, Ohio*

{Photo Credit: Eric Rowley for Juice Magazine © 2011}

{Photo Credit: Eric Rowley for Juice Magazine © 2011}

A little over a month ago I was contacted by Joe Lawler at Juice Magazine (which is a free weekly magazine targeted at young professionals in Des Moines). Joe Lawler and Eric Rowley came over to my house to interview me and take a few pictures. It was really fun and Joe and Eric were both really nice. The world of a freelance artist is pretty lonely so its always fun when someone wants to chat. Its even more fun when they want to talk about something your passionate about! The printed copies will be available tomorrow and I plan to pick up a few copies to send to my family and a few to keep for myself. A huge and grateful thanks to Joe and Eric for the article!

May Show at Sanford Museum in Cherokee, Iowa

{Photo Courtesy of Cherokee Chronicle Times, 2010}

{Illustrations on Display at the Sanford Museum in Cherokee, Iowa, 2010}

For the month of May, my illustration work will be on display at the Sanford Museum in Cherokee, Iowa. If you are in the area, please stop by and check it out! The staff at the museum are wonderful people and the museum also has a really fabulous collection of Native American artifacts and fossils. The Cherokee Chronicle Times also did a nice article for the local newspaper. You can read that HERE.

Spring 2009 Promotional Illustration and an Interview

{Watercolor, 2009}

After starting over, I finally got this piece finished! I worked against myself to try to keep the atmospheric perspective, because I always want everything BRIGHT! I think the lighter background helps keep the foreground objects a.) in the foreground and b.) as the focal point. I will be putting the image on a postcard and sending it out to some places that I think might be interested in seeing more of my work! I will post a picture of the postcards once they have been printed.

Also, Des Moines Juice writer and fellow Des Moines artist, Brent Houzenga did a nice interview with me HERE. DM Juice is a young professional publication that is part of The Des Moines Register newspaper. Thanks Brent!