BOOK WRITING AND ILLUSTRATING:
When I was a sophomore in high school, I wrote and illustrated my first children's book. Later, as a junior, I wrote my second book and then finished my third book the end of my senior year. All of my books feature a corgi named Izzy, inspired by my real dog. In Izzy's adventures, the Bad Bunch always stirs up trouble, but it doesn't take long for Izzy get into action and save the day. Not only did I write and illustrate these books, but I also marketed and promoted them. I've spent the last three years making appearances at numerous libraries to read to young children, craft and vendor shows to sell my book, and nearby schools to present and read my book. |
JOB SHADOW:
I also job shadowed an illustrator from Manhattan, Kansas named Holly Friesen. Holly is a freelance illustrator who published her first children's book in 2022. At the shadow, I was able to see the process that went into Holly's illustrations. Unlike me, Holly created all of her illustrations using watercolor on paper, while I digitally illustrate my books. We both learned a lot from each other. She told me all about her inspiration and how she came up with her ideas, and I told her how I published my book and how I created my website. At the end of the day, I made an artist friend for life. |
ILLUSTRATOR INTERVIEW:
I interviewed another illustrator/graphic designer via email named Dayne Sislen from Kansas City, Missouri. I received a lot of great advice from Dayne about pursuing illustration as a career, such as majoring in illustration and classes to take in college. She recommended that along with drawing classes, I should also take some creative writing classes, especially if I plan on becoming an illustrator. Dayne also encouraged me to become a members of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. |
PROFICIENCES/MEMBERSHIPS:
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Skills/Abilities
I have created a gallery of all of my high school work including
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