Incredible news today:

The Wolf-Birds, my picture book about wolves and ravens, has been nominated for The 2016 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award AND The Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award!!!

 

And Avis Dolphin, my novel/graphic novel hybrid with the wonderful Frieda Wishinsky has been nominated for The Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People!!



A super special thank you to Daniel Stahler, the Ecologist at Yellowstone National Park, who provided me with his thesis on wolf / raven interactions in the wild and who consulted on the story and art in The Wolf-Birds; to my wonderful Editors and Art Directors, John Crossingham and Karen Li at Owlkids Books; and Sheila Barry, Nan Froman and Michael Solomon at Groundwood Books. Thanks for believing in me and in these two magical books!

Congrats to all the finalists! It is truly an honour to be among so many fine books and brilliant creators. The list this year is impeccable. Good luck to everyone!

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After 2.5 years raising two little hatchlings into tiny, mighty humans I have decided to take the leap back into full-time freelance! I have a few small teaching gigs lined up and I'm currently illustrating LOST FAIRY TALES with translator Shelley Tanaka for Knopf Canada (more on this dream project soon) but I am looking to line up more projects and work for Fall / Winter / Spring / Summer and on.

If you'd like to work with me or if you know someone who would, please PM me:
[email protected]
http://www.willowdawson.com/

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Do you have an idea for a comic or graphic novel that you'd like to workshop? Interested in the nuts and bolts of scriptwriting and/or art production, pitching, publishing or self-publishing comics?

If so, then this course is for you!

CREATING COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS
University of Toronto, School of Continuing Studies
Instructor: Willow Dawson

From scriptwriting to artwork to publishing and self-publishing, this 5-day intensive covers pretty much everything you need to know to get yourself started in the wonderfully diverse world of comics and graphic novels. (Ability to draw is NOT MANDATORY but an appreciation for words and images is a must)

GUEST Jennifer Lum, Design Director at Random House has worked with some of the top talent in today's comics industry and she will take students through the pitching and publishing process.

July 13-17, 2015
(Monday-Friday)
9:30am - 3:00pm
$699
Course can be applied toward an SCS certificate in Creative Writing

More info, including how to register, can be found here:
http://2learn.utoronto.ca/uoft/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=4098648

Hope to see you there!

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Tonight's the night! I have two pieces in this wonderful illustration show. Come on out and celebrate winter with great people and beautiful art.

Nook
156 Augusta Ave in Toronto
7pm!

And if you can't make it tonight, it will be on tomorrow as well and thereafter by appointment.

Show deets, including a list of exhibiting artists is below! Don't forget to check out the craft fair, too ...

Winter Fox

The Deers

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Hello fine people! Today is a day for celebration ...

I handed in the final edits on my picture book manuscript and a sample of the final artwork so the design department can see the direction I'd like to take the illustrations in. Now I get to sit back and relax while I await feedback on the rough illus and art sample ... Kidding (about relaxing, that is), I actually have to get back to work after I finish writing this post on another top secret project. Haha ... the life of an author / illustrator!

I am very excited about this project (which must still remain unnamed) because it will be my very first picture book! A picture book with sequential elements! It is a story that is very close to my heart and I'm working with an awesome publisher, a super incredible art director, and two of the greatest editors a girl could ever wish for. And I know from experience that this combo, and this combo only, of good people and shared excitement produces amazing books. So this book is going to be amazing. End of story.

Behold, a sample of the final art for your eyes only ... Enjoy!

Two Wolves and a Bird

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Hi everyone,

I'm teaching my comics course at UofT again this fall, starting Oct 1, and REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN. Please forward the info below to anyone you know who may be interested, or take a look for yourself if this is something you think you'd like to try.

This iteration of the course is going to be pretty fantastic (if I may say so myself)... I've fine tuned it to give more time for students to workshop their own ideas and I've just confirmed the wonderful Ryan North as the guest speaker. See below for more info:

CREATING COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS
at University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

Oct 1 - Dec 3, 2013
7 - 9 PM

"Creating Comics and Graphic Novels" is a combination of theory and practice, designed to provide students with an introduction to the amazingly diverse world of sequential storytelling and a space to develop their ideas for new comic works. All genres including fiction, non-fiction and even sequential poetry are supported in this course. Taught by graphic novelist Willow Dawson (Ghost Limb, Hyena in Petticoats, 100 Mile House), with guest speaker Ryan North: creator of Dinosaur Comics, writer of the Adventure Time comic book series, winner of at least one Eisner Award, and creator of the highest funded Kickstarter publishing project of all time: To Be Or Not To Be: That Is The Adventure (a Choose Your Own Adventure style retelling of Shakespeare's Hamlet). If you didn't click his name above, take a look at this interview: http://www.wired.com/underwire/2013/09/geeks-guide-ryan-north/

Past guests have included Fiona Smyth (CHEEZ 100, The Never Weres), Francis Manapul (The Flash, DC Comics), Karen Li (Senior Editor of nonfiction and graphic novels, Kids Can Press) and Naseem Hrab (Institutional Marketing Manager, Kids Can Press), and most recently Jennifer Lum (Senior Designer and champion of the graphic publishing program at Random House).

Artistic genius is not a requirement but a passion for words and images is a must.

The course fee is $599. Registration is still open!

Registration and more course deets here:
http://2learn.utoronto.ca/uoft/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=11833654

Hope to see all your sweet smiling faces on October 1st!
Wx

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You may have noticed I haven't been producing quite as much art over the summer as usual. This is because it's been a busy one! My good news is that I'm hard at work, writing my very first picture book! I'm also working on the writing component for a graphic novel adaptation of a late author's screenplay and her final remaining unpublished work...

Yes, I'm being cryptic on purpose because, for now, I cannot reveal any details about either of these projects! They are top secret. But, I assure you I will let you know exactly what they are as soon as I've been given the go ahead to speak about them. Thankyou for being patient and sticking with me through this inwardly inspiring, but outwardly quiet time. Shhhhhhh....

I leave you with these two new sketches in the hopes that you'll come back soon for more!

Twigs

Bee Maiden

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National Shark Week, please!

Happy Shark Week, everyone. I don't know if this is actually a national holiday, but I do think it should be one. Across the globe, that is.

Did you know sharks are a vital part of the ocean's delicate ecosystem? That without these apex predators to keep fish and seal populations in check, ecologists believe the oceans ecosystem could unravel entirely? And when the worlds oceans die, so too will clean water and oxygen, making the planet unable to sustain life.

Sadly, many species are coming close to extinction due to the destructive and cruel shark fin industry, ecologists estimate one hundred million are killed each year. Yes, ONE HUNDRED MILLION SHARKS. Similar to the way poachers take ivory and leave the elephants to bleed to death, sharks are caught, definned and thrown back into the ocean alive. They die slowly and painfully of blood loss and/or loss of oxygen. Sharks can't breathe without moving and they can't swim without their fins. It's a horrific practice that needs to end.

I used to be very scared of sharks until I saw these amazing documentaries...

In this BBC Natural World documentary, GREAT WHITE SHARK-LIVING LEGEND, Naturalist Mike Rutzen dives unprotected with great whites to uncover some of their secrets, including how they communicate, when they spend time together, and how they hunt with such power and precision. This was an eye-opening piece for me that helped me gain new respect for these enormous and quite beautiful predators.

National Geographic made another awesome video of Mike's experiences diving with sharks (including great whites), but it is sadly no longer available online. In SURVIVING SHARK NIGHT Rutzen spends three nights underwater and without a cage with these fantastic creatures. It is an incredible tale (with a terrible soundtrack, sorry if I'm offending anyone) of a dude setting out to prove these creatures are not the cold blooded killing machines we've made them out to be. It's incredible!

And of course, the doc that started this whole obsession of mine was SHARKWATER directed by Rob Stewart. Stewart has a new movie out this year called REVOLUTION, which investigates the larger picture of conserving the world's wonderful, vast, vital oceans. Get your hands on a copy and watch it now!

I leave you with this quote from the man himself:

"There's nothing more important than conservation, because conservation is the preservation of human life on earth." --Rob Stewart

Is anything else more true?

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Hello friends, I've been enjoying the summer and all the pretty flowers and inspiration it's brought. I have a few new sketches for you to see on my website, if you'd like to take a look... they are here: willowdawson.com

Here is one to get you excited. Hope you like!

Cheveux

Happy summer times!
xoxoxo

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This Thursday July 4th, a bunch of awesome illustrators, graphic designers and art directors are putting on a show inspired by The Green Man. I am pretty stoked to be a part of this wonderful event by the super cool peeps at Pyramid Attack and NOOK. I've already seen some of the art and boy, is it ever stunning! Hope you will all come check it out, too ... 7pm sharp!

NOOK Collective 156 Augusta in Kensington Thursday, July 4th at 7pm

I have 2 pieces in the show. Both are inspired by Angela Carter's creepy fairytale, The Erl-King, which you can read here. I will follow up after the show with images of the full pieces. For now, enjoy this little taste ...

Fall / Winter (close up)

Spring / Summer (close up)

The Green Man
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/135968509940035/?fref=ts

Featuring but not limited to:

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Hi everyone!

Once again I will be teaching my comics course as part of U of T's summer workshop series.  Will you join in?  You do not need to know how to draw and you don't need to have a full manuscript ready. Come to the first class with ideas and be ready to work.

Here are the details... And please pass this info along to anyone you know who may be interested. It's going to be a lot of fun!

Creating Comics and Graphic Novels
Summer Writing Workshop
at University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies

July 15 - 19, 2012 – 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

"An introduction to the amazingly diverse world of comics and graphic novels, led by illustrator and writer Willow Dawson (Hyena in Petticoats, Lila and Ecco's Do-It-Yourself Comics Club). Daily workshops and assignments will help you to develop your new comic works. Bring rough characters and story ideas to the first class and be ready to begin conceptualizing on the first day. Jennifer Lum--Senior Designer at Random House Canada will guest in the course. She has taken the lead there to develop a graphic publishing program and has worked with many award-winning graphic novelists."

The course fee is $699

Registration and more course info here: http://2learn.utoronto.ca/uoft/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=4098648

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Just a quick couple of process sketches I thought I'd share here for your eyes only ... I am working on a new book, it is super top secret and so I can't tell you what it is called or what it is about just yet BUT I can share these ...

Enjoy, my pretties!

Down the Rabbit Hole 1

Down the Rabbit Hole 2

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What a super wonderful TCAF. Thankyou everyone for stopping by with all your sweet smiles and lovely, kind words. You made this year and extra special one.

TCAF 2013

TCAF Table

My new little mini comic, Ghost Limb, was a hit! If you missed it and would still like a copy you can go pick one up at the Beguiling! It has a sweet silkscreened cover by the lovely folks at Kid Icarus.

Ghost Limb

Big huge thanks to the Beguiling and their awesome volunteers for putting on such a consistently fantastic event. I also want to thank my super talented interns Chelsea Watt and Regina Ying for all their help assembling Ghost Limb and working the event itself. Click their names to see some of their pretty art, they are both inspiring and I am really excited to get the chance to work with them this summer!

My next event is The Green Man group art show at Nook Collective, 156 Augusta in Kensington on July 4th at 7pm. Some really talented folks are exhibiting so come and check it out!

I am also teaching Creating Comics and Graphic Novels again this Summer at UofT, which you can register for here. This years' guest of honour is the super fabulous Jennifer Lum, Senior Designer at Random House Canada where she has taken a lead role in developing a graphic publishing program. It's going to be a great course. Sign up now!

And finally, I will be at this years' Word on the Street taking place Sunday September 22, 2013 at Queen's Park Circle, 11am - 6pm.

Hope to see you all again very soon!
Wx

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Hello everyone!

For TCAF I have prepared a little book called Ghost Limb. Here is the cover:

Ghost Limb by Willow Dawson, 2013

It is a short black and white comic loosely based on the tale of Persephone, with a beautiful pink and blue silkscreened cover by the wonderful peeps at Kid Icarus (go check them out, they're AMAZING). I will also have a larger silkscreen print of the cover for sale, as well as one of the main character.

After TCAF Ghost Limb will be available at the Beguiling.

Wx!

Ghost Limb (art print on left, book at right)

Ghost Limb assembly

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... is coming soon. I promise!

In the meantime, here is a preview of what I've been working on for TCAF ... Hope you enjoy!

Ghost Limb close-up

Ghost Limb in progress

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There is a lot of dialogue going around right now on the Steubenville case and I'm seeing a lot of shocked and angry comments piling up but not much that focuses on what we can do. What we need to do to diminish and hopefully someday end violence and rape.

Firstly, I think it is crucial we look at how we are raising children. Because the environment kids grow up in has a lasting impact on their behaviour for life. Instead of pointing fingers and laying blame we need to learn how be better mentors. Especially to kids who don't have adequate support.

Men... we really need more awesome, positive role models for boys. There are lots of you out there (trust me, I know… I work in a room full of you every day), rise up please and show boys what it means to be a man. A real man who's power isn't wrapped around causing pain to others.

Women, we must learn how to empower ourselves without raging against the patriarchy. When we do this, we immediately cause a divide, instead of building a bridge. I'm sorry, but men and women need to work together for there to be equality.

Teachers, coaches, mentors, community leaders, I encourage you to help by giving kids a voice. Let them write, let them draw, let them tell their stories without worry of judgement. Learn how to listen. Really listen. Not just to the words ... but also to the silence. When painful things come up follow through by taking it seriously. Incorporate sex education into curriculum that includes open dialogue in a supportive environment (with councillors present) about violence and sexual assault. Make sure you have the best resources available and on hand at all times.

Police, judges, lawyers, etc, I'm sorry but we need a serious overhaul of the justice and prison system. People must be held accountable for their actions (yes, even when they are "only 16") but we also must recognize that a punitive system of incarceration doesn't reduce people's likelihood to reoffend when they get out. We need to explore other options.

Politicians, stop relying on "tough on crime" platforms to get votes. It doesn't mean what it sounds like it means and people are confused. Refocus your energy on informing people about what things like "truth-in sentencing" and "mandatory minimums" actually mean, the impact these sentences have on peoples lives and the lives of all the people they encounter for the rest of their lives, most especially their children. Please, seriously consider funneling some of your tough on crime funding to programs that give kids safety and a sense of community. There are some pretty incredible programs out there, like The Academy of the Impossible, for example.

People, all of you, we really need to look at why the dialogue around these issues is stifled. What are we afraid of? And how can we talk about this stuff in a meaningful, impactful, lasting way.

I realize I'm only touching the tip of the iceberg here, there is so much more I'd like to say. But this is an issue very close to my heart and I felt it was important to put out there now.

Thankyou.

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This little sketch of mine will be at TED 2013. Seriously, HOW COOL IS THAT?!?

Squirrel vs Snake at TED 2013

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Sleeping

Leaves

Goodnight

Knife Fight

Evidence

Foxface

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Lots of new sketches up on my site, including these ...

Girl

Blancmange with Sliced Pears

And THIS:

Message

Enjoy!!

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Bee with Flowers

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The Little Mermaid

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RAID Studio, Toronto

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Hi everyone!

This is just a quick post letting you know that there is FREE SHIPPING for a limited time on all my art prints and other Society6 store items. So, if you were thinking of getting a gift for someone (or for yourself) now's a good time! Click this link for more deets:

http://society6.com/WillowDawson?promo=8a80fc

Lots of new items in the store, including this one:

Bearded Lady

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Inspired by Angela Carter's The Erlking

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Presenting ...

The Bearded Lady

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