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I am a 37 year old Mom/Cartoonist surfacing into the art world again after 7 years of staying at home to raise my daughter during her early years... I am here. I draw, therefore, I am.
Statistics for Pretty good, for a girl...
Number of Readers that added this blog to their MyJacketFlap: 23
I have been working on this story for two years. It's near and dear to my heart. It's not an easy family nor an easy story to tell. At it's heart is Baby Gail, the little big eyed girl on the left. It's her story and it's a story of a quiet person who's in the background of a family of very, very aggressive personalities who do big things. The simple act of this little person documenting the family history in a big 'ol photo album and passing it on may just be the biggest thing anyone in The Smiley Family has ever done.
The color in the story changes from sepia to gorgeous black and white to full color- as photography does. It helps the passage of time.
My studio is wall papered with this family. Generation after generation. Til now- I have done portraits mostly. I have some candid pics. The 1960's which I was drawing last, get pretty fun. Over many years, I have amassed a huge collection of old photographs and albums. This project grew out of my unending love of old stuff. Old clothes, old photos, times gone by- and the death of my Grandmother.
I hadn't put that last part together until recently. I think it's my way to rewrite the end of her life. My character is not her, but it's a character that is content with the way things play out.
I've gotten a lot of good feedback on the illustrations. It's now my task to finish the story. Baby Gail deserves that much.
Lower word count - 700 being the sweet spot, means more story in the pictures. This sketch was an attempt at that.
Now to paint!
8 Comments on The Smiley Family in action, last added: 7/30/2011
I can't wait to see the whole thing finished. I loved the other illustration I saw. This is fantastic. Oh my goodness Kelly!! You had me laughing until I got a cramp! Oh my goodness. I hope that auntie didn't hurt nobody??? he he he he he! I think I know the answer to that! You are the best!
HURAY Kelly! I'm gonna be the first one in line at my local Borders to get this... What?... you mean Borders is closing?... {{{ KELLY HURRY!}}} The publishing world NEEDS THIS BOOK!!! You know I been a lovin it from the first.
All Prep for SCBWI LA was stopped for a week as my computer died, freelance spot illos (above) called and Summer came along and whacked me in the head - literally - migraines.
My last minute postcard is off to the printer today.Fingers crossed all that it gets here by August 3d!!!
We now return to our regularly scheduled art cram......
7 Comments on Hazy Crazy Summer, last added: 7/25/2011
Kelly, your postcard/banner illo is fabulous! She makes me want to wear red glasses and get caught up in drawing all day. Hope the computer and migraine troubles step off for the rest of your LA prep time.
Love Louise and your postcard! My computer died on me right before the winter conference in 2010 - I guess the machines can't take the pressure like we can! Good luck in LA (wish I was going...
Yikes! All so cute. Hard to pick. But I think Louise gets my vote because her hairstyle and clothing speak to me of her being kooky and artsy. I love the glasses on both Louise and Norma.
Yikes! So hard to choose! But I believe Louise gets my vote. Her hairstyle and clothing speak to her kooky, artsy side. I also love what seems to be a somewhat, barely controlled gleefulness. She has the cool factor while still being adorably cute.
Of course, they are all three winners though. Seriously, you can't lose with any of them!!
Well.. after seeing all the contestants poses and.. bathing suit competition ;o) I think I am tied between Louise and Jessie.
I like Norma too, just that she seems a little too kooky, so much that the sweet side is lost.
Jessie and Louise look a lot sweeter and they look very enthusiastic and kooky enough. I liked Jessie from the beginning and now Louise is tied with her.
If I were you, I will honestly think which of the two is the most different of ANY other character out there on other books. They are so great already, just go with what you think is more unique. Coming up with a unique character is not easy. Picture her up on the shelves in the cover of books, with her red hair (Jessie) or brown hair (Louise) and big glasses and think which stands out the most? Which makes the book cry out "Pick me, pick me" and go with that.
You can't go wrong. They are already fantastickellys :oD
I'm loving Jessie, she's reminiscent of a Chuck Jones character for me!
I'm grateful for the treat I get each time I visit your page - btwn the art and the humor ~ your work, inspires me to "put the fun back in my own art"! Grazie bella!
Louise and Jessie were the clear winners of the first 2 rounds.
Norma surprised many. Was it the blue hair? The china flats? Watch this one - she may yet take it.
They were not my first choices- but I am trusting in the educated tastes of my com-padres... as I tend to like drawing less appealing characters. It's a good lesson for me.
Now I will give them each 3 pose suggestions.
1. In class desk top doodling
2. important pose from double page spread - reveling in art
So Far it Looks like Louise is the winner of Round 1. (named after Louise Nevelson)
The next candidates for your consideration are up.
More about the "part". A second grader who is crazy about art. Crazy as in eats. sleeps, breathes it. She is a cross between Edna Mode/ Dieter from Sprockets and Tabitha from Salon Takeover on Bravo and the chick from Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World. She's a loveable KOOK. Not sweet - but fun. An individual that maybe not all of the kids "get"- but her passion is infectious.
OK- Here we go on my feelings:
Norma: You have the coolest Mom cause she let you dye your hair. You let your freak flag fly.
Mary: You suffer from the common misconception that art is "fashionable". Tho- nice hair. I like the mod edge.
Jessie: You are the one doodling on every single scrap of paper and test. Maybe your the quiet artiste- not the gallery curator.
The part is for the kid that can lead a group of kids to put on an art show. Pick the character that you can hear yelling, arms in the air...."I LOVE IT!" - over and over.
OK - Vote someone in or out of the book. The top 3 will come to call backs and I'll do a few character poses for the final pick.
PS She will most likely wear the striped shirt - they all have a thing for striped french sailor tees- it's them, really ;)
17 Comments on Casting Call - Round 2, last added: 7/3/2011
I'm going with Norma, although I think she may need an edgier haircut if she's going to be bossing other kids around. Right now, it's a little too relaxed and easy going. Maybe a sharp wedge or have one side much shorter than the other?
(ps- I am LOVING all these girls and I hope the ones you don't use now get to appear somewhere else!)
Mary fits the part for me in this round...any girl that can tool around in vintage Mod Squad certainly must have the chops to boss kids around...she kind of screams future curator. Norma - seem shy underneath but acts loud through her hair. My first pic had been Jessie until you filled in some more on the 'part.' This is so fun.
I'm going with Norma because you're looking for a leader. She seems to have the spunk with the hair and the kooky shirt, to herd a bunch of wandering artists :). Thanks formsharing the process Kelly!
wow - this one is harder than the first (Louise was a clear shout out for the part). I keep coming back to Norma - there's a confidence about her expression - that I think would be there even if her hair weren't blue. In terms of pure design: Jessie's proportions are awesome - perfect balance/unity.
Plus, and I realized this a tad late, you mentioned the character is a second grader. She is the youngest looking one of the bunch and really looks age appropriate.
Hi Kelly! I like Louise...Andie is cool but she looks a little too much like she knows it all, and less relatable. Can't wait to see how your project turns out!
I do like Georgia, bit Andie is cool too. Can we have more bracelets, necklaces, maybe a bow (in the hair), fun colorful socks, bandana or smth a little extra, pop of color? I like Andie's attitude.
I agree that Louise is the most approachable. I would choose her, then add Katia's suggestion about the pop of color with a red beaded necklace or socks or something.The other two make excellent supporting characters. Great work as always!
I agree with the others. I'm more naturally drawn to Louise. She looks like she has more vulnerability, so that makes her more relatable. Andie looks like a cool girl who knows it all and is REALLY okay with that. She actually looks like she might be the antagonist, rather than the protagonist, you know? And Georgia? Well, definite flighty best friend material. :D
I always enjoy your blog posts! Based on the description, I feel like Louise fits in more than the other two. Overall they are all so great it's hard to choose!
Bug I like Georgia...she reminds me of me in art class. Though it's true, I was never ever a cool kid. Andie is a touch too smug and I'd love to have Louise as a friend. Can't wait for round two :D
Andie seems to fit the "She can rattle off names like Caravaggio and Modigliani faster than most boys can say "Pickachu" M.O. better than Georgia and Louise, although Louise would be the 2nd runner up if she actually rattled them with a lisp.
That's life That's what all the people say You're riding high in April Shot down in May But I know I'm gonna change that tune When I'm back on top, back on top in June
I said that's life And as funny as it may seem Some people get their kicks Stomping on a dream But I don't let it, let it get me down 'Cause this fine old world It keeps spinning around
I've been a puppet, a pauper, A pirate, a poet, A pawn and a king, I've been up and down and over and out And I know one thing Each time I find myself Flat on my face I pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life I tell you, I can't deny it I thought of quitting baby But my heart just ain't gonna buy it And if I didn't think it was worth one single try I'd jump right on a big bird And then I'd fly
I've been a puppet, a pauper, A pirate, a poet, A pawn and a king, I've been up and down and over and out And I know one thing Each time I find myself laying Flat on my face I just pick myself up and get back in the race
That's life That's life, and I can't deny it Many times I thought of cutting out But my heart won't buy it But if there nothing shaking coming this here July I'm going to pick my pencil back up and give it ..
another TRY! My my...
I floated in the pool today as this song played from the fake rock speakers...
By the end of the song I was singing at the top of my lungs -- smacking the water to emphasize each line.
Especially this line:
I thought of quitting baby - But my heart just ain't gonna buy it
And this line:
Each time I find myself Flat on my face I pick myself up and get back in the race
Today's Theme Song. I changed the last line. There's no rolling up in a ball and dying with this broad Frank.
I do dream in character. Last night I dreamt Eureka Jones. Where this stuff comes from? Who knows? I remember her - I remember "Camp Comonahockalugie" and I remember a cliff hanger.....
Anyone else get ideas in dreams?
0 Comments on Do you dream in character? as of 1/1/1900
As a person who knows what it feels like to have their head slammed into a locker, or pushed under the bathroom sink or to be pulled into the cloak room to be groped in sixth grade; The "It gets Better" campaign hits home. The bullies weren't stronger than my belief in myself.
Have you seen this video? Very touching words from the Kid Lit community.
When you get in trouble and you don't know right from wrong Give a little whistle! Give a little whistle! When you meet temptation and the urge is very strong Give a little whistle! Give a little whistle!
Not just a little squeak, pucker up and blow And if your whistle's weak, yell, "Jiminy Cricket!" Right!
Take the straight and narrow path And if you start to slide Give a little whistle! Give a little whistle! And always let your conscience be your guide"
I made a tough decision this week. Truthfully- it took months to make this decision.
Even when I had made up my mind, the final declaration of that decision - just
scared the crap out of me.
I left my agent. I wish him well.
I'm off to pursue publication solo again. I believe in myself. Making the tough decisions
only reinforces that belief.
That little voice in your head; your conscience - it yells sometimes.
"And always let your conscience be your guide"
An away we go.
5 Comments on Always Let you conscience be your guide..., last added: 6/22/2011
Good for you Kelly!! I am also thinking of flying solo and not renewing my contract with my rep. Feel the need to go it alone. Good luck..not the you need it! =)
Good luck, Kelly! And thank you always for your very candid posts. They help this noob tremendously. You are so extremely talented and such a gifted storyteller.
Kathy Temean, who is the head of N.J. SCBWI has featured me on her "Illustrator Saturday" blog post.
It's nice to visit on other blogs! Check it out!- Happy Fathers day all Fathers, especially my own Dad and my husband!! Here's my "Sketchables "Fathers Day sketch.....
0 Comments on Spotlight on me- over in Jersey... as of 1/1/1900
I wanted to shout out the Art Showcase winners from the NJ SCBWI Conference. There was a lot of great work on display and if you read this blog- you know... I find these competitions not unlike ultimate cage fighting. -;)
The winner : Lisa Falkenstern Who's work is truly inspiring. Heck- she paints in oil. AND- she's damn good at it.
Runners Up: Katia Wish Katia is making her mark. She has a unique style and she works a great deal of movement into her illustrations. I'd keep my eye on her if I were you....
Here's Katia's post about the conference - which reminded me to post this info on my own blog. Thanks Katia for being on the ball!
Oh yeah- Me too. I put in my Hippo For Hire piece. I didn't bring a separate piece of art for the showcase, I thought our homework was going in to the show. When I realized this Friday night, I called the husband and he drove 3 hours round trip to bring me whatever I had a decent print of at home. I chose the Hippo cause - well, Don't we all look at our portfolios and have a few that we say- "OK- I can be a bad ass illustrator!"? - This one says that to me.
So I guess the judges agreed.
Honorable mention went to: Kim Wood (If anyone has a link - let me know) She did a sweet illustration of a mouse learning karate.
These three illustrators are really great. To be grouped with them is a compliment. Congrats to all of them!
1 Comments on NJ Shout Outs, last added: 6/14/2011
Kelly - I love the fact that we shared the award especially because we really bonded this time. Your piece is craaaaazy, so many figures! So much work!
I thought maybe a good way to recap the NJ SCBWI conference would be to just show my notes in my sketchbook. I scribble down chicken scratch sound bites and doodle thru the days.
Friday's intensive
Martha Rago's session on Al Yankovic's great book "When I Grow Up" Illustrated by Wes Hargis. I do this- do you? Dissect the layouts of a successful PB - break down the shapes and how they work the page.
I agree about Natl adding marketing/branding workshops to the line-up. All the information you shared here is what I've picked up from my experience in PR & advertising as well as from online sources: art, marketing, and tech bloggers who've shared their tips to success. It's all kind of obvious information that for some reason, not everyone knows!
I went to the NJ SCBWI conference this weekend. It was a really great conference. If the NY and the LA are out of reach- consider this as an alternative.
I had a fun time. I had a great crit. I had some exciting feedback. I met some publishing people who were very nice and interesting and kind. I came away with good stuff happening.
And the need to get very, very busy.
A conference is like a Happy Twilight Zone. You disappear into that reality for a long weekend, where time and space no longer matter. Your moving through space armed only with your imagination, skills and a smile. The part of Rod Serling is 99% likely played by a woman.... say Leeza Hernandez...
So I can't really put into words how I feel today - so listen to the songs.
And maybe join me in my own meditation of repeating my old adage:
The Schlemeil Schlimazel
Give us any chance, we'll take it. Give us any rule, we'll break it. We're gonna make our dreams come true. Doin' it our way.
Nothin's gonna turn us back now, Straight ahead and on the track now. We're gonna make our dreams come true, Doin' it our way.
There is nothing we won't try, Never heard the word impossible. This time there's no stopping us. We're gonna do it.
On your mark, get set, and go now, Got a dream and we just know now, We're gonna make our dream come true. And we'll do it our way, yes our way. Make all our dreams come true, And do it our way, yes our way, Make all our dreams come true For me and you.
2 Comments on Hooked on a Feelin', last added: 6/21/2011
OMG, I LOVE the Laverne and Shirley! And I love the bunny prints I won! They will go on my wall very soon. Congrats on winning runner-up in the illustrator contest, too. So great seeing you this weekend. Wish we would have had more time to chat!
It's like being an actor. You have to audition and audition, give your best audition for the right part, be right for the part, in front of the right director for the right movie- at the right time. And we all know how many actors wait tables. That is how I described what I do today.
2 Comments on Taking a moment before I start a summer of selling myself...., last added: 6/1/2011
We have Mario Kart for the Wii. I find it very, very stressful. On some level, it's proof that I should never have passed driver's ed. (especially after driving over that divider on route 22 in NJ).
In Mario Kart- you try to go as fast as you can. The driving requires quick reflexes - great eye hand coordination and a steady heart. You try to get around the obstacles while performing at your best. There is a moment when you feel the 'groove'- you are careening along... passing your opponents... going fast, hitting turbo boost... when some big, black, too cute bullet explodes your Yoshi. You try to make it to the finish line without loosing all of your lives and while scoring the most points. After that- you try to get on the "List". The high scorers page.
This is my metaphor for today. I try to ride the momentum of life. I try to use the momentum of one project to the next to be in that "groove". But things in life do explode my Yoshi.
It is almost June. June! The careening around avoiding my obstacles tends to make life fly by just like that Coconut Mall in the game. Deadlines were met last month. Spring holidays and birthdays are past. Summer kicks off this weekend. One event leads to the next - head down at the drawing board makes me forget objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are. They are all there and it's all coming up so fast.
I am going to SCBWI NJ next week. I just finished a new postcard.
The idea came from my daughter's friend saying "One day we will all drive donuts"
-then it was a sketch over @ The Sketchables.
I am now redoing my homework. We were given the assignment to choose a manuscript. Take one passage and sketch a double page spread. The sketch gets turned in to an actual art director, member of the faculty. Their feedback comes back to you- then you take it to final art, present it at the conference and get feedback/judging.
Here is the passage I picked:
"�Cause maybe I’ll be a gorilla masseuse Or an artist who sculpts out of chocolate mousse Or a rodeo clown or a great film director Or maybe professional pickle inspector Or big sumo wrestler or hedge fund investor Or smelly pit-sniffing deodorant tester"
I rushed this. I did it in one evening- after week
6 Comments on Momentum in art is like Mario Kart, last added: 5/27/2011
That card is fan-freaking-tastic, Kelly! I also thank you for posting that feedback. Very helpful! I've been struggling with those issues, especially with the dummy I've been working on. Thanks!!
First of all, fantastic post! Second of all, freaking fantastic postcard!!! and third of all, I wish my quick sketches were 1/16 as good and awesome as yours. :o)
I really think you nailed it with that postcard Kell. It is ALL you. From the line to the characters. From the retro look to the humor in it. I spent quiet a while looking at all the details and they are VERY well thought. The expression of the Panda family, the turtle (LOL, my personal fave), the creativity to come up with this idea. I love that no matter which direction we take, we always end up in Kelly Land.. haha. Great little detail ;o)
Your sketch for the conference text is wonderful. I love the feedback the art director gave you. Very useful, for real! I think you have to keep those gestures, humor, action and characters and just decide how to plan the layout. I know he suggested maybe to only have a few. How about if you illustrate a whole spread with all of them in it but in a real believable scene, where they are interacting with one another? So the kid reading the book will take his time finding all the characters described in the text. That's what I would do. But I'm sure you will come up with something wonderful.
Oh my goodness, do I looove your postcard! It is simply delish! :)
And I have to say, I think you did a fab job with the assignment. I can kind of see how the zig-zag placement of the characters could lead the eye around, but I can also see how the feedback that was given to you will take your piece to the next level. I cannot wait to see the redo.
Nana Gerri - my husband's Grandmother passed away this morning. There was no designing this "character" - Nana was one of a kind. Nana Gerri, Thanks for never making me feel like a shiksa wife and for all of the Yiddish I learned from you. A Brooklyn Bubeleh for the ages. There is one more bright, sparkly, appliqued star in the sky now.
He didn't notice it as he pulled it out of his case..
the umbrella he usually used had been replaced.
His daughter had wanted to brighten his day,
as soon as it opened- his cares went away.
He'd tackle this day with a smile on his face,
His head was now in a pink stripey place.
A spring in his step and a warm fuzzy heart,
His day was now off to a much better start.
I actually saw this guy this morning as I drove to the gym. I was myself grumbling and groaning and feeling quite blah. I bet that little umbrella worked it's magic on lots of people!
6 Comments on Rainy Days and Mondays, last added: 5/17/2011
love it!!!
Such fantastic expressions on those cute faces! I just love those squirrels! Nice work, Kel!
I can't wait to see the whole thing finished. I loved the other illustration I saw. This is fantastic. Oh my goodness Kelly!! You had me laughing until I got a cramp! Oh my goodness. I hope that auntie didn't hurt nobody??? he he he he he! I think I know the answer to that! You are the best!
Sounds like a wonderful story idea. Can't wait to see it happen! (Also nice to know that I'm not the only one who can spend ALL DAY on a sketch!)
I love the poor squirrels jumping out of harms way. And that girl looks pretty devilish!
Awesome Kelly. So much story in the sketch.
Soldier on with that near-and-dear story... those are the sustaining ones...
Wonderful, Kelly! I love the idea of the colors changing to show the passage of time. Can't wait to see the finished product.
HURAY Kelly! I'm gonna be the first one in line at my local Borders to get this... What?... you mean Borders is closing?... {{{ KELLY HURRY!}}} The publishing world NEEDS THIS BOOK!!! You know I been a lovin it from the first.
Oh, And Don't for get tha Hippo! :o)