"Allie's New Class"

Another "Friend" assignment!

I'm absolutely LOVING working in Photoshop!! 

It's a far cry from watercolor, especially when you can change your mind as often as you want!

I'm also enjoying the brushes I purchased from kylebrush.com.  

They are fabulous!! Especially the watercolor sets!

You can check out the other illos here:

https://www.lds.org/friend/2018/07/allies-new-class?lang=eng

More work with The Friend

One of my favorite clients, is "The Friend," a children's publication by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I've been able to illustrate a few stories for them lately.

Here are a few of the illos from one called "Day and Night:"

I like to add a few personal bits to each illo I do, such as the snowman and the chimp doll. It's wonderful when a client lets you have fun with the assignment.

Here are a couple more:

You can see the story entire here:

https://www.lds.org/friend/2018/02/day-and-night?lang=eng

Jennie's Song Is Published!

Jennie was finally published this past July! 

I've been talking about it and sharing bits from time to time, and as I designed it from start to finish, with input from Karen of course, it's taken a while!

But it's finally out!

It's a sweet story about a little girl who learns that all living things have a song in their hearts. 

Here is a peek inside:

Some of the pages are double spreads like these:

and some smaller vignettes: 

The author, Karen Pool self published and it is available here: 

https://www.amazon.com/Jennies-Song-Karen-Wilson-Pool/dp/096729679X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533574556&sr=8-1&keywords=jennie%27s+Song&dpID=61C7Yci1qrL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

Pick up a copy and please leave a review. 

Hope you enjoy it!!

More practicing in Photoshop

Photoshop Fun

Always been a traditionalist using watercolor and ink, but am learning and loving all the wonderful creations Photoshop can add. Here is a practice bit with a bunch of different techniques in one. Very fun!

Off to the Publisher

I have been working on a children's book for the past year, written by a wonderful author, Karen Wilson Pool. It's been a grand experience for me, especially as Karen let me design the entire book from cover to cover, and this past week I handed over the completed project for her approval! 

Yipeeeeee! She LOVED it!! 

I'm hoping it will be a good portfolio piece and open a few doors. We shall see!

When Karen gave me a copy of the story, and I sat down to do some sketching, I fell in love! And I'm hoping you will love it too!!

The story is of a little girl born with a song in her heart, and her discovery that the world is full of unique and beautiful songs, and that every creature on earth has a song to sing! 

It's funny, but one of my favorite aspects of illustrating is the creation of the characters. It's almost God-like, and I relish imagining every little bit - from their clothing and shoes to the way they comb their hair, and even the toys they take to bed. It is such a kick!! 
I can't wait for you to meet this little girl, but until then, here are a few more of the finished illustrations:

Almost Finished!

I'm in love with a project I've been working on! Here is a sample, and when the final work is approved, I will share more!

When Lisa Was Little

This past April I accepted a 100-day challenge illustrating on a theme and chose a series of childhood memories titled #whenlisawaslittle. It turned out to be more fun than I imagined, and brought back many sweet memories. Here are the illustrations all together: