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Thank you so much. How could anyone read this post and not be inspired?

Like the blog! And very interesting post, thank you

Thanks, Ivan. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and wrote in!
-Mark

[...] Spend a moment watching award winning children’s book illustrator E.B. Lewis demonstrate painting some watercolor scenes for the Austin Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (Austin SCBWI) back in February and read more about the work and ideas of this New Jersey based fine artist in the latest post on How To Be A Children’s Book Illustrator. [...]

Great post, Mark. And congratulations on your award! You do so much for the art community!

Thank you, Laurie! I’m so glad you liked the post. Hey, anytime you’d like to write about something related to children’s books, illustration, art or your own projects as a writer or illustrator — in other words, do a guest post here (including an image or two) and link to anything meaningful or related that you want, please let me know. I love it when students post — especially when they’re already writers, like you are. And I do offer a bit of payment when I accept an original piece.
-Mark

Thank you, Elizabeth and/or Lynette! Your blog is charming.

Mark

Wonderfully informative interview. Always love seeing the process behind a successful and brilliant work of art.

Thank you Mark for interviewing Terry Widener here on this latest book. It’s so good to hear Terry say, that if you want to learn to draw, you need to practice, practice, etc. And to go to your local education area and take a life drawing class or two, or as many as you can. He is so right that the people who stylize their drawings can also draw the traditional way. I don’t know if many people realize that today, who do not follow art or illustration. It’s so fundamental to just sketch every day. I also appreciated his comments about the old wool uniforms and the baggy pants, socks, etc. Also how he makes smaller drawings of different scenes, and slips them under the work he’s doing to see if he will change it – or not. One of my profs taught us how to make our own graphite paper by rubbing a thick graphite stick solidly on vellum paper, and then taking rubber cement thinner on a cotton ball all over it, smear it up, let it dry, and then you’ll have any size graphite tracing paper you want. Glad to see Terry from your photos also. He’s a favorite illustrator of mine. Thanks again for taking the time to do this interview.

Thank you, Theresa. You’ve written some wonderful things and done some great process posts for this blog, too!

Virginia, I was struck by the same points Terry made as you were! So basic. So “where the rubber meets the road. Terry is such a great role model for practice, due dilligence, patience and creating true beauty in his work.

Loved these pics! Fav is bakers in boat.

Oh they are just so outstandingly talented. I couldn’t pick just one! Donna

How you were able to narrow down favorites from all the wonderful illustrations is amazing in itself Wondrous talent abounds!!! Thanks, Kathy What a great way to get my day going!

Love your choices. It’s so great to see these different styles and the amazing talents of so many artists!

Everyone you feature is enormously talented, I find it impossible to pick a favorite!

Reblogged this on Darlene Beck-Jacobson and commented:
Have you ever seen so many wonderful illustrators from one group? The NJSCBWI has so much talent!

Great website! I’ve not had to storyboard yet, but I may be leaning toward the illustrator direction very soon.

Thanks for the comment, Megan. You’ve got a really captivating illustrative style.
I love “100 Years of Sleep” (and several of the others on your etsy site.)
Mark

The storyboard works like a dream! I cant work without it.

I’m so glad that you’ve found the utility of the thumbnail storyboard, Karien!

Kelly, I'm in awe of everything you're able to accomplish. No need to be disappointed in yourself just because you aren't living up to your own expectations on a couple of your projects. You can't do it all, but you do a darn lot and do it well.

Aww...thanks, Sheila! I actually have to write you this week about Cybils. So, I'll be in touch soon :)

You are so incredibly amazing Kelly! Maybe you should (gasp) give yourself a week or two off blogging...

Don't be too hard on yourself!

Thanks, Erin :) And, don't worry...my blogvation is coming up soon (end of June). I always take a couple of weeks off a year!

So the secret's out - you're not super-human! I've been so impressed with the fact that I run across you *everywhere* online and wonder how in the heck you do it. I think it's reasonable to assess and decide how to cut back or merge tasks - and it looks like you've done a good job of it. That's not failing. It's being sensible. And now, I'm off to take my own advice...

Hey, a two big fat summer issues instead of three normal-sized ones? Whoo hoo!

Seriously, Kel -- you do so much PLUS you have people to raise!? I even have low-maintenance pets (Snake: feed once a week, okay?? A deliberate choice!) We're not worthy...

Eh. It's all good. I was just impressed that you were inclined to do it in the first place.

My wife always acuses me of having the motto, "have everything, do everything, be everything," which encourages me to slow down. Difficult, but worth it. good for you.

Kelly, holy cow. What Erin said.

You RULE, lady.

Kelly,

I'm impressed with all you do just with your blog--let alone the Cybils and The Edge of the Forest. You shouldn't drive yourself too hard.

I am actually quite relieved at the Edge June/July issue because the idea of writing about the 48 Hour Book Challenge the very next day and turning it in was giving me hives. Even though it was my idea. I'll also allow a pass on your participation in 48 HBC if you need it. You're my BFF (Blog Friend Forever) either way.

Oh goodness, you bring us a fabulous service when you give us any EOTF issue. Don't be hard on yourself. You are so not a failure. You're my blog hero.

No! This is not a bad thing! No need to apologize!!!

It seems to me that you're making a wise and careful decision (or set of decisions) here. Setting boundaries is the only way to make sure that you do the things that matter most, and do them well.

I suffer from the "take on any task" disease a bit myself, and have been (since my son was born in 2005) practicing this thing where I never respond "yes" or "no" to anything.

Instead I say (or type) "That sounds neat. can I get back with you?" Which makes me sound like a robot or something...

But then I give myself a day to mull it over. Usually I realzie the request (whatever it is) will cut into my writing/family/sleeping time, and I end up saying "no".

In any case,, you seem like a rocketship of a lady to me, and I'm much impressed with all you do, and do well!

Thanks, guys :) You've made my morning and I feel better. I just felt like I had to come clean in public!

TadMack: How my son would love to meet you! If only his mean old parents would allow him a snake.

Kris: I hope you did follow your own advice. It was good :)

Sorry, Fuse. But maybe it was your millions of reviews that did me in in the end!

Brian, bless your wife for taking care of you.

Thanks Leila, Elaine, and Jules. Your support means a lot to me.

MMR: I LOVE BFF for blog friends forever :)

Kris: Kids will force you to slow down a little bit, won't they?

Kelly,
Yes, I love your goals. I am excercising 4 days a week now and it is so good. We do need to know our limitations and use each moment in a wise way. Good for you!

Zee: I was an exercise fiend until I started the blog. Blogging filled in the time I exercised. Now I have to figure out how to do both :) The past few weeks I have been able to get in 30 minutes a day, which is better than nothing!!

Oh that's it - you've totally sunk in my estimation now you slacker !!


*grins*

Kelly, honestly, you're not a failure at all - you achieve so much, and with two young children as well. Give yourself a well deserved pat on the back and enjoy your vacation...

Oh and I'll send you my TEotF stuff - been a bit behind this week what with the work issues, but it's all to hand !

Oh Kelly, You do so much. There's no need to apologize. At all. I am so glad you are focusing on your needs for a change. It will only help make everything else you work on better.

You ROCK!

Kelly you are SO smart to re-assess and decide what to focus on for the summer. Exactly what making a list of goals is supposed to make you do!

I am sorry I have failed to help you with CBR. I have said a couple of times I would do my part but I never did. I will put it on my list for this summer, 'K?

(In a smaller, more pitiful voice) I just need you to tell me how, again... I lost the directions you sent me before. It really is a brilliant idea and I want to be part of it.

Kelly, please don't say that you're a failure, because if you're a failure, then we're all failures. Because nobody else measures up to all of the things that you do accomplish. I know how tempting it is to focus on what you haven't accomplished yet, or what you wanted to accomplish but weren't able to do, but that's a suckers bet. There's always more that we could do. But that things that you do are amazing.

And I also must add, in another kindred spirit moment, that the exact same thing happened to me in terms of blogging and exercise. Before my blog, I was average 2 hours a day walking, and I was in the best shape I'd been in in years. Now ... not so much. I took a huge drop-off in the walking, and am only just now, 18 months later, starting to try to get it back.

Oh, if we only all had more time!

Kelly, you do soooo much for the kid lit world......you are not a failure!

However.....as for the "Man flu" thing -- I object! (about 5 sick days in 35 years of work and when I'm sick just let me be and I'll get better)

Jim D

I'll never understand why so many talented creative folk get absolutely nowhere, can't even scrape a better living than an office cleaner. What is wrong with the world?
Thank goodness for your gallery folk, Gretel, I really, really hope you'll get something that pays decent money very soon...

Sending you cyber hugs today. I am sorry that you are struggling with your professional life so. I can't imagine how it feels to think about giving up your dreams and loves. You have so much determination to have made it this far. No matter what you choose I believe that when God closes a door he opens a window. I hope you find your window and climb through it to the splendor that is beyond. I for one love your work!!

I know how you feel Gretel...it's so irritating when really crappy stuff gets published and yours doesn't. Maybe you should just really get into finding a way to do it yourself...that's what I have been thinking of doing. In the meantime, chin up and this little illo of the bunny is just darling.Hang in there, your style is so very different and very charming.

Oh Gretel, I am sorry to hear you feeling this way, cheer up mate, your work is beautiful, keep at it lady!
P.xxxxx

Hang in there Gretel.
I think many illustrators would be able to connect with your last post, but we keep on doing what we do, because it is in our nature.
Rejection also seems to be an increasing part of the deal!
Take some time out to do something nice for yourself, and come back to your work refreshed if you can.

Dear Gretel,

Don't give up. Sometimes a side job is good but make it something related with art. Here is an amazing man: Glenn Vilppu. He was my teacher and I love him dearly. Besides being an incredible artist and good teacher he is the best salesman I know. His website will give you an idea http://www.vilppustore.com/guideme.htm

Glenn teaches…he started with his tours to Italy . Then he invented his own sketch book and now he is selling those. He used to teach by mail now he sells videos and manuals, etc.

Are you a member of SCBWI? http://www.britishscbwi.org
I live in the USA and read their online boards. They have great information.

Maybe you can offer an online illustration workshop and see what happens. Check Susan Hartung…she teaches a couple of online classes http://www.susanhartung.com/courses.html

Gretel, you are an amazing artist and you just have to know that. My character design teacher, Phil Mendez, said, "Know who you are or they will destroy every little confidence you have in yourself. Do not let them do that to you." I think he would be proud of me for passing that along.

I have learned a lot reading your blog so I hope sharing this information with you cheers you up a little.

Best,

Mara

Hell, I'd pay you for your work. Not that I'm capable of paying what it's truly worth. I wish I had enough money to be a Renaissance-style art patron...

{{{{{Gretel}}}}}Oh my I know the feeling dear Gretel. I know so many illustrators who feel this way quit often. I go through the want of quiting too often.

I know not what to say excpet that your work is really truly awesome. You are not a lone in the money category. I know many illustrators who are in the same income bracket.

The difference in the other and you Gretel. . .is your work is really steller! Seriously. Have you tried reps in the US?

Oh Gretel, wish I were there to share some tea and lunch with you!

Hugs and Love
Sherry

Sending you hugs, I just can't understand why your illustrations are not snapped up, they are beautifully coloured with such sweet whimsical creatures who have character unlike some of the terrible cartoon like things that are around. When I look at them I always see them illustrating small special books like a Little Grey Rabbit size book, you know, one page of writing opposite a page with the illustration.

Captain Rupert thinks your rabbit is wonderful and so do I. He know thinks its might be a good idea to have some nice pictures to decorate his hutch with. I have told him he would nibble them and thats no good. I have the same thoughts as you. Its sometimes so hard, why am I doing it. Keep at it, I love your work and so do loads of others. Take courage from the gallery people.

You know i think its this time of the year, yesterday i sat at my desk with tears rolling down my cheeks because everything seemed like the end of the world!

I have the same thoughts sometime, when i think of the hours i slogged at uni and i got a good degree yet my wages are still considerably less than those that don't and i have an almighty load to pay back, and i have a mate who got a 'real' job and earns earns and earns - i take comfort in that i actually like my job - i find those who earn bucket loads generally don't. For me when you spend 70% of your time working - its best to love it.You can see in your work that you love it too!

Hats off to you for sharing your feeling with us and tomorrow is another day and there is ALWAYS a better day on the way!

-x-

Hello there,

I am de-lurking to give you a few sites to check out for agents. I live in the US but quite a few agents on the below site are international and accept e-mail submissions.
take a look here: http://www.spar.org/members/illust.html
shannon associates is very large and international.

Chris Tugeau (www.catugeau.com) is a lovely woman who has turned me down about 3 times now but has offered wonderful advice each time. You might want to drop her an e-mail, I'm not sure if she does international but maybe she could give you some advice.

Hang in there, you have a wonderfully dark and sweet style.

My darling, you are not what I would classify as a moaner. What you are is legitimately frustrated for all the hard work you do. What I don't understand is why this is happening? What the __ are they looking for anyway? Your work to me is exceptional and splendid (and that is not false praise or a placating statement)...I also happen to love the way you write. You can make a walk through a forest seem like poetry. I guess what I am wondering is if there is a way to find out just WHY the answer is no? I wish had some amazing connection, I wish I had the means make your artistic dreams come true. Alas I do not, so all I can do is send you my heartfelt wish to the Universe that someone else DOES!
XOXO

With the hours you must spend putting heart and soul into each precious illustration, rejection letters must pull the rug out from under your feet. It's easy for me to say from this end, but please hang in a little longer...your work AND your writing is top-notch. Don't close the door just yet...I firmly believe that this is the real meaning behind your tarot reading, finding the courage to resist giving up.

Hi Gretel,

I just want to echo what the others have said here. You are undoubtedly a highly talented illustrator. By rights you should be up there with the best of them.

I'm om my third Agent now and I only got one job from them in three years - an illustration of a bright pink pig!

I'm in uncharted waters at the moment because I decided to cut loose from the tortuous dependence on Art Director's and go it alone on my own projects. It's a bloody tough existence at times, but I figure I am pretty much unemployable now so I have no choice but to keep going for it.

Many of us are in the same boat. Your work may be sporadic but what you do produce gives many people loads of pleasure.

Never give up. Once a talent like yours has been released from the box you can't just stuff it back in.

Oh no you don't, young missy! I'm not having that from you! I can more than sympathise with you. This job can be the most soul destroying thing ever. Just hang on in there. We're here whenever you want to let off steam (moaning not allowed ;-) )

Oh Gretel I fully understnad the frustration and despair. You work so hard and don't reap the rewards. I guess you sometimes feel like flotsam and jetsam with no real control over your finances. But you are GOOD and all you need is a lucky break. If your skint maybe you could think about a little teaching / workshop type enterprise to help boost your income rather than the supermarket. Don't ever give up.
Carolyn x

This freelancing life is so hard sometimes - either crazy busy or long stretches of nothingness that can eat away at your confidence (I was just bemoaning the same thing on my blog).

Like everyone else said - hang in there! Your work is beautiful and there has to be some publishers/agents that will recognise it. And have you ever sent samples to Barefoot Books? I could see your style fitting very well there.

And what about perhaps opening a little Etsy shop,selling prints and cards just to keep things chugging along? http://www.etsy.com/

Sending you best wishes, Susan

C'mon PG where's that spirit gone? You are the best damn artist I've seen on this cyber world of ours, no giving up now!
There's always something round the corner and if I was a millionaire, I'd have bought up every one of your pictures ten time over! What stuff have you written? lets start getting it out on the net in chapters and lets spread the PG word!

Oh Gretel. I know exactly what you are talking about. We all do. All my heroes have said the same thing at one time or another. Struggle is often valuable but it is never ever easy. And as for success. Since when has success been so tightly linked with whether you 'make a living' or not? Every single painting you do is a success and a marker on your journey. So what if you get another temporary job to put bread on the table for a while? It is painting that will feed your Soul, even if you have a few less hours for it. You are The Amazing Gretel, and just as Amelie wasn't 'Waitress Amelie', you are defined by much greater things than what you do to pay your bills.

You are truly great, and don't go being put off today about what MIGHT or MIGHT NOT happen tomorrow. Can you afford to paint today? That's all you need concern yourself with.

With love
Lorna
xxx

Gretel, people who can't draw (like me) wish so very much that they had a snippet of your talent. I really hope a secret benefactor comes your way soon.

Hey Gretel, I lasted 8 measly months as an illustrator - just couldn't hack the rejection - I think you're amazing for sticking at something that you're incredibly talented at and clearly have a passion for. There are so many ways in which the world makes no sense and where values are completely skewed and this is a prime example. Why must it be so hard for a rare and beautiful artistic talent to receive deserved recognition and a decent wage? Hope your fortunes change very soon. All the best x

So sorry to hear you're struggling so at the moment. everyone has to let it out sometimes, you don't need to apologise to use for moaning for goodness sake!

your work is clearly so much part of who you are that I doubt you'd be able to give up, would you?

I hope some sunshine comes your way soon.

I want to add my voice to your lovely cheerleaders and supporters here, and say I hope you're starting to feel more positive and that everything is on the up. Your work is beautiful, and there's no shame at all in getting a part-time job to get some money coming in to keep you going through the lean times.

It seems the fulltime illustrator is a rare beast, most seem to teach as well. Maybe you could advertise as a watercolour tutor? Maybe one to one sessions with adult learners. Just a thought.

Dear Gretel,

just visited your blog to discover this post!
DONT ever give up, you're too talented.
I see from your latest post you seem to be out the other end of the 'gloomydooms', and a change of studio space seems like an excellent idea!
I think your work is amazing and really just don't get why your not being snapped up by an agent or a many publishers!
They obviosly have no taste...pah!

love Erica
xxxx