What is “Ivy Grace And The Birthday Monster” about? What
kind of message does the book present?
“Ivy Grace And The Birthday Monster” is about a little girl who has a dream birthday party in her mind. When the birthday doesn’t measure up to her expectations she throws a tantrum at the party. The tantrum leaves her monstrous. The book has a good moral at the end of the story.
How did you become an illustrator? What made you decide to
illustrate Jamie Vacho Kinsbeck’s book?
I always find an excuse to draw and print. I have a degree in Art and have been doing freelance illustrations and teaching art. While doing this, I began my position at Mary Linsmeier Schools where I use art as a teaching method for the children.
Reading the book made me laugh and sold
me on illustrating the book. Having the monster in the book will appeal to the
children and it was fun to illustrate. I love the moral for the children who
read the book and hopefully, the moral will be passed on to the children.
What was the most challenging part about illustrating a
children’s book?
I think the most
challenging thing was to try to find the author’s vision and bring her ideas
into the illustrations. Jamie was a great collaborator to work with and let me
run with it.
How long did it take you to illustrate each page?
The illustration process started in October 2011. I worked on it during the evenings and over the weekends. I did 2 pages a month with reworks and changes. The final illustration was completed in May 2012. I meet with Jamie every 2 weeks to show her the work and fine tune ideas for the next illustration.
Is this your first illustration that has been published?
I started doing
illustrations for a toy packaging company and illustrated a children’s activity
for Children’s Hospital in 2008. I have been professionally illustrating ever
since.
What was your favorite scene to illustrate in the book?
My favorite scene to illustrate in the book
was when the monster appears. I asked other people about their favorite scene
and it’s either the page were the girl has the dream birthday or the page were
the monster appears.
What kinds of conditions did you work in to create the
illustrations for this book? Did you listen to music?
I always work with music. The music has to be upbeat, positive, and gets you moving.
What is the most important tool you use in illustrating? The
one thing you can’t work without?
The most important tool for
me is pencil and paper. Drawing inspires me more than painting. Drawing lays the
ground work for painting. I drew the illustrations first, then went back and
painted them.
What is your favorite color and did you use it in the book?
Blue is my favorite color.
There are 3 predominant colors in the book that have purpose but I can’t tell
you without spoiling the story for the readers.
Did anything serve as inspiration to your illustrations?
The children that I teach
at Mary Linsmeier Schools served as inspirations in my illustrations.
What are you hoping the book and your illustrations will get
across to parents and children?
I hope that anyone who
reads the book will identify with the moral of the story. I wanted to make the
book vivid, entertaining, and wanted the audience to experience the story,
especially the part were she realizes what unkind actions has done to her loved
ones.
Are you working on anything projects now?
I am currently doing
illustrations for a local magazine, and showing paintings at M Salon at Walker’s Point. I hope to
be working on more projects during the winter.
Is there anything else you like to share?
Persistence is always a
winner. Jamie and I took turns keeping each others drive and enthusiasm going
on this project.
