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my creative "blogspot" that highlights current art work and sketches, self promotion and general musings on being a working graphic artist.
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| The Raindrop Who Couldn't Fall, illustrations by Lisa M. Griffin |
Love receiving feedback on picture books that I have worked on. It is such a labor of love, that to know others are enjoying them makes all the difference.
Feel free to share your own positive reviews too! I would love to hear what you have been up to.
Have a great week,
Lisa
Very excited to have a box of books delivered today, woo-hoo! The Garden in My Mind by Stephie McCumbee was so much fun to illustrate, the story is charming, lively and sends a great positive message to children.
I can't think of a better way to celebrate
Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week!
Have a great day,
Lisa :)
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| c. lisa m. griffin, 2014 |
Poll Time! Which is your favorite colorway on the above repeat pattern?
Choose Magenta, Navy, Green or Violet.
Thanks for your help and have a great week,
Lisa
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| www.lisamgriffin.com |
New year, new look! I love the month of January and all the limitless opportunities of a new year... a big blank canvas to tackle. On the "to-do's" for the new year - a revamp of my look! I am hoping to convey the joy I receive from being an artist, as well as how I approach style and color.
Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below. It feels GREAT to scratch items off the list this early in the new year. What are your plans for the new year?
Happy creating!
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| Creative Goals for 2014 |
What is that saying.... from the mouths of babes? I woke up and walked into my studio this snowy morning and found a collection of bright pink post it notes above my little artist's desk (we share a studio space, best to surround oneself with creative energy as much as possible). The sweet little notes beckoned my attention and it put a smile on my face immediately to see this collection of creative steps he had outlined.
Step 1. Have paperwell certainly this is an important step if you are an artistStep 2. Make room to drawthis is due to the fact that the little artist tends to have a very cluttered workspaceStep 3. Get a pencilyes, another important tool... pencil, check!Step 4. Think of an ideasometimes easier said than done, but yes, ideas are GOOD.Step 5. Make place on paperlucky boy... doesn't find looming white space of an empty page daunting at all.Step 6. Think ahead or don'tLOL this just never fails to crack me up... just get right to it don't think about it, draw!!!Step 7. Make a goalso sweet... always good to have a creative goal.Step 8. Make the characteronly one? ;)Step 9: Draw! the simpliest and most important.Without even knowing it, my little artist has begun our new year on such a happy, positive, creative HIGH note. So from the mouths of babes and the talented and wise hand of my little artist... just DRAW!
Happy 2014 to all my creative friends and family near and far.
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| c. "Believe" print by Lisa M Griffin |
And the winner of the signed "Believe" print is..... PAM!
Thank you to everyone on FB and my blog, who entered the giveaway and shared their heartfelt memories.
Congratulations Pam! Be sure to email me your address so that I can send out your print.
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| watercolor illustration c. lisa m. griffin 2013 |
In the spirit of the season and to say a heartfelt THANK YOU
to all the people far and wide who have inspired me,
encouraged me, and believed in me...
I am hosting a holiday giveaway!
WIN a signed 8x10" print of my watercolor illustration "Believe"
You can enter by:
• Commenting here and sharing a favorite holiday memory.
• "Like" Lisa M Griffin Illustration on Facebook for a bonus entry
Giveaway ends on the Friday, 12/20 at 9:00 am EST, when a winner
will be announced HERE.
It's that simple! So comment away, share and like.
Wishing everyone a truly magical holiday season.
Lisa :)
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| Holiday Gift Tags by Lisa M. Griffin, 2013 |
The season of merriment and giving is officially here and to show my appreciation for everyone who has supported me on my creative journey, I would like to share some FREE printable gift tags.
CLICK HERE to download your free gift tags.Just download, print and cut out, plus in a pinch, a great way to easily place your hand on some additional holiday tags.
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| Holiday Gift Tags by Lisa M. Griffin, 2013 |
CLICK Here to download your free gift tags without background. Enjoy and have a wonderful week!
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| Meeting Chris Van Allsburg at the Eric Carle Museum |
I had to share the lovely afternoon that I spent with my daughter at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. We drove out to hear Chris Van Allsburg speak (amazing) and then we attended the book signing to have him autograph a few of his books... so hard to choose, since I have quite the collection. :)
He was a dapper gentlemen, eloquent and composed with a bit of quirk that I just loved.
It is always inspiring to meet a true legend in the industry, and he is one that I have long admired. When you have such an encounter or are able to immerse yourself in an afternoon as delightful as this one, you would be hard-pressed not to feel recharged in your own creative journey. Even more remarkable, that I had this experience and now the memories, of this magical afternoon alongside my daughter.
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| Posey Pig by Lisa M Griffin, |
She is back! So excited to bring back a bewitching Posey Pig to send along my warmest wishes for a delightful, fun, magical Halloween. And I give you permission to indulge in a few yummy treats while you celebrate.
Thanks for stopping by today!
Lisa
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| c. Lisa M. Griffin |
I haven't participated at
Illustration Friday in months and missed it so. This weeks prompt HIDDEN immediately brought this illustration of mine to mind... I think it is because I have been "fall cleaning" the kiddo's rooms. As any parent knows, cleaning under the bed is the highlight of such a job. While I was pulling socks, toys, wrappers, books, crayons, trucks, hair ties, and all sorts of other random things out from beneath the bed, I began to wonder what else might be hiding under there. ;)
Have a wonderful week everyone and thanks for stopping by today.
Lisa
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| My inspiration wall - by Lisa M. Griffin |
It all began with an inspiration board.... that has now morphed into an inspiration wall.
Where do you hang your inspiration?
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by.
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| On my desk, Lisa M Griffin. 8/2013 |
A snippet of my desk this early evening... with the kids back in school it has been a busy week for sure. Lots of sketches being done, proofs being sent out for TWO new picture book projects, and a half eaten box of delicious chocolates (okay, okay, there are only two left in the box but who can blame me, right?). I do find this time of year to be a challenge. Autumn usually means a much busier studio (which I love) and a busy family schedule as well. Finding the balance is key, but I do think that I am getting better with it as I mature/age. ;)
I hope that you all had a wonderful, creative, playful summer and I am sending lots of positive thoughts for a very happy and productive Autumn.
Thanks for your visit,
Lisa
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| Workout Raccoon, character study by Lisa M Griffin, 2013 |
Yup, I am a girl of the 80's and had fun with this l'il furry gal and her workout wear.
Finally found some time to play and add color to this character - happy with the results too, she seems quite spunky, and fun.
It has been a wonderfully busy summer for me, wrapped up two picture book projects and just signed a new one. Sitting down this evening to start some character sketches and thumbnails to outline my ideas for the book. Another amazing story too... as a Mom, being able to work on positive stories for children that teach good values and life lessons is very rewarding indeed.
Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for visiting!
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| My illustration was selected to be the FB Summer Banner for NESCBWI |
Very happy to see that the banner design I submitted on the
NESCBWI facebook page was selected. It stays up for the next few months and then will be taken down when an autumn design is chosen.
If you belong to this chapter, feel free to follow the link for information on how you can enter.
Have a wonderful week and thanks for popping in today. :)
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| Illustration by Timmy |
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| Illustration by Jack |
I recently did a school visit and visited several classrooms to read stories to the students and talk about my work as an illustrator. It is always fun to answer their many thoughtful questions and just soak in that young, bountiful energy!
For the younger students, I invited them to create their own cover illustration after sharing the story "The Golden Butterfly" with them. Here are a few of the designs that students sent back to me. Aren't they charming! It is so much fun to view the world through a child's eyes and these illustrations just made me smile.
Enjoy your weekend everyone and a big THANK YOU to these talented young artists, Jack & Timmy!
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| Me (totally awestruck) with Russ Cox! |
My goodness, where to begin? Maybe with one word, Wonderful!
I chose the word
wonderful to sum up my very first SCBWI conference because it also contains the word
wonder, and I truly was just awestruck and inspired by so many of the talented folks there. For many of my friends, near and far, they knew I was prepping for this and had a bit of nervous excitement going on... but as I drove down to Springfield last Friday it was like all the nerves left and I just became downright excited. All I really wanted out of my first conference was to soak it all in, be mindfully present, meet some talented people, see some great art, learn a few things, and (hopefully) sleep in. And man, it did not disappoint.
It is hard to summarize all that happened over the weekend - my best comparison would be art school. That great energy that comes from being with all sorts of creative individuals who share a love of art (and writing), specifically for children. I enjoyed many serendipitous meetings, friendly conversations, inspiring talks and fantastic workshops... plus met my "Conference Rock Star".
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| Me with Nicole Tadgell (doesn't 'she have a great smile) |
My first workshop was with
Nicole Tadgell. She is such a talented illustrator and lovely person. Nicole taught "Drawing On Emotion" and it was not only interesting and insightful but fun too! Isn't it a treat to meet someone you admire, especially when that person turns out to be even better than your expectations - that was Nicole, just a gem of a lady.
I also enjoyed a workshop by
Sarah Brannen on creating compelling postcards. She had some great examples and shared her experiences with us, which certainly gave me a new perspective on my own mailings. My other favorites of the weekend were two workshops given by
Carlyn Beccia. She is just an arty/techy/history phenom and quirky fun to boot. If you enjoy digital painting or want to try it out, she has a great digital painting book available, so look her up!
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| Keynote Speaker, Grace Lin |
I must confess that I was super excited to meet many of these fine people - like 8-yr old running around Magic Kingdom, strung out on cotton candy and ice cream super excited. So... my personality (which has been kindly described as "bubbly") kicked into overdrive and become more of a "nuclear enthusiasm" (I talk really fast and at a higher pitch when I am uber-excited) and yes, I even began to stammer. This happened (most notably) when I met my Conference Rock Star, the
talented Russ Cox. I was introduced to him through a couple of lovely gals that I met my first day at the conference (shout out to Robyn & Nina!) He was approachable, kind, and humble - all wrapped up into a very tall package of serious talent. That just about made my conference! I met another talented illustrator,
Greg Matusic on my last day of the conference... just a few hours before leaving. Another fun happenstance since I was looking for the hotel gift shop and ended up sitting and chatting with him in the hotel lobby. He shared his perspective on returning to the conference (this was his second one) and then discussed our similar backgrounds in design and illustration. Of course meeting all these folks would not have been possible without the support of my wonderful husband who encouraged me to go and then played Mr Mom to our three active kids the entire weekend.
A final note and a recurring theme at the conference was simple yet true... you need to take risks, you need to persist and you really need to do what you love. Find your own voice and not give up. That is important to remember in art, as well as in our daily lives.
“You only lose energy when life becomes dull in your mind. Your mind gets bored and therefore tired of doing nothing . . . . Get interested in something! Get absolutely enthralled in something! Get out of yourself! Be somebody! Do something . . The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.” - Norman Vincent Peale
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| New website - www.lisamgriffin.com |
Starting off this beautiful sunny morning with my delicious cup of Hawaiian Hazelnut coffee and....
my newly designed website! Yup, it feels pretty good to have that all completed with lots of new art, updated bio and book info as well as contact links. Check it out and feel free to link up with me on any of the social media that we share, the more the merrier!
Now I can start packing for the SCBWI conference! Hmmmm.... how many shoes to take? Maybe just enough to coordinate with my art. ;)
Have a great day,
Lisa
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| Facebook Fan Page Timeline Art. c. Lisa M Griffin |
I have been working at further branding myself and have come up with a new logo design, which I just updated on my
FB fan page. If you aren't following along on Facebook, follow the link and hit the "LIKE" button to do so... I have been updating my page with updates, WIPs and more.
Hard to believe that the New England SCBWI conference is less than 2 weeks away! My last batch of promotional materials are heading to the printer tomorrow - then I will be working on finishing my website redesign before I leave. When there is a will, there is a way... even if "that way" translates into a tad less sleep than I would truly like. ;)
Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by.
Lisa
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| artwork copyright Lisa M.Griffin |
I am running into the home stretch of preparations for
NESCBWI 2013 Spring Conference, my first ever and boy the anticipation is really building. Just a few weeks left to get all my pieces in order, postcards printed and my poster design finalized, should be interesting to see how the weekend plays out. :)Here in New Hampshire, spring has arrived... I am hoping that means "ole man winter" is officially on vacation. It has been lovely watching buds appear, hear birds sing through my open windows and (my absolute fave), listen to those wonderful little peepers at night.Just waiting for my butterflies and dragonflies to appear.... Spring is so chock full of inspiration, isn't it?
Thanks for stopping by and happy creating,
Lisa
By:
Lisa M Griffin,
on 3/5/2013
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| On my desk - Lisa M. Griffin Illustration |
Have you ever had one of those moments where the creative juices are just FLOWING... and you are completely and utterly focused on the brushes, paint and paper.... listening to some incredible tunes and just enjoying what you are working on at that moment in time?
I have had several of these moments lately... thanks to some wonderful illustration projects and my favorite musical muse, DMB.
It's important to pause, take a deep breath and really savor those little moments. And recognize, that YES... everything that I have done to get me to this point has been absolutely worth it!
Have a great week,
Lisa
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| c. lisa m griffin, illustration |
Have a great, creative week!
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| illustration by Lisa M Griffin |
I cannot get enough of these little critters... they are just so adorable and I had explore another creative landscape with them. Sometimes it is all about what makes you smile...
Have a great weekend!
Lisa
By:
Lisa M Griffin,
on 1/14/2013
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| Artwork by Lisa M Griffin |
And another imagine that brings to mind the lovely sights, sweet sounds and soft scents of spring....
Read the rest of this post
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| Black Swallowtail butterfly illustrated artwork by Lisa M Griffin |
If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies. ~Author Unknown
Maybe it's the cold air, or the blanket of snow on the ground.... maybe it's just the simple fact that I adore butterflies. Whatever the calling, I have enjoyed drawing & painting butterflies again. How can you not? A butterfly is a tiny painted canvas that dances on air.It is SO important to be inspired in our craft, so I am sending out many positive thoughts/wishes for loads of creative inspiration this week AND the time to sit and just "play" with your art!
Thanks for popping by,
Lisa
May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sunAnd find your shoulder to light on,To bring you luck, happiness and richesToday, tomorrow and beyond.~Irish Blessing
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I hear ya with the shift to a busier mode now that school is here...phew...love that slow pace of summer. Congrats on your upcoming books! Thanks for visiting today :)
Yes here's to a productive Fall! It does seem hard to adjust to the kids in school though don't you think?? I think I would like to "adjust" with some of those chocolates! Hehee!
BTW....great sketch!
Hi Lisa! Woweee yo have been so busy-- Hooray! I so love summer and it ended way too soon, but it is nice to get back in a groove, too. Fall always feels like a fresh start.
Thanks for your visits, I always find them both encouraging as well as just plain lovely to read.
Happy Autumn!