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Hello there! I've been away for quite a while but I'm back now and slowly getting into the routine.
This is a picture of a corner in my studio. I got this cute little lamp at IKEA. I keep buying light fixtures for my tiny dark studio.. I can't have too many lamps! LOL
Anyway, I'll be back into posting regularly soon. I'll share bits of the things I've been working on.
Here is the finished postcard as promised (click here if you'd like to see the previous posts). I decided to simplify and kept only three characters on the boat. My initial idea had two more kids but I realized they would be lost in the format of a postcard and felt too crowded.
I like how it turned out. It's an adventure and certainly raises questions. Why are they on a boat? An elephant is with them, maybe they come from far away places... and that little penguin, where is he going? Why is he packed? He looks very determined doesn't he? Like he has a plan.
The truth is I don't have an answer to all those questions since this is not a story I wrote but more like an image that popped in my head. But I don't think it matters for a postcard. The idea is that it feels like a whole story, sparks an interest and makes you want to know more, well at least I think it does.
Kids' minds are like this. There are no rules or explanations. Everything goes.. That's one of my favorite things about this field.. anything can happen in children's books! :o)
I wish I could of seen this while I was growing up. It would have made things much easier for me and it would have brought a sense of belonging.
I was an only child for 7 years until my baby sister was born, and many years after when you think about it because there wasn't much interaction due to our big age difference. It was only when my sister was at a certain age that we were able to meet at a halfway point.
I grew up used to playing with my thoughts, my books and my imagination. I have always been introverted and shy and I've always liked introverted and shy people. I think they all have wonderful things to share and bring to the world.
Everything Susan Cain says in this video is right. Listen to this TED talk and share it with the people you love.
7 Comments on Hello my name is Alicia and I'm an introvert, last added: 5/26/2012
Alicia! This is a brilliant post. I struggle in my relationship with my mother who is a true EXTROvert and lacks all understanding of her introvert daughter. I love that Susan had the courage to own this topic and talk about it so candidly.
Thanks for posting and sharing this. I'm an introvert too! And for most of my life I've chided myself over being shy and wished I could be different. Since realizing that I'm not shy at all but introverted, things are so much better! I can work with it instead of against it. The video you posted is really interesting. I think I'll follow up and learn more about the speaker and her book!
Hey Alicia, thanks for sharing this interesting talk!!!Was nice to listen, that introverts can have indeed good ideas and creativity even if they are sharing it very shy and silent :o) ....another intro :o)
I grew up in a house filled with kids, but I always liked doing my own thing, reading or drawing. Now I'm the same way! Nice to know it's not just me, and that the loudest person in the room isn't always right.
It's hard when closed ones around you can't truly relate Jennifer. Yes one could tell Susan was very nervous by her voice but she still managed to do it. :o)
I get how you feel Laurie. You are not alone :o)
It was nice Kristina. I always had that feeling that quiet people have the best things to say and are truly creative. :o)
Glad you liked it JS! :o)
I can understand that John. Even though I had no kids to play around while growing up, I have a feeling that 90% of who I am is this way because of me. :o)
I was looking for a video that really portrayed who he was. One that truly gave a clear image of what it was to be him. I found it thanks to Steph, and now I want to share it with you all.
You need to watch this and listen carefully to what he has to say. He describes his life, his thoughts and vision crystal clear and it is obvious to me now that he lived a joyous life. I'm happy he did.
Sometimes I wake up and don't quite believe my life.
It all started with a wonderful unexpected email that as if magic appeared in my inbox at the end of 2007, it was my first book project! I will never forget that day or what I felt. It was like winning the lottery but better. Someone liked my work and wanted me to illustrate a book!? Me?
The funny thing is, it never occurred to me how my life would change after that. 5 years have passed and 13 books later I still can't get over the fact that I get to illustrate children's book for a living.
I am truly lucky to be able to do what I love and to work in such a gratifying field. All the book people are amazing, talented and humble. It's a warm and friendly community. Visitors who come to this blog and comment, have no idea the impact it has on me. This tends to be a solitary field and meeting people here and on twitter definitely makes all the difference. I see twitter as my own magical wardrobe, juts open my laptop and a whole community of co-workers is in reach.
So this is a thank you post. I'm thankful for my life and for what I do. I'm thankful for my husband and two kids, for always supporting me and encouraging me. I'm thankful for my sis for believing I was any good when I thought I actually sucked.. hee. I'm thankful for my agent, for always watching my back and making sure I don't go crazy overworking myself. I'm thankful for kids books and I'm thankful for all of you visitors and wonderful twitter friends.
And how can I forget the kids? I'm specially thankful for them. Working for kids is a wonderful gift to me and honestly, is the closest thing to never growing up anyone can ever get. :o)
17 Comments on Looking Back, last added: 4/26/2012
Such a heartfelt, beautiful post, Alicia. The world is a sweeter and more tender place with you in it gracing your precious illustrations on so many wonderful books. Here's to a very very longggg career!
You really deserve it, Alicia! Your work is so charming and heartwarming and my grandson adores your work. Isn't it fun that we 'met' through blogs so long ago when I lived in Morocco.
I'm so very thrilled things are going well for you!
Thank you for this inspiring post filled with humble gratitude. It is wonderful people and posts like this that help me keep my dream alive as I continue to work towards receiving that same magical email one day. You are the best and brightest.
Aww Shirley.. you are too kind, really! Thank you so much for your sweet words! xo
Yes I do remember it very well Elizabeth! I fell in love with your blogs (New York one too) the first time I visited. Makes me so happy to know H enjoys my books.. there is no better reward for me than to know kids enjoy them. Thanks so much for your kind words! xo
Thanks Jennifer! Yes, never stop trying, working hard at it and dreaming. it will happen if you set your mind to it! :oD
Mai thank you! I'm glad you enjoy my blog as well. Sometimes I feel I neglect it a bit but ultimately always come back to it. I love interacting with you guys! Hugs :o)
Thank you so much Michaele! To be honest, I am. Haha it's been a ride I have to say. :o)
Aww sweet Ggina.. so am I! I hope you know that. :o) xoxo
Lovely words and work Alicia, you have a soft style just right for children, I'm hoping my book turns out OK, it all seemed quite rushed to me? I would probably still be working on it now, a month later on? Hope you do many more lovely books, I'm sure you will. :)
I'm so happy to see your successes build, Ali! Your work is beautiful, and you deserve it. (Also can't believe it's been so many years since we first met in blog land!) :-)
Thanks Julie! Oh I'm sure your book turned out great. Yes a month is rushed. You'll see that some books are more rushed than others. Maybe your second one will be at a more enjoyable pace. I'm very happy for you, you'll see how exciting it is to receive your book for the first time! Congrats :o)
I know Jen! Time flies huh? Thank you so much for everything. :o)
Thank youuuu JS! :o)
Thanks so much Dawn! :o)
Maria Sánchez Gavito said, on 4/25/2012 12:54:00 PM
Que bonito mensaje Alicia. Gracias por ser una inspiración para mi. Me gustan tus personajes, los munditos que creas y la ternura de los momentos que capturas. Felicidades y gracias por compartirlo
Yay! I just finished this book a day before the deadline! It turn out really beautiful. I can't wait to see it again when it's out and in the form of a book! Above is a little snippet, this is all I can show. I took this pic while painting one of the spreads.
Boy, I am beat.
No matter how prepared you are or how well you think you handle your time, those last days before a deadline are always mad crazy. And you can't forget about all those important things in life you can't stop doing like driving kids to school, cooking, cleaning, lunch boxes, Dr. appointments, trips to the supermarket, singing lessons.. etc, etc, etc.
So, what now?
Well, first I plan to rest, hee.. and then get to work on my dummy! I have a wonderful story that both my agent and I are really excited about. I can't wait to dummy it up and send it out into the world. Eeek.. ! Just the thought of that makes me awfully nervous.
Congrats Alicia! That is what happens when you have a passion for what you do...and you have a relentless muse! Enjoy the nap and don't be nervous..you rock!!!
Such a well met deadline :o) I am sure you deserve your rest after such a lot of work. From the sneaky-peek we can see, it looks like another wonderful Alicia creation. Enjoy a few days to unwind and tidy the studio space, ready for the next magic.
Thank you Sarah! I'm not sure about a relentless muse though.. hee.. I guess sometimes you have to keep at it even without inspiration hoping something will suddenly come. Thanks so much for your sweet words!
Oh June you are making me blush. Thank you so much! Yes I will tidy up the studio.. not today. Today I nap all day LOL :o)
oh well done Alicia, I have just been there in that mad panic place for the first time, no shopping done, no housework done, beans on toast for tea as it was quick and easy....it gets a bit crazy? It all looks good though, I'm sure it will be as lovely as your other books, I'm hoping mine turns out Ok???
I'm so happy for you! Looks really exciting and I'm glad that despite of the desperate need to rest you had a great time making the book. Such wonderful news to read that you are already thinking and working on another project!! Lots of good luck!!!
I just finished working on this video trailer of ABC, Baby Me! A beautiful book published by Random House, written by Susan B. Katz and illustrated by me. And I'm dying to share it with you all! :o)
It was fun working on this trailer and I can't thank enough my sweet friends Gina and Deb who helped me find the most adorable babies ever!!
A big thank you to the families of those babies too... You know who you are ;o)
The trailer wouldn't have been the same without your sweetie pies. So thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Hope you all enjoy the trailer and please feel free to share it around with your loved ones!
Have a great weekend. :o)
3 Comments on ABC, Baby Me! A Book Trailer, last added: 4/2/2012
Your book trailer is enhanced by the little ones interacting with your beautiful book illustrations... what better recommendation than from the babes themselves!
Le choix est vraiment excellent que de faire faire la présentation de ce magnifique livre par ces charmants bébés... Vos illustrations sont sincèrement délicieuses. Je suis d'autant plus sensible que dans quelques jours maintenant je vais être l'heureuse grand-mère d'une petite fille... Gros bisous à vous.
My super talented friend John Lechner made this amazing animation. Took him over a year!
I love it to pieces and don't get tired of watching it. John's art is so simple and innocent. I just adore that about it! It speaks right to my heart. :o)
You can read more about the making of this video on John's blog.
Have you ever seen a more adorable picture!? I don't think so. :o)
This made me smile from ear to ear. Such a beautiful scene and what an adorable boy.. just completely made my day!
Congratulations to Maria (Twitter: @mariasgavito_)! Thank you so much for sending me the loveliest picture ever. You can choose from a signed book, an archival print from my shop or a portfolio review. I'll be emailing you soon. :o)
1 Comments on And we have a winner!, last added: 2/26/2012
By: Alicia Padrón,
on 9/13/2012
Welcome back :)
Thank you June! I'm happy to be back because I get visits from wonderful people.. like you. :o)
Hugs!