Many thanks for your kind words *:)

Because I and many others in the illustration world do get the nicest compliments on our work, and because many authors request illustrations for their books, I thought it would be best to create a page that addresses that question and others. You can find out more at:

How I work,

And it isn't just about me.  Many illustrators receive requests to illustrate for authors who plan to self publisher or use a POD publisher for their work.  In all fairness to the industry there are guidelines to follow.  If you have a great story it should be submitted to a publisher (s). Be prepared for a few or more rejections, but keep trying.   Once your work is acquired the editor or publisher will choose the best illustrator for your work.  If you are determined to self publish or even create your own publishing company you will bear the cost of printing, hiring an artist and marketing your work.

I love what I do and would work for everyone on the planet if time and energy allowed.  However, illustrators cannot live on paint, paper and pen and stylus.  We need to charge a reasonable fee for our work. That means that we cannot work on spec, and we need support as well as good critique from those who hire us. Professional illustrators charge fees and give any project his or her full attention.  Contracts are necessary and help to keep the author and the artist equally happy with fair and professional arrangements.

An Invitation

This is an invitation to all those illustrators who wish to put in their thoughts, comments and two cents about Digital illustration and the pros and cons and in-betweens.

As a "Tradigital" illustrator I combine the traditional with the digital. Although I might begin an illustration with those marvelous traditional techniques and tools, I always finish my art in the digital form. The feel of pencil and paper, the ease of carrying a sketchbook to anyplace I want to wander and the possibilities that paint and ink and colored pencil bring to a work are all part of my process. I will always appreciate what the traditional media mean to me and others.

The digital world opened for me shortly after I discovered that I was able to draw with a mouse in a simple paint program.

After finding that Illustrator, and Photoshop did not do what I wanted I was introduced to Painter by a good friend and accomplished photographer. Painter allowed me to go as deep into the program as I wanted and left me always wanting to find out more. After 10 years of using Painter and teaching some workshops in the earliest of those years I am still finding new ways to make the program work for my chosen field.


Even with the freedom of change that a digital program offers, I still value the opportunity to use traditional media and combine the two. And even if I were totally committed to being only a traditional media artist, I have the good sense to know that at some point I would need to understand the technology of digital transfer, capture, and submission process for the publishing world.

So what about you? Are you digital, traditional, both? Do you have reasons for supporting one over the other?

An INVITATION

The Picture Bookies, a group of illustrators dedicated to creating imaginative stories and art for children began a group blog about two years ago. This blog featured the artwork of 50 talented children's illustrators. As a weekly feature we have enjoyed the particpation of so many and been amazed at the magnificent artwork presented there. For the time being the gallery is closed to any new submissions, but will remain online as a show case well worth visiting. Be sure to stop in and spend some time wandering the halls of the Picture Bookies Showcase.

Who's your Favorite Illustrator?

The Picture Bookies began a discussion a few days ago about the illustrators they admire, or who have influenced their work.
Head on over and check out their favorites, leave a comment with your own list of favorites. I wonder how many of us will name the same illustrators.

The topic is worth checking out because links are provided to the artists and illustrators mentioned. Who knows you just might find a new favorite.