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Yay! I finally received my copies of the January spread I did for Highlights Magazine! Love love LOVE how the colors came out on this one.

I hope you guys get to pick up a copy! 

So for those that don’t know yet, we’re expecting our first baby!! Yipee!!! I’m nearing my final trimester, there are two books in the pipeline with very tight back to back deadlines so I’m trying my best to beat the 3rd trimester fatigue and getting as much done as I can while I CAN!

I’ve been so wrapped up with work lately it’s been challenging to find the time to indulge in any holiday fun. But this weekend I put my foot on the breaks and was finally able to let myself indulge in some seasonal goodies. It was a nice and much needed break!

All the while I was working over the weekend on sketches for them, I received this little fun card from the team at ABDO. Thanks ABDO!

We finally found time to actually buy a tree (his name is “Monty”) and make some christmas cookies for the postman and a few of our dearest and nearest…I wrapped them fast this year, or else they’d all end up in my belly..hee hee. I tell yah, there’s nothing like taking in some holiday music and the smell of cookies and pine to get you caught right up in all this season cheer!!

Happy Holidays!!

It’s been quite a busy weekend full of baptisms and weddings and creative events. So exhausted, but it was all worth it.

This past Saturday we attended the Carousel for Kids event at Dixon Place (NYC) which was hosted by R. Sikoryak and Neil Numberman. It’s a yearly event where these wonderful writers and illustrators read their zany comics and other creations to kids of all ages! It was pretty entertaining!

The best part was when they picked some kids in the audience to help them read their comics. And most of the kids were so gung-ho about volunteering.

This past Sunday I attended my first ever CBIG portfolio review where we were all given the opportunity to speak with 2 editors or art directors of our choice and share our work with them one on one. What a great experience!

An editor from Penguin Group suggested I venture into drawing for older kids and experiment more with lettering. It’s actually something I’d been meaning to explore a bit more so you might be seeing more tweens  and tween themed illustrations in the coming months.

My favorite part of the afternoon was seeing other peoples work and book dummies. It was all so inspiring. Here’s hoping I get inspired enough to write a story myself soon!

Oh and don’t forget to check out the December issue of Highlights for Children to find this little dittie I did over the summer!

Wishing you all a Happy &  Creative Week!!

It’s been a great year so far. I can’t believe it’s fall already. So much has been happening in my camp lately it’s a bit too much to take it all in sometimes.

Highlights Illustrator Workshop

Last week I was invited to spend the weekend at the Highlights Foundation in Honesdale, PA for the Highlights Illustrator’s Workshop specifically for new for New Highlights Illustrators! From the moment we arrived till the weekend ended it was such a memorable and amazing experience.

I  had the privilege of staying in the founders original home which was so beautiful, everything remained intact and well-preserved including the family library which had their collection of child psychology books from 1900′s.  Pretty darn neat!

Most of the weekend activities were spent at The Barn, an open space specifically for workshop activities and dining…Oh! speaking of dining..the food was an absolute treat! There was something for everyone’s palette and most of the food was locally grown and organic. It was one of the most refreshing dining experiences I’ve ever experienced.

Now I’m to going to go into detail about the workshop itself just incase you are one of the newer artists that happen to stumble onto this blog looking for insights on what to expect at a Highlights Workshop. I’d like to keep you guessing and excited for whats waiting for you! But…if you are a bit more curious about the details of our weekend check out Rich Powell’s blog post about our weekend here. Just know that it’s an amazing time with a great group of people who share the same passion for children’s art as you do. The camaraderie you build in such a short amount of time is just outstanding and leaves such an impression.

I can’t say this enough, I had the most amazing time that a week later I’m still riding the Highlights high! 

This is one of many hidden picture puzzles I did this past year for Highlights. What a challenge, to hide 30 objects in a spread! Some are hard to find, others… obvious (Can you find some…?). But this is a fun story to tell in one picture–a children’s choir/production underway with parents, siblings and teachers helping and enjoying the show! There are little stories within the story so I hope that makes it much more enjoyable for kids to linger over as they try to find the hidden objects!

That’s a long title, but it says it all…kinda. This is one of many hidden picture puzzles I did this past year for Highlights. What a challenge, to hide 30 objects in a spread! Some are hard to find, others… obvious (Can you find some…?). But this is a fun story to tell in one picture–a children’s choir/production underway with parents, siblings and teachers helping and enjoying the show! There are little stories within the story so I hope that makes it much more enjoyable for kids to linger over as they try to find the hidden objects!

Katie McDee was raised in the sun-filled, salty-fresh air of Southern California and is lucky enough to still live and work there. Katie’s interests include movies that don’t stink, delicious eateries, and discovering new places. Her free time is spent playing ultimate frisbee and capturing her friends’ most embarrassing moments in her sketchbook.

Katie’s artistic talent and creativity has always been a part of her life. Whether it was hand-made cards or Super Market art contests, as a child she was always drawing. In high school she not only starred in musicals but also designed the Tshirts and posters. Although she excelled in many areas of school, art and music were always her favorite.

Today she works as a traditional and digital illustrator for the children’s market. Past projects have included books, magazines, video games, board games, T-shirts, greeting cards and packaging.  With a BFA in Illustration from CSU Long Beach, and years of freelance experience, Katie has the knowledge and experience of working with art directors, designers, and other creative professionals.

Her clients have included:  Oxford University Press, Capstone Publishing, Highlights High Five, Pearson Education, Lakeshore Learning Materials, Friend Magazine, Pockets Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, Bionic Games, Appy Entertainment, The Topps Company, and San Diego Gas & Electric (Sempra Energy).

Here is Katie explaining her process:

Thumbnail: When I start figuring out the composition of a piece I always draw small. Really small. I scratch out a bunch of little thumbnails and once I have one I like I scan it and enlarge it in Photoshop.

Sketch: Sometimes I’ll draw over the blown-up thumbnail in Photoshop or move pieces around, But usually I just print it out and trace over it with tracing paper and a BiC mechanical pencil.

Color rough: I like to do a quick color rough in Photoshop.

Blocking in: Once I’ve scanned in the final sketch and received approval, I place the sketch in Illustrator with opacity scaled back to 50%. I lock that layer and start blocking the shapes in layers. I usually have background and foreground layers with others as needed.

Blocked in: After everything is blocked in with Illustrator, I export each layer as PSDs and put it all back together in Photoshop.

Final: In Photoshop I use even more layers to shade and highlight and bring in texture overlays. And voila!

How did you end up going to CSU Long Beach to get your BFA in illustration?

I actually started out at CSULB as a music major. I thought I was going to be a choral director. It wasn’t more than a couple months before I realized that my talents were better suited for visual art. So I switched majors and focused on illustration. Lucky for me I married a high school choral director so now I’ve got the best of both worlds.

What types of classes did you take that really helped you to develop as an illustrator?

All of the illustration, composition and design classes were my favorites but every art class I’ve taken was invaluable, from watercolor to screen printing. But my illustration skills have developed most through freelancing. There’s nothing like learning on the job.

Did they help connect you to companies that could give you work?

No, I don’t think I’ve had any work come from classes, though keeping in contact with some classmates through social media sites and email has.

Did you start out using watercolors for your illustrations?

Yes, in college I painted everything in watercolor (unless I had to use some other media). And my very first paid jobs were created in watercolor. I still love traditionally painting illustrations for clients and my own personal work.

What was the first thing you did that you got paid to do?

I can’t remember exactly. It was either a caricatured family portrait or a gigantic mural depicting castles, gnomes and fairies. But those were private commissions. My first freelance gig was a series of paperback reader books for Lakeshore Learning Materials.

How long have you been illustrating?

7 years professionally. 31 years doodling

What types of things do you do to get your work seen by publishing professionals?

My work is showcased online on my website/blog and a couple illustrator sites like childrensillustrators.com. I’ve contacted art directors directly and sent mailers in the past but usually contract work comes through my online presence and word of mouth.

Have you ever tried to write and illustrate a children’s book?

Yes, there have been a few attempts. I’ve learned a lot since and plan to dust some of them off and give ‘em a complete overhaul one of these days.

Do you have an agent? If so, who and how long have the represented you?  If not, would you like one?

I do not have an agent or art rep. I’ve considered it many times and I’d like to have a good working relationship with one. But I’m waiting for the right fit.

Do you want to concentrate on being a children’s picture book illustrator?

That would be so great. Ultimately I’d love to just spend my time working on picture books exclusively. Though I’d probably miss the diversity and fun of illustrating for games and magazines.

Have you made a picture book dummy to show art directors, editors, and reps.?

No, not yet.

Do you ever use two different materials in one illustration?

Yes. Pencil sketches, painted textures and photoshop. Ink and watercolor. Sometimes even cut paper.

How did  you find the companies where you have done commercial illustration, games, etc.?

I have friends in high places, haha. No but really, most of the time they find me online or through word of mouth.

Do you attend the SCBWI Conference in LA? 

If so, how do you prepare for attending something like that? I attended one year, I think it was in 2009. I participated in the portfolio showcase so there was months of drawing, designing, and printing a portfolio and postcards to show off. It was a lot of fun and I met some amazing people that I’m now blessed to call my friends.

Have you seen your style change since you first started illustrating?

Oh, definitely. Though I was looking through old sketches the other day and noticed I still draw umbrellas and shoes the same way.

Have you gotten any work through networking?

Yes! Thank you blogging and Facebook.

I see you have had your illustration published in quite a few magazines.  How many magazines have published your work?

Six, so far. I hope to double that in the next year. I love illustrating for magazines.

How did the LA Times find  you to illustrate a story for the ‘Kids’ Reading Room’ section of the newspaper?

I think I called the Art Director. Never underestimate the power of the ‘cold call’.

Are you open to doing illustrations for self-published picture book authors?

I have in the past. Unfortunately, I don’t take on self-publishing authors now because they don’t have a budget I can pay bills with. It’s a sad reality, especially when their book ideas sound so fun.

What made you go digital?  Is Photoshop your software of choice?

When I started freelancing for companies, it was all digital, all the time. There were many late nights figuring out Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as deadlines sped towards me. Now I can’t live without my computer. I enjoy the crisp look and edit ability of Illustrator and the fun challenge of rendering an illustration to look painted with Photoshop. While I still love painting with watercolor and gouache, the computer affords me and my clients much-needed versatility. And there’s nothing better than ‘command Z’, am I right?!

Do you have any tips that would help other digital artists?

Get a bigger scanner and printer. The biggest you can afford. And a Wacom tablet. It’ll save your arm.

Do you own a graphic tablet? If so, how do you use it?

Me and my Wacom Intuos 3 are best buddies. I don’t even use a mouse. My mouse is dead to me.

How much time do you spend illustrating?

Depending on the circumstances (deadlines or family commitments) I can spend as little as 5 hours to as much as 12 hours a day working.

Do you have a studio set up in your house?

My family insisted I take one of the bedrooms as my studio instead of a guest room. Sorry visitors but it’s mine and I love it!

Is there anything in your studio, other than paint and brushes, and your computer that you couldn’t live without?

My drafting table is 7 feet wide. I am spoiled.

Any picture books on the horizon?

I’m about to start working on an early reader book with Oxford Univ Press.

What are your career goals?

My goals include more book, magazine and licensing work. I think pairing up with an agent or rep may be my next step. I’d also like to set up an online shop to sell some of my random paintings and creations. My ultimate goal is to spend my days writing and illustrating my own books and board games.

What are you working on now?

Right now I’m working on some spot illustrations, early reader book(s), some educational activities/games and 2 magazine illustrations.

Are there any watercolor painting tips (materials, paper, etc.) you can share that work well for you? Technique tips?

Why stretch watercolor paper when you can use illustration board? I like Crescent. Sometimes I print out a copy of my sketch and paint a color rough right on it. Hmm, what else? I used to ink with a croquil pen but now I use Microns. They’re waterproof and come in multiple sizes and colors.

Any words of wisdom you can share with the illustrators who are trying to develop their career?

Here’s my 2 cents. And that may be all it’s worth to you, but… Try something new. Get out of your comfort zone. I see many people who are only willing to work in one way or for one type of publishing. You will grow as an artist and more doors may open for you if you say yes to something different. Tackle that App, comic book, or board game design rather than sitting around waiting for your big break in picture book publishing (or whatever it is you so desperately desire).

Katie, it was pleasure getting to know you through your illustrations and this interview. I am sure we will be seeing a lot more from you. Please let me know when you have new successes and send in new illustration that I can use during the month. That way we can stay connected.

You can see more of Katie at the following sites: www.katiemcdee.com  www.katiemcdee.blogspot.com  www.childrensillustrators.com/illustrator.cgi/katiemcdee 

Please take a minute to leave Katie a comment about her work.  It is much appreciated.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Here’s a spot I did in the recent issue of Highlights magazine (March ’12). Part of it even made the cover (speaking of, nice cover there by Tim Foley!). I’m being silly with the “Lookity!” comment, but it is cool to see it displayed on the cover.

Below is the final spread. I knew the AD planned to drop it on a color background so I had to think about that.

Below: The first round of roughs I sent of the kids with NO instruments! Not sure what I was (or wasn’t thinking) at this point. I was more concerned with how I wanted to show the kid-conductor and the orchestra. I think I thought I was doing a choir. Silly me.

Below: After the AD kindly pointed out the need for instruments and notes, I went back and reworked it. Much better, yes?

Below: The above rough was approved and I didn’t deviate much from the rough. Only a few changes to the kids and cleaned it up. But I wanted the line work to be loose and easy and not over-worked, which I think I achieved. It’s usually something I feel inside me as other people can never tell when I over-work a project.  My thanks again to Cindy for the project, her patience and the fine job she does/did with the magazine!

Happy Monday, all! Just a quick posting to thank Highlights for Children for selecting me for “Illustrator of the Month”. That was the month of February, so I’m a little late in posting this. : )

Highlights is the only magazine (rather, publishing company) I know of that expresses such great appreciation like they do to illustration, illustrators, and the illustrators that they contract. These platters and letters are just a part of their way of conveying the value they have for illustrators. The party they throw each year is amazing (I attended two years ago. Wow!), not to mention the relationship they build with their contractors. It’s got a family-feel to it all.

So thank you, Christine, Cynthia, Kelley and staff, for choosing me for the month of February! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you guys, too!

And, below, is the spread that they are talking about…”The Champion Of Quiet”, a cute story written by Tracy Stewart.

Below: A pull-out of the first spot from the spread.

A few weeks ago I received an email from a real estate manager from Las Vegas looking for me. Someone sent her a package intended for me from Highlights Magazine and she wanted to know my address so she could forward it my way. It turned out that this package was sent to me in 2008 and being in the military we were reassigned and I never received it.

Here’s a spread for Highlights magazines present issue (November 2011) that I worked on a-way back in May. The theme is Thanksgiving and so I thought it time to get on the thematic bandwagon as well as put out a little self-promotional effort. There are some great illustrations and stories in this issue! My illustration buddies, Susan Mitchell and Holli Conger both have illustrations in this issue. Niiice!

Below: Full spread. Please click on illustration for a larger version.

Aaaand below: the first illustration/cartoon.

(copyright Highlights for Children 2011)

The super-duper people at Highlights For Kids commissioned me to do the illustrations for a mini-book entitled, “A Busy Day” (by Karen Thompson) for the October 20011 issue of High Five magazine. I enjoyed working on this a few months back, and now it’s in print. I will be posting samples of the story during the month of October.

To start,  below is the layout of the mini-book with my art. It’s a front and back on one page-deal which you fold to make a booklet (see illo on the second image as to how to assemble). Cool, huh?

And for those of you who like to see roughs and such, I have included the AD’s sketch with the final layout. If I recall, there were very few (if any) changes from the roughs I sent. I will include some of those later, too.  Below are the covers:

(All Images Copyright Highlights for Children, 2011)

I had fun with the style, by the way. I am playing with looser line and using washes (all digital, as usual). I really like the affect over-all and it feels easy-going. It all makes for a happy illustrator!

I thought I’d share this sample that came in the mail yesterday. It’s a one-page illustration I did for Highlights magazine, a rebus puzzle, entitled “Best Friends” by Catherine Denton. This was fun to pull together and I particularly enjoy it when I keep the line work loose, clean, and simple.

(Copyright Highlights for Children, 2010)

Below: I usually do my roughs using the layout the art director sends me as a template. I’ve also included a closeup of the area where the main illustration is–the little girl with all the thought bubbles talking to her grandmother.

Some other illustrators I know who have illustrations in the November 2010 issue: Chuck Dillon (2 puzzles!), Holli Conger & Don Tate.

Please select the correct answer from below as it applies to the following sentence:

Highlights Magazine . . .

(A) Still exists and is popular (and not just in dentist offices either)

(B) Owns the publisher Boyds Mills Press

(C) Sponsors writing retreats and cool projects

(D) Should totally publish a Goofus and Gallant book.

If you answered “all of the above” you’d be correct (always assuming that you knew you could choose more than one option).

Recently I was given an offer I couldn’t refuse.  Carolyn Yoder, editor of Calkins Creek Books, basically gave me a chance to exchange a night in my grimy city for a night in the Poconos instead.  You see Boyds Mills Press (Calkins Creek Books is one of its imprints) runs a few writing workshops in Honesdale, Pennsylvania for the Highlights Foundation (a bit more info here, if you’re interested).  So it was that I was invited to speak as an invited guest for a night at a week-long writer’s retreat for seasoned children’s authors, most working in the field of non-fiction. I would get to talk about whatever I wanted.  They would feed me good food.  I’d get my very own cabin (woot!).  And best of all they’d pick me up from work and drop me off at work so that all I’d have to do was sit in a car for two and a half hours each way.

Yeah.  So basically I jumped all over that offer.  Next thing I knew I was in a car with a huge Suzanne Bloom decal on the side (think A Splendid Friend Indeed) which was fantastic.  Children’s literature cars are the best (I’m adding this one to the list that includes The Knight Bus, the Wimpy Kid ice cream trucks, and the Eric Carle Museum bug).  And that night I talked for long periods of time on topics that I can handle (read: not football).

But the most interesting part of all this was getting a glimpse into the inner sanctum of Highlights Magazine.  I wasn’t a subscriber as a kid (I had Owl Magazine and that was pretty much it) but I still knew what Highlights was.  Who didn’t?  If you were a child it was fairly ubiquitous.  As it happens, Highlights has been around for over a whopping 60 years, and has pretty much been kept within the same family all that time.  In fact, I saw a framed copy of the original June 1946 edition of Highlights that began everything.  The mag was begun by Garry Cleveland Myers and Caroline Clark Myers and the retreat I attended was actually held around the Myers’ own house.

The crazy part for me is that I had no idea that Highlights owned 10 Comments on Highlights Magazine, Boyds Mills Press, and How Not to be Eaten by a Bear, last added: 9/3/2010