Cassia Thomas - Illustrator

And now for something completely different...

2011-09-09T10:28:00.001-07:00

As promised, I bring you, 'The Baby.' This is spec work I'm doing for a potential, and yet un-announced project. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

It'll be back to the animal kingdom next week though. Am thinking... oooh, knitting elephants, perhaps???

Never work when you're tired...

2011-09-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

I've been wondering all day why the image I've been working on doesn't look crisp- turns out I've somehow been working on it at a low resolution. Doh!

Ach well, good job it's just a bit of an experiment... I think I might officially pop my brain to bed for the night.

One of those weeks.

2011-09-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know what I did to the universe last week, but it clearly decided I deserved a bit of a slap upside the head.

It all started with a bush of suspicious being. I believe this bush has been lurking in a sinister fashion at the bottom of our garden for years. However, since we only moved in in May, I have no proof. It could very well have sidled in through the back gate last week. To be honest, I wouldn't put it past it. It's sneaky. So sneaky, it's actually hiding behind another altogether more friendly bush of similar description. I wouldn't have known it was there, save for the fact that last time I was in the garden it smirked and rubbed its' branches together smugly. Oh yes! It knows what it's doing!

And, not content with tarnishing the good name of our garden, it appears world domination is its' principle aim. Its spikey little tendrils have begun to straddle the neighbours wall. It leers down at nextdoors' children. It's a bad, bad bush, I tell you.

Anyway, it turns out that this bush, a Yew Bush, is highly dangerous (incase you were preparing to ignore my warnings and give it the benefit of the doubt). Indeed, it's one of the few plants that can kill in the UK. Whilst I'm sure a daisy with a rifle might be scary, the lack of trigger finger means we can all sleep easy. It turns out that THIS bush can fell an army of horses without even trying. Cue abject panic on my behalf. Dogs, the neighbours kids and this bush should NOT hang out together. Anyway, after a long. thorough and stressful investigation; involving kids, dogs, and the odd passing cat being told to, 'stand back, there's nothing to see here.' And a very firm talking to from yours truly, it's sworn to me that it's only the seeds of its' berries which are truly a problem... and it'll keep those pretty much to itself. Phew! Thank goodness.

However, the latter part of the week was fairly desimated by; a large computer virus, a follow-up spat between said computer and my scanner, a dismal grinding sound coming from the washing machine (probably feeling mal-treated- Liam's socks HAVE been particularly volatile the last couple of weeks!) a telephone line that decided to give everyone the silent treatment, AND the ongoing saga of my rogue estate agent (yes I WILL name and shame- Kelway Law, you ARE absolute PANTS)

So, this post (and this picture) is slightly later in getting to you than I planned, but touch wood (or perhaps not, in light of previous paragraphs...) all SEEMS to be well now. Although, I couldn't be sure, but I THINK I hear a deep, leafy-sounding, laughter coming from out the back door...!

insert some kind of lion pun in here A Roaring Great Post, perhaps?

2011-08-30T01:04:00.000-07:00

I forgot to put my lion character sheet up, alongside the colour piece yesterday. Not surprising, since we are talking about a day during which I managed to burn my tummy with the steam from a microwave meal. THAT is the level of success I expected from yesterday.

Not to worry, mind; I shall post today, kindly ask you to view both posts together, forget what you've just read... and NO ONE shall be any the wiser!!! (Not quite sure about the punctuation there. Feel free to re-assemble that sentence as you see fit!)

Have also (for your enjoyment only) stuck a fox up a tree... TWICE, no less!!! Mainly because I haven't quite finished the image yet, and I'm not sure which I prefer.

I thank you. Good day!

Dagnammit...

2011-08-29T11:38:00.001-07:00

... I finally remembered that idea. Turns out it wasn't GENIUS!!!

... But it might still be useful... *strokes chin, thoughtfully*

A dog day afternoon...

2011-08-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

... well, morning, actually. It's 5.28am to be precise. And I can't sleep. I have one, single, stuffy nostril, and it's ruined the flow of my, 'Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's'. Currently they're more, 'Zzz-insert noise like a balloon being deflated beneath a medium tog duvet-zzz.' I'm sure you can appreciate the difficulty.

And, to top it off, I've just remembered I had an idea for a story the other day, which was absolute GENIUS!!! I know it was GENIUS!!! because I now can't remember for the life of me what the jiggins it was! I have an empty little gap in my brain, be-decked by red, velvet curtains, which still echoes with the cheers of close-to brain cells. Honestly, I do. If only I could remember that idea, you'd all be gobsmacked- GOBSMACKED, I tell you...

... But I just... can't... remember...

Anyway, that's pretty much sealed the deal on sleep. So...

... here's Jam instead.

Twit taaa-woooooo!

2011-08-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

More feathery fun for the weekend.

I shall now go and hoover the stairs. Such is my rock n' roll life-style (don't try this at home, Kids!)

And, remember; dogs, foxes, and babies still to come! Same bat time, same bat channel!

Hooray...

2011-08-20T12:04:00.001-07:00

... you came back!

Have a coupla kiwi's for your troubles!

Heaven's to betsy...

2011-08-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

... I need to put up more work. Here's Higgins the reindeer.

What else? Well I think, since waking up at 5am yesterday, I'm slightly delirious, but this completely unrelated clip cracked me up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs-rAzq8IzA

What can I say? I have to admit sleep deprivation doesn't treat me well...

Also, it's been a while since I've done a book recommendation, so I think everyone should read this. (And don't worry, I read it before I fell out with the sandman).

Stay tuned folks, for; fox, owl, dog and baby illo's over the next few days!

Thistley Hough Summer Book Fayre

2011-08-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

Recently, I got to spend a fantabulous day amidst a wonderful bunch of people at the Thistley Hough Summer Book Fayre, in Stoke.

Thistley Hough High School had taken it upon themselves to celebrate books of all types. I feel incredibly lucky to say I was one of a handful of book people invited to take part in such an important event.

In the morning, I had a splendid time with year 10 and 11, doing character workshops. The work each student produced was hugely impressive. Though the outcomes were so wonderfully varied in style, each took to character design like many creative ducks to water. It was exciting to see how bold they all were, and it made me think I need to loosen up again in my own work.

I confess, I ran the risk of instant humiliation. I almost shed a tear (or two) of pride when all the students spontaneously decided to stay in over their breaks to finish their designs. They also asked their teacher if they might start up an illustration club next term! I really could not ask for a better compliment *beams with immense joy* and I can't wait to see the work they produce then.

In the afternoon, I was introduced to 60 primary school children, in a huge, big-top tent. All the kids were incredibly patient and enthusiastic, despite good ol' Blighty providing the ever predictable, torrential rain, lapping at the sides of the tent.

I'd like to thank; all the students that took part for being bleedin' brilliant, (you honestly all made my day) Kirsty Hicks and Holly Hartley (their amazing teacher's), and Claud Everest and Zac Barrow (for the extra help, and the marvellous write-up). It really was a thoroughly cockle-warming day (whatever 'warming one's cockles' actually means!)

On a serious note, I was gladdened (but not at all surprised) to see that the students rose to the challenges of the book festival, and that there seemed to be lasting positive effects long after the the big-top had departed. After a week of riots in the UK, (largely involving young folk) it makes me more convinced than ever that there needs to be more links between; industry, community, and schools- especially secondary schools. Students need to see their dreams (whatever they may be) in action. They need to believe that there CAN be a bright future out there. Surely we need to be increasing; time, energy, and most importantly, funding into these sorts of ventures. Education isn't just about 1+1 and long-dead authors. It's certainly not about targets. It's about life, and living, and as soon as that's understood, perhaps we can REALLY move on.

You might recognise this one too... from many moons ago.

2011-06-24T01:30:00.001-07:00

Still not finished, mind!

BTW, just incase you hadn't heard, there's an Egon Schiele exhibition going on until the 30th June, in London. Details here. Am bouncing about like a small child in anticipation of a visit. Eek! I may have to snog each of his piccies!

FINALLY finished this drawing...

2011-06-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

...Just the small matter of colouring it now.... ah BUM!

Location, Location, Location...

2011-05-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Arg. This weekend marks a trip to pastures new. I've spent the past 3 days selotaping life as I know it into boxes.... and I swear the boxes are a helluva lot bigger than a year and bit ago when we last moved.

Today it was my poor beloved studio's turn. Always the most emotional part of a move for me.

These tiny cubby holed spaces have consumed so much of my time that I always feel sad saying good bye.

One of the nice things though, is that I finally get to the bottom of the piles I've been putting off sorting. I always find pictures I've forgotten all about. Here is one of them. I have absolutely no recollection of doing it, so I suspect it was a 'front of TV evening special' done on a whim.

Anyway, my next post will be from a different location... a whole 2 roads away!!!

As an aside, I'll be making an appearance at The Grayshott Children's Theatre next Tuesday the 10th May. Penelope Keith will be doing a book reading of a Julia Donaldson number, and I'll be doing some drawing activities and book signing with the kiddywinks. All are welcome for fun frolics.

See here to buy tickets. http://www.grayshottchildrenstheatre.co.uk/

What I worked on today...

2011-04-23T11:30:00.001-07:00

So, you know Pooshnoozle, already, but I can't remember if you've met Molly. Molly was Lively Elizabeth's predecessor... or I suppose, older role model- hence the goggles. So, she's been around years now, but it's nice to spend some proper time with her again.

Anyway, I've gone back to using my pencil full-on in much of my recent work, as it's what I love most, but I've added in some darker ink lines too, which I hope has added some punch.

This isn't finished yet (obviously). There's going to be a goofy vulture on the left arm of the chair stealing Molly's lunch. I'll probably 'flesh out' the top of the chair too, as I quite like the way it looks like a frame for the characters. I'm not really sure whether to add colour or not either. Opinions on a postcard, please!

Oooh, I also made my first cheesecake; strawberries and cream. If I'm not dead by tomorrow, I'll know it was a success...

Some young rogue's stolen all my Easter Eggs...

2011-04-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Working for Nada!

2011-04-22T01:37:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to draw your attention to this brilliant post by the very talented (and smart-talking) Sheena Dempsey. It's on illustrators working for free, and in turn, it references some very good, very funny, very gall-making articles and vids that are definitely worth a watch too.

My take can be summed up like this, 'If I were a dentist, would you ask me to work for free?'

However, you know I'll never be able to leave it at that, so in addition to what Sheena's said...

My advice to people serious about breaking into illustration is, never work for free. 'Good exposure' is the reason the client will give, but here's how I see it, the only time you might, might, might get good exposure out of something is if it's a huge campaign for Coca-Cola or Mars- someone astronomically mega huge like that... And if that's the case, do we really think they can't afford to pay you???

The arguement I hear from illustrators is, isn't it better to be working for free than not to be working at all? Short answer is; No. My gut, heart, and every fibre of being adds, HELLLLLLL NO!!!!

If you don't have work, it's better to work on honing your technique/developing your portfolio than to work for free. Working on technique and portfolio development is work that's never finished, and has more chance in benefitting your overall career, and getting you the sorts of paid work you would like to do. Far better than doing a brief that's not 100% you... for nothing.

Any contact that won't pay is not worth having.

I might also add that the smaller the job, often the bigger the stress from the client. And why should this not be true. They've already proved they don't value you by asking you to work for free, haven't they???

Work on spec is *slightly* different. I've been asked by a number of publishers to provide character sketches or work up an idea more before they commit. As the equally lovely, Faye Hanson, remarks (in reply to Sheena's post) we deal in idea's, and sometimes it's often necessary to provide tangible evidence that you not only get a brief, but that you're also 'the man' for the job. Often times in publishing, even if your editor/art director believes in you, the project will be passed by folk who don't know you or your work (and who may not even be hugely visual) before it gets the yay or nay. Working on spec i.e. for free is part of the process of getting commissioned (unless you're Quentin Blake, I'd imagine...?)

Although I recognise working 'on spec' as a part of the process, I recommend exercising caution. And this is where things get slightly hazy. There's a big difference between doing a couple of quick character studies, or marking up a clear storyboard, and doing months of work for free. However, you do have to set your own limits a little.

When I start to worry a line is being crossed, I ask myself two questions;

1. Do I think the client is being reasonable i.e. did I deviate from brief in what I offered/was I not clear enough with what I produced? etc. or do I think they're taking the p*ss?!

2. Am I doing work I'd be able to use to send out to other clients/put in my portfolio, or do I essentially feel I'm going around in circles without creating anything new or useful?

I feel I should point out that the designer/editor you're working with often does not deal with the money end of the situation... or they've been working on other things and haven't realised how long you've been deligently slogging for nada. They're not all ogres!!! But, whatever the reason, particularly if points 1 and/or 2 have been overstepped, you should NEVER feel bad, gently raising the issue of cash. In fact, you should never feel bad about raising the issue of cash period!!!

So, how does work on spec differ from regular work? Work on spec is preparatory or sample work used to gain a commission. Never do work on spec for a client you suspect has no intention of offering you a fair package at the end (if, for example, they've taken other people you know for a ride). If this spec work is not used, you have every right to take it to other clients. Regular work is producing a final project for a client. Once it's done, it's done. Let the regretting begin!

I'm not glossing over how hard it can be to stick to your guns. Especially when you're living one lot of beans on toast to the next and desperate for work, but I am BEGGING with you to consider these things. And never be fooled by anyone into thinking working for free will fast track your career.

We all want to make a living doing what we love. What would happen if none of us charged?

And don't even get me started on copyright...

I strongly advise anyone who's starting out (and doesn't have someone experienced to ask) to get a membership to The AOI. And I know the AOI will HATE me saying this, but even if you get one membership between a couple of you to begin with, it's better than not seeking good advice at all. I know it costs money, but the information you'll be able to gain will pay for itself, monetarily as the jobs mount up.

Also, if you're a fab artist, but too bashful to get your head around the business side, DO get yourself a good agent.

And....are the above couple; bad clients, or initial character sketches of an evil aunt and doting circus master from the book I'm attempting to write....?

Err, anyway, if any of this read's like a complete rant you can blame Sheena!!!

The Topiary Dragon

2011-04-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Let's gloss over how long it's been since I wrote anything on here, shall we? Quick, look, here's a dragon! Happy Easter, All!

An Old Friend

2011-03-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

I have several ideas on the go at the minute. One is far more ambitious than anything I've done before, and is tying me completely in knots.

I'm trying to take babysteps into fiction, you see. I've bitten the bullet and I'm attempting to write my first chapter book- but with pictures that work like a picture book. So, not just an ordinary staggeringly hard task, but a mixture of staggeringly hard tasks. Neither of which I've really done before. Good one, Cass!

Anyway, I've come to a bit of a standstill, and I'm well-aware I've been working the old procrastination rituals over the last couple of days. I think it's time to take an official break, rather than starting to beat myself up about it.

I've decided to re-visit Quentin Fox for a bit instead. You may remember that Quentin proved to be popular with the publishers as a character, but I couldn't find the right story for him to make both me and the publishers happy. I didn't want to sell him short, and a lot of the stuff I came up with was either too old for the publishers or too twee for me.

When I come up with a character I really like, I find it quite hard to confine them to a story. It feels like I'm limiting them somehow. Perhaps because a lot of the time I'm trying to squash them into a story that doesn't quite fit. I'm desperately trying to learn the art to story-writing at the moment, and I think part of it for me, has been to learn patience. You hear about people rustling up a story in their lunch break (one Alex T Smith springs to mind) but I think I have to learn that for me, although ideas come easily, whole stories are blimmin' hard work!

A while ago, I started playing with this cut out technique for background. I was trying to remedy another one of my bad habits- the fact that I tend to overcrowd scenes. I wondered if I was to create a background without drawing whether I'd still have the same trouble, as it really is my pencil that allows me to get carried away. If I worked more purposefully (creating each individual piece) would I still be so free and easy with detail? Whilst I love detail and will go to any lengths to defend it (despite the fact that it's SO out of fashion at the moment), I think this quieter result does make you appreciate the little bits of detail more. Weirdly, since it's so different from my normal stuff it still feels very me too.

I find some images grow over time. I've had this image sat around for a while, and slowly, slowly, slowly it's been growing a story somewhere in the background of my mind. This afternoon I thought I'd find out whether this story is ready to be put down on paper yet. I feel a bit nervous, so wish me luck!

Authors for Japan

2011-03-15T01:31:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to go to Japan and South Korea in 2004. If I could go back and re-visit any time in my life so far, it would be those 4 weeks. Both country's are so rich in their storytelling and visual cultures that I am embarrassed to say they leave Britain lagging about their ankles, like a snotty, spoilt younger sibling. I had no choice but to leave part of my heart in each country.

This 'Authors for Japan' Auction is a fantastic way of supporting the aid work that will be desperately needed in the next weeks, whilst tipping your hat to its' honoured tradition of storytelling.

Alas, I found out about the auction too late for George, Ghost, and Elizabeth to help out, but I'll definitely be fighting you all off for some of those kids books!

A bit of fluff...

2011-03-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

Here's my latest efforts at colouring fur. This is an old image, but I wanted to have another go at colouring him up without getting far too excited about the actual drawing part!

I think he probably needs some more highlights now I look at him again, but I think I'll leave it for today and have a closer scrute tomorrow.

I reckon this was why I was rubbish at colouring books. Colouring is so much more boring than drawing!

In other news, myself and 22 children from Ash Grange School had a whale of a time for World Book Day. We took over the kiddies section of WH Smith, and coloured and treasure-hunted, yelled at Lively Elizabeth (hugely fantastically, everyone knew the words!), and (very importantly) ate biscuits! Was a great celebration, and WH Smith were kind enough to give a few lucky prize-winners book vouchers too, so hopefully there'll be plenty more book lovin' in future. Thanks to everyone that made my World Book Day fab!

Julietta Grown Up

2011-03-02T10:18:00.000-08:00

I'm still messing around with this upside down picture. I've tried a different colouring technique, and I've added in some more detail to the original Julietta drawing. I really like the results, and it's actually a lot simpler than my normal gazillion layered technique. It does have a more sophisticated, perhaps slightly 'older' finish though, and I'm not sure if that's a particularly commercial way to go when approaching picture books. We'll see.

I've also worked into the monster a bit with the same technique, but as he was originally coloured pencil and the fur is much looser anyway, it's had a very different effect. I think it's quite successful, and I definitely like it better than the previous attempt, but it's widened the gap in styles and techniques between the two characters. It's made them less successful as a pair.

I know it sounds batty (in more ways than one) but I think part of the issue is that the characters ARE upside down. I think I need to have a go at uprighting them, and then carrying on experimentation.

In other news, I went to a brilliant needle felting workshop yesterday, held by fellow illustrator, Sophie Allsopp. She's amazing at it. You can see her fab artwork and creations here.

I am now completely in love with needle-felting. No, really! Remember my inability to have a hobby? Remember my stupidly restless mind, making endless lists and demands? Needle-felting is the answer to everything. I may just make it my new religion and worship at the alter of my local wool shop. In fact, scrap that, I'm going to get myself my own sheep. I'll dye them different colours and arrange them in rainbow formation in my front garden.

I'm stoked. It's the first properly, officially crafty thing I've done in years, and I may just be a little in love with my woolly fugly creation. No, he doesn't yet have eyes, and he may only have two paws... one of which is markedly bigger than the other. But the point is, I GET it! I can see myself very merrily making many more mutant creations. Yes, they'll possibly cause optical bleeding and children across the world to cry out for their mothers. But, and this is a big but, they will make me h-a-p-p-y! I may create a whole village of fuglies, and just move in.

I shall post pics of my efforts when I can work out how to get my fabulous creation off the camera... and no he did not crack the lens...

Anyway, thank goodness it's weekend. I'm ready for a two day snooze... Have a good one, all.

Booksniffing.

2011-02-28T02:35:00.000-08:00

I want to draw your attention to a truly scrumptious new blog. It's by a rather cute, and hugely well-read, pug I know, called The Book Sniffer. You can't fail to be impressed, not only with this canine's knowledge of books, but also just how goshdarned well-connected she is!

The only downside being, that the Book Sniffer has had the thoroughly bad taste to interview me as well. Well, she is a dog afterall, and dogs do lick their own- er, well, never mind...

However, the puglicious one also interviewed my dog, Sheba The Bear. Let's face it, as far as dynamic duo's go, The Bear is definitely the brains of the operation, so do go and check out her barks of wisdom here.

In other news, it is a sad, sad week. The beautiful Emma O'D is leaving our fair Hachette. If you ask me, Emma is truly one of the rare gems of publishing. She has, as you know, looked after me at my events, and has gone above-and-beyond to sort everything needed, and to calm frayed nerves- often on a Saturday! She's also just a blimmin' lovely person. Every author/illustrator I know who's worked with her at Hodder or Orchard adores her, and will be gutted to see her go.

Before too many tears are shed mind, Emma is leaving to a brand, spanking new position at Templar- huzzah! I'm sure she'll be just as well-loved there. Emma, I wish you the very best of luck with it all, Lovely! Three *thoroughly over emotional* cheers for the marvellous Miss O'D!

More bleedin' bears...

2011-02-22T01:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I *think* it's *hopefully* MAYBE safe to say, that I've finished with Goldenhair and the Three Bears.

It's been a great project for experimentation, and I think I've learnt a lot from it. As per usual, there are things I would do differently, but I think that's healthy, and it's given me a lot to move forward with. It was a tight deadline, (the tightest I've ever worked with) and I'm really pleased that it turned out well.

Since then, I've continued working a bit more mixed-media on this new image below, and it's been refreshing to steer clear from photoshop quite so much.

It's very much a love/hate relationship that I have with photoshop. I love that it allows me to try stuff without ruining my original image, but I think recently it's become a bit prison-like. Ironically it seems to have made me MORE precious about images; taking MORE time, not less over my work. Spending ages over one image is confidence-destroying if that one image still doesn't look right. And outside of photoshop, I might have been able to create 5 finished images in the same time frame, which means 5 times the learning, even if I STILL don't have something I'm pleased with.

Anyway, this image is only the start, as I'm hoping to take myself on a bit of a colour journey. I've become afraid of my work again recently, and I need to conquer some of those fears and go back to 'school'. By that, I mean methodically working through problems, rather than skipping about all over the place and not really solving anything.

I recently read an interview with Amanda Wood, of Templar, where she said,

'(it's) often more about trying to find the story that an artist wants to tell themselves and then coaxing it out of them!'

This really struck a long-forgotten chord with me. Of late, I've been concerned that I NEED to author to be able to illustrate what I want to illustrate. I've been so keen to find a story that works that I've forgotten the key issue about writing stories I actually want to tell!

I need to re-learn how to concentrate on the actual work, and not the pressures behind it, which let's face it, are pretty enormous and (if you let them be) totally overwhelming in this market.

Anyway, the word is 'methodically,' Cass. Let's approach these issues one at a time. Although, I can't help but think if I can sort out one problem, the rest might start to assemble themselves.

Hope you like these guys though. They're my new favourites. It's just a colour rough, but even so, I always feel far more free at the start of a project, and I think (hope) it shows!

Protect the Libraries.

2011-02-05T03:11:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to write much. This speech by Philip Pullman gives you the wider picture in a far more knowledgeable and intelligent manner than I ever could.

However, I do want to share a memory.

It was one of those Summer days that measured out, as only a childhood Summer day could. i.e. it was YEARS long. The window was open and I distinctly remember thinking that there couldn't possibly be a better occasion, weatherwise. I felt like Goldilocks. The breeze and the sunshine warmth were 'jusssssssssst right.' Dust bunnies danced in the sheaves of rays, like they were at the best day-time disco. Can you describe sun rays as being 'sheaved'? I'm not sure, but they felt like they were, since they sort of fanned out evenly, as if they had a paperclip on top. I sunbathed in my room. I love sunbathing inside. Outside, the light always seems to hurt my eyes too much, and I can't stand how sunglasses alter colours.

We'd just decorated my room and laid a new carpet and the bare floor was as comfy as grass is always described (but never actually IS!) There was nothing in my room apart from me, the sun, a packet of Tutti-frutti's and a cassette player.

I'd just discovered Norton Juster's, 'The Phantom Tollbooth' and was completely in love. Not only with the characters and the story, but also with the audio narrator's rich, slow drawl.

It was the first time I remember appreciating that a non-illustrated story could be AS full and as encompassing. Juster's tale was perfectly bundled and matched by its' production and the world they'd conjured came completely alive for me. I still remember it came in one of those hardbacked, 2 cassette cases that always smelt of the place they'd be stored; in this case it was The Hornsey Library. It had a yellow cover, and a picture I thought highly uninteresting. I'd got it out because it'd been from the library. At the library you didn't have to spend your pocket money or beg to a parent. You could take risks. And some paid off SUPREMELY.

I've been searching for a copy of that audio book ever since. I don't think it exists anymore. I've only once, in all my life, seen any format of, 'The Phantom Tollbooth,' on a bookseller's shelf. I did finally concede defeat in my audio search and bought a copy in paperback a couple of years back. It was nerve-wracking opening up that first page. Would I ruin my perfect memory?

As luck would have it, unlike many of the things I remember from childhood, this stood the test of time. It's a BRILLIANT book. One that's inspired me along the way, first as a memory and then as a re-read. I've loaned out to many of my adult friends, who have loved it equally.

So, thank you, Mr Juster, and thank YOU, local library. You both served me well.

And incidentally, the only time I saw it on a bookseller's shelf was last year. I ordered it into Waterstones, whilst I worked there. Though not the same edition, this copy also had an old-fashioned cover and an author no one was familiar with. It didn't sell well. Some books are meant to be discovered, I think, and this was one. Too bad there won't be so many opportunities for this kind of serendipitous happenstance in years to come.

Wander down to your local library today and take out a few books. Dig out something new and shiny, but also something dark and dusty. You never know, you might find a gem or two.

Lively Elizabeth and Bear-faced chic?

2011-02-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

Off to catch myself some fish (frozen, bagged, and packaged with parsley sauce). I'm such a fantastic cook...

BTW, 2 pieces of good news. I think I forgot to say, Lively Elizabeth got a reprint in the States. Woohoo!!! And also, the feisty little minx is now available to buy from all good bookshops in paperback!

This bed's too hard.

2011-02-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

Have been feeling a bit poo this week. Am a total wuss when I'm ill, and I have a tight deadline to stick to, so have been revelling in being a right whinge bucket. Of course there's only me here, so I've bored myself silly...!

2011-01-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I thought I'd 'bear' all...

I've been working with the big and fluffy today, trying to get things looking a bit more whole and complete. I'm still debating whether to keep the shadow (it was, as Bob Ross would say, 'a happy little accident'). Initially I quite liked it, but now I'm not sure it's not a bit distracting. Plus, the bear doesn't have one. I'm also wondering whether to go around the bear with a similar line to Goldilocks. What do you think?

In other news, it was S-U-N-N-Y today, and it's just been bliss. I've really been a very jolly camper today. Fingers crossed it's the start of some sort of a trend. I'm attempting to start swimming, and if it remains like this, I might almost actually go!

Water colour

2011-01-17T12:57:00.001-08:00

Happy new year, Lovely Peeps!

2011-01-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

I very much hope you haven't broken your resolutions, and lapsed into a grey puddle at the feet of January.

Indeed, January is only eclipsed by February in the 'grimness' stakes- and that's coming from someone who's birthday is thus positioned. So, you see, I speak with wholly unbiased eyes! (And yes, I am presently accepting gifts and cards. For those of you feeling particularly generous, I am still after that i-phone!- So good of you to ask!)

Anyway, I don't think many folk would disagree with me that really, if we could just jiggle this annual malarkey around a little and wangle a couple of extra May's instead, the world would be a happier place. I'd even accept an additional April or an excess of October- I'm not fussy! However, this drab-ness drives me nuts. It's like living with a pessimist! "You might be in a good mood, but I wouldn't get used to it- I'll probably rain in a minute." "Oh, I wouldn't bother with today, I'll be getting dark at 2pm!" Yes, what a WONDERFUL month, January is!

As January's go though, this one HAS had it's upside's.

For example, it is the first one in AGES that I've actually felt; rested, relaxed and happy throughout. Normally I have work to do over the holiday, or we're moving. I've no idea why, but we ALWAYS move over Christmas- major no-no, I'd say. So January's are often spent trying to work out in what box I've packed the tin-opener, and whether anyone's seen the dog since I got a bit excited with the gaffer tape... This year I haven't even bothered to pack up the Christmas tree! It's still up, in all its' glory. Granted it's now sporting dusting baubles, but it's magnificent all the same. I have *cunningly* started refering to it as 'my birthday tree' instead (did I happen to mention that it was my BIRTHDAY?!)

I've started my first job of the year, which is a lovely, lively short commission, based on, 'The Three Bears'. I'm quite liking the short commission thing. You can get your creative chompers into something, without it being around long enough either to upset your various (and many) artistic insecurities, or to risk it getting dull. It's like a holiday of sorts!

I also have another rather significant project on the go, which will be under wraps for a few months yet.

And, I know someone's bound to mention Pooshnoozle. Well, the truth is that that lackadaisical little so-and-so didn't go to his final meeting before Christmas soooooooo..... the cliff-hanger continues. Will the stripey one ever be released into the great wide world or not? It will now fall to our friend, January to decide his fate. It will either be hugely illuminated with his triumph or deadened with disappointment! The initial signs are good and the first two meetings went without a hitch, but things could still go either way.

December holds it's own pretty well. January, on the other hand, needs all the help it can get, so let's all cross our fingers and hope it's good news- it has, afterall, been uncharacteristically frisky, so far!

Right, now off you all pop - The shops shut soon and I demand a three-tiered cake! Chop chop!

Season's Greetings...

2010-12-27T12:47:00.001-08:00

Trust everyone's eaten their weight in Terry's Orange and advent calendar choccie by now? Fabulous! Hasn't the Christmas T.V. been pants though?

Pre- Christmas Tidyings! Ho ho!

2010-12-17T12:43:00.001-08:00

It's been a bitty sort of a week. I think everyone's pretty much waiting for Christmas, but also not quite believing that it's almost here. It's a feeling mainly conducive to farting about, not doing much. I myself, have wafted about with a wisp of tinsel and a couple of well-hung baubles for several days, not quite able to commit them to a landing point.

I'm beginning to tinker with the inklings of my feelings about 2011, but I can't say I've really gotten used to writing 2010 yet. I've just finished (I hope!) with my tax return, and it's ridiculous how you can sum up an entire year in just a few (too many!) receipts.

Perhaps 2010 has been a bit of a non-year in many ways. I think it will be remembered (if indeed anyone can bare to remark upon it at all) as a kind of hiccup (or perhaps 'belch' might be a better word) in history.

However the great thing about a year such as 2010 is that it makes people more inclined to stick the boot in! I'm up for fighting for the things in my life that are important to me, and trimming away the ugly, fatty, slightly shameful parts (and I don't mean my love handles.... or wait, perhaps I do!)

Either way, 2011 will be a year of change, and that's quite exciting. I, for one, am definitely up for setting off on a new adventure. Who's with me?

Woking 6th form

2010-12-10T10:36:00.000-08:00

Ooh, ooh, I've been very lucky recently. I've been lucky because I got to work with The Lightbox again and the fabulous Woking 6th form College. I was approached by Ali, a mavellous tutor there, to do 2 talks for Woking's wonderful art students. What on earth was he thinking???!

I won't lie, initially I was quite concerned I'd be pelted to death by street cred. My own 6th form experience was a baffling time. Artistically, I'm not sure if the time spent on 'self-reflection' wasn't actually just sleeping in disguise, and I remember long periods of sticking used teabags to large slabs of card. Who really knows what all that was about?

Anyway, Woking's students were far more mature and self-assured... possibly than I am even now!

As I spluttered and waffled, stood in front of my own presentation and in a burst of madness, knocked the wires out of the projector, both groups were warm, patient, and did a good job of appearing to be interested.

It was refreshing to meet a 6th form tutor with such a passion for his work and his students. Ali had a way of simply allowing a class to manage itself, rather than become regimented.

I did two talks; one on being an illustrator, and one on characterisation. I set exercises, based on my own past briefs so they could see a small snapshot of what it'd be like to work on an actual book.

I found the whole thing immensely inspirational.

The best bit for me was checking out their work. I can't recommend Woking College highly enough for its art department. My experience of A-level was very one-dimensional. This lot had already covered; photography, animation and done a bit of photoshop work. It was brilliant having them reveal rather complex thinking behind their projects, and to see how they'd resolved briefs. They were inquisitive and took critique brilliantly. Their work was astonishingly accomplished. And I was extremely chuffed to see some fantastic levels of progress in students in just a couple of sessions. ALL of them brought something new to the table.

I'm hoping I might be able to get copies of some of their work to post up here. In the meantime, you'll have to suffer some of my own GCSE/A-level work.

It was particularly interesting working with this age-group at this current time. I hope it goes without saying that I COMPLETELY disagree with the government's latest shenanigans involving tuition fees. It breaks my heart. However the fantastic thing about art is there is no one way to approach it as a career. No doubt some folk will be wondering if they will now be able to attend university. However, art is all about your portfolio. A good degree course can be a brilliant help, and no doubt it will be trickier without, but if the students I worked with continue with such passion and fervour, if they keep their hearts and mind open and continue learning, they have every chance of succeeding no matter what.

I can't WAIT to see where they all end up. I have a feeling there will be very bright futures there indeed.

I'm SO looking forward to seeing their exhibition in July, and to working with the college again next year!

If you are a school/college/organisation with interest in hiring an illustrator for workshops or talks, please do give me a yell.

Ahem... remember me?

2010-11-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

My keyboard seems to be slightly rusty. I think there might be cobwebs on my mouse... and a small family of something very furry seem to have taken up residence in my brain. Yes, it has been a quite a while since I donned my bloggers' hat.

It's Friday night. In fact it's Guy Fawkes. I know what you're asking yourself; What on earth is a wild child, party animal like Miss Thomas doing choosing this precise moment to dust off her fantastically neglected journal? Surely she must have a red carpet to stroll down? Rooms to light up? Thigh high boots, a conical bra, and pink hot pants to slip into...? Ahem... perhaps not!

No, my rather wonderful blogsters. I choose to spend my evening with you... wrapped up in a warm cloud of dog fart. For Guy Fawkes is a night my dog enjoys almost as much as the V.E.T's cold thermometer up the backside. And being the caring sharing sort, I'm caring at home with her, and now sharing my pain with you. She's been following me about all evening like a bad smell. Literally, in fact, a bad smell. Fireworks seem to bring out her fragrant side.

Anyway, much to tell you.

1. I'm 5 episodes into The Vampire Diaries and there's not been nearly enough Damon for my liking. Indeed, I've turned it off in disgust, and hope my hearty protest has taught them a valuable lesson in time for episode 6.

2. I went to a rather wonderful talk at The Lightbox, by David McKee (of Not Now, Bernard fame). If you ever get chance to hear this man speak, it's well-worth the trip. He's completely barking, in the nicest possible way. I aspire to be that bonkers by the time I'm his age. And hopefully just as inspirational. I loved his quote (and I know I'm going to get this wrong) about how he writes for the adult a child will become and the part of an adult that always remains a child... I'm sure it made more sense when he said it though....

3. Dobby died.... again. Which means I've been through 3 HP books in the last couple of weeks.

4. I went to a Hodder Press evening, which was fantastic fun. I got to catch up again with Melanie Williamson; possibly one of the loveliest illustrators in all the land. I also got to meet Lee Wildish; possibly one the dishiest illustrators in all the land....!

5. I did two workshops at The Lightbox (will chat further about this over at my lightbox blog later this weekend).

6. I received a one-off, original, unique, totally one-of-a-kind artwork from the totally (but very quietly) god-like Matt Dawson. I now have to buy a mansion to exhibit it in, but I'm entirely convinced it'll be worth the investment. I shall scan it for the next post to make you guys jealous.

7. Start Fitness seem to be hounding me via email. Really, what IS the deal?! Surely they can't know I've eaten one and a half bars of Green and Blacks and a Chris Evans cupcake today, can they?!!

8. I've ALMOST entirely been seduced by the idea of an I-phone. Someone stop me. Please. Please? It would be ridiculous. A girl that rarely leaves her pj's let alone her house does not need that kind of kit! But it has an app to help you work out your zombie survival plan.... want, want...

9. Pooshnoozle is finally going off to be looked at by the powers-that-be at Egmont. December brings with it either an over-flowing sack of publishing goodness, or the lump of coal that is defeat. I feel I've done all I can, so I think I can rest easy and toast my tootsies on the warm glow of hope. If all goes wrong, there's always the welcoming embrace of Egg-nog to look forward to instead.

10. I've almost entirely run out of clean socks. I'd better do some washing.

11. I'm supposed to be going shopping for a bridesmaid dress tomorrow. I'm sure a 1930's silk bias cut will look excellent with odd socks in different stages of disintegration... Hmm...

12. I've been offered an exciting new text for Hodder. Huzzah! It still needs to go to scary Acquisitions, but could be very groovy if it makes it. Nice!

13. Lively Elizabeth is being reprinted in The States! Whoop whoop!

I think that does pretty much bring you bang up to speed with things. The dog seems to have puffed herself out... however you want to take that. And I think I shall away to bed. Hope you have a good one. Thank you and G'night!

George and Ghost out NOW!!!

2010-10-12T12:24:00.001-07:00

Apparently reports are in that the first copy of 'George and Ghost' has landed. My lovely friend, Nick, got his in the post this morning. Very exciting indeed.

I love the idea that my little twosome might be ending up on people's front door mats all over the country... I think George especially is quite a shy character, so if he appears on yours, do be nice!

George and Ghost- launch dates and party.

2010-09-28T06:26:00.000-07:00

Brrr! It's getting a wee bit parky outside, isn't it? On my 'commute' this morning (from my front door, around and about a bit... and then back to my front door) I noticed the sky had developed that Winter bleak, indulgently wretched look- you know the one. It's been grey for weeks, but suddenly it's seems the colour gets sucked out of the landscape as well. It's the look every good Brit waits for, groans, and then enjoys a really excellent, hearty moan about.

"Ooh, Summer's over again!"

"What Summer?!" *chortle, chortle*

"Have you seen Tesco have got Christmas stuff in ALREADY?!"

"£10 for a box of Quality Street- I ASK you!!!" Etc. Etc.

No, this is not a generalisation. Every Brit does it- it's true. You get to a certain age and suddenly, in order to communicate with other people of a certain age, you turn into Nora Batty. TRUST ME!

Anyway, I noticed that the woodland was starting to get that tree graveyard feel to it. The paths were strewn with tiny leaf skeletons. I always mean to collect some up for an un-named 'crafty' project, and always leave it too late. Probably a good thing. I have indulged in this kind of romantic notion once or twice before, filling my pockets with multi-coloured gems. Each time is all fun and games until I discover an earwig laughing evily in my studio chair or a hoard of woodlice in my afternoon cuppa. Oh yes, it's not such a hoot then! The door's flung open and the unfinished collage/painting is tossed out the door amidst a flurry of foot-stamping, hair-brushing and shrieking; alongside tutting and panicked scurrying from the relevant evacuating little beastie(s).

However, this years' "Is it too early to put the heating on?" conversation means only one thing to me. That's right, everybody! Not Halloween, not Bonfire Night, no! It means something even more exciting! Oh yes! It means that the launch date of 'George and Ghost' is nearly upon us! Huzzah, eh?! Eh???! Thrilling stuff indeed!

I got my advance copies a couple of weeks ago- hugely exciting as I received a hardback AND a paperback! This is the first time I've actually seen my work in paperback. Somehow this makes it seem all the more official, since it's the paperbacks we're more familiar with seeing in the shops these days, isn't it? and I think the printers have done a lovely job with both. Hugely excited to see how it does. Currently, it'll just be the hardback on public release, mind. You shall have wait patiently and form an orderly queue for the paperback... In fact, I don't even know when that'll be out.

Yes. So I think you should all chuck on another pair of thermal undies, knit yourselves a tea-cosy hat and go and put in a pre-order. Now, dagnammit! What are you waiting for??? The official launch date is the 4th November, but I'm pretty sure if you chop-chop and get those orders flying, any of you folk wanting it in time for Halloween won't be disappointed.

If you want to come and hear more about 'George and Ghost', I shall be doing two events at The Lightbox in Woking on the 30th October. 1pm and 3pm. Advanced booking strongly recommended (both the Lively Elizabeth events sold out before the day).

There will be all manner of games and activities, including a treasure hunt, a game of 'Ghostbusters', drawing with me (always fun to see how much I screw up!), and a 'George and Ghost' reading. As it's Halloween, fancily-dressed and particularly scary-looking kids (practice those monster faces now, please!) will be awarded prizes.

If you're too far away from The Lightbox to make it to the events (I fail to believe you could have ANYTHING more important to do on that weekend) then you can also order your books via me, which will mean you'll get a personal inscription and a little drawing,- so please, do dry your tears! The book's priced at £10.99 + p+p.

Right, I'm off to go and put my feet in the toaster, and stick a glove on my nose.

Banned Books Week

2010-09-28T01:45:00.000-07:00

It's Banned Books Week; a week in aid of highlighting the ubiquitous and ignorant censorship of books.

These are books that contain; sex, drugs, weaponry, homosexuality, genitalia Etc.- even in an educational context. But the banned list also includes; Sausages, sandwiches, hedgehogs, double-decker buses (American children won't know what they are, so better not include them rather than arouse curiosity) nipples (even on a gorilla- see Lynne Chapman's blog) and facial expressions (it's prefered a picture book gives out unrealistic or mixed-messages than shows anyone angry, sad or scared), anything occult (Bye, bye, Harry!) danger (pots on stoves, children anywhere near stoves... in fact, we know it's a kitchen and the book's about cooking, but perhaps we could leave the stove out altogether...?!)

Some of you may have read about this in UK press. Articles such as this BBC report are well-meaning but completely misinformed when they say 'There is a battle being fought in America over books.' I see you all reading that and looking slightly smug. If I didn't know better, I would be too.

Here, Anne Rooney's brilliant article highlights how this oversea's battle affects UK authors/illustrators and every single UK child. We may not think we're censoring our children's reading over here, but by Golly we are. And the decision to censor has been made long before teachers or parents have even caught a whiff of the books.

As well as slowly maiming our authors and illustrators imagination, I believe this level of taboo limits a child's opportunities to imagine and question. As Albert Einstein said,

"The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education."

He also said,

"Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods."

So, take a look here for Banned Book event idea's. You'll never know all the ways that the picture books on UK shelves have been altered/neutered (!) in order to be released, but to show your solidarity, simply have a read of some of the banned fiction texts. You can find a few of them here. 'James and the Giant Peach,' anyone?

The only place online you'll see Alexis Deacon wearing a monkey...!

2010-09-16T04:13:00.000-07:00

...Over at my Lightbox blog!!! :0)

Lightbox Private View

2010-09-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

Read all about the Escape To Wonderland Private View over at my Lightbox Blog. Don't forget to become a 'follower' if you want regular updates!

Lively Elizabeth podcast.

2010-09-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

Lively Elizabeth's lovely U.S. publishers, Albert Whitman, have put up a podcast interview with myself and Mara to celebrate its' U.S. launch.

You can read Albert Whitman's blog and listen to the recording here

It was great fun to do, if a little scary. You can hear a couple of points where Mara and I are confused as to what to say when. And whilst Mara is a Lady with a capital 'L', I'm just glad I didn't totally disgrace myself.

If you read my Lightbox blog, you'll know I recently did a radio interview in my P.J's. I can confirm that this interview was a civilised affair- Not a slipper or hot botty in sight!!!

New Piccy

2010-09-07T10:46:00.001-07:00

I'm currently working on this, and feeling very cross-eyed with it. Been a while since I worked on something detailed, and am really enjoying it.

I like to put a picture such as this into photoshop towards the end of its' drawing to test out details, so this has been digitally 'beefed up'. Will then go back and redo the 'beefing up' manually since I've now worked out where it's lacking. Don't think I can face it today though. Am at that point where I might grow impatient, go mental with my pencil and cock it all up. Might take a little walk and work on something else.

Am jolly chuffed I got to use the phrase's 'beefing up' and 'cock it up' in one blog post though. Tremendously satisfying. There's not enough 'beefing up' in my life!

Enjoy the States, Lizzie!

2010-09-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! It's out! Storming the Empire State Building, shopping its' little heart out in Bloomingdales, tightrope-walking across the Grand Canyon and having a cheeky flutter in Vegas. Lively Elizabeth is officially out in the U.S. and here's the proof!

Here's its first American review, from the August 15th edition of Kirkus. I could marry the reviewer!

'Elizabeth is more than lively; she’s a very noisy whirling dervish. One day at nursery school she pushes Joe. He knocks the child in front of him and thus begins a chain reaction that involves all the children in the class. Each one blames the one behind until they realize that Elizabeth started it all. She is contrite, apologizes sincerely and all is well in this very slight cautionary tale. Bergman describes the action with sharp imagery that is beautifully complemented by Thomas’s bright, spirited illustrations that race across the pages. The children are dressed in a wild variety of costumes and accessories that are flung about and make a resounding, booming noise as they come crashing down. Both the text and artwork capture the chaos vividly. Young readers will delight in details like untied shoes, silly headgear and the classroom frog on the loose. Parents and teachers will find it a great candidate for reading aloud, for it tickles the funny bone while providing a gentle lesson on safety. A sweet charmer. (Picture book. 3-7)'

Be the first to let everyone know what you think of Lively Elizabeth by writing an Amazon review!

Lively Elizabeth Released in The States!

2010-08-29T02:57:00.000-07:00

It's 3 short days until Lively Elizabeth hits Stateside! I'm so excited. This has been such a long process with so many different dates attached to it; hugely increasing the nerve-jangling, foot-tapping, brain-exploding anticipation at my end. September 1st is the biggest so far. Having it released over the pond will be a big part of the puzzle fitting into place. And I hope it's a piece that fits snuggly and successfully.

As I'm sure I've mentioned just once or twice before (almost as if it *might* have been playing on my mind!) how the book goes down in The States will very much dictate whether Lively Elizabeth 2 will be made.... And as I already know a little of the yummy craziness that Mara's planned for Lively Elizabeth 2, I really hope that happens! It would be an illustrative feast (hint hint!)

I think we've been really lucky with the US publisher. I've had quite a lot of contact with Albert Whitman, and they seem to be really on the ball, marketing-wise, and darned fine folk too. Considering the book was complete when they set eyes on it, there's been very little necessity to chat to us. However, the fact that they have made good effort to involve us has really eased my mind; knowing that this is a company that goes the extra mile with it's authors and illustrators- even if they're physically gazillions of miles away (yes, my geography is pretty ropey!) I know they'll work hard to look after our Lizzie, and the books new American dust jacket is pretty swanky too!

You can buy Lively Elizabeth directly from the publisher, Albert Whitman. But it should be available from any good bookshop. Please request it at your local shops and libraries too.

PLR petition

2010-08-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

PLR (public lending rights) allows an author/illustrator a small earning from each lending of their work from a public library (6p per lend). The government want to drastically cut this funding.

There are but a few JKRowling's, Stephanie Meyer's, and Quentin Blakes. Many of us, if not most of us struggle to make ends meet and every penny makes a difference. Please, please show your support of PLR funding by signing this petition.

Off to Londers with Quentin.

2010-08-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

I'm off to take Quentin Fox to his first publishers' meeting tomorrow. It's hugely exciting for the both of us, especially as it's not a publisher I've been to see before. (Expect a pending update on my description of publishing house buildings!)

Many people who aren't in the business assume that once you've seen a publisher, things snowball really quickly from there. Well, they can do. You do hear tales of Emily Gravett types that get taken up by the first publisher they contact, and it does all happen almost over night. Sadly, this isn't the norm though. It can take MONTHS for a story to go through the various stages of acceptance or, unfortunately, rejection.

That said, I'm still very hopeful about Quentin as a character. There is a DISTINCT possibility I'm biased, and he's so much fun to draw that perhaps I'm deluding myself, but I do honestly believe he's got things to do and places to be. Although he's receiving a fair amount of interest from different parties, and tomorrow's publisher does so far seem keen, I shall still approach tomorrow with EXTREME caution. Let's hope he doesn't fall at the first hurdle. I'll let you know how Stage 1 of the operation goes.

Curiouser and Curiouser

2010-08-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

Lots to tell you about the exhibition, so will write again tomorrow (when my head's stopped spinning quite so much). Will upload a couple of pics to my Lightbox blog tonight too. (Please remember to 'follow' that to receive regular updates).

Meanwhile, I went to do some life drawing for the first time in YEARS yesterday, and remembered how much I love it. Great fun. And for added enjoyment, this was in a pub too! What better place, eh??

It was run by a chappie called Jake Spicer, who puts on themed events. Ours was Alice in Wonderland, so I thought it'd tie in quite nicely to the exhibition. I have to say, when I got there I didn't think there had been too much effort put in to the theme. The Caterpillar was a lass draped in green sari fabric and the Queen of Hearts had a ruffle around her neck and hearts on her naughty bits! That said, they're a company based in Brighton, and I think the themes they do on their hometurf are a lot more realised by the look of their website.

The standard of the modelling was brilliant. The girls had such poise; choosing beautifully dynamic poses and holding them naturally for as long as necessary. I hadn't really thought about the complexity of poses before last night, but it struck me that the ability of the models was leading to some quite tricky drawing. I found it brilliant and challenging. I doubt I'd ever get bored of drawing the human form anyway, but the same old poses don't push you quite so much. I did wonder about the folk that said it was their first time life drawing though. I think the setting of the pub was a clever one. It gave a very informal atmosphere. I can't imagine anyone felt pressurised, even if the drawing was tough. It meant a lot more people were asking eachother for help and suchlike and that's not something, in my experience, that happens much in a regular class.

I had a great time, and really hope it turns out to be a regular thing.

The first two sets of pics are 2 min poses. Then a 5 min and a 20 min. Personally, I think I'm better at the short poses. I'm not sure whether it's because I'm less practiced at the longer ones, or that I have to be energetic in the shorter ones, but I think a lot of life goes out of my longer poses. That's great though, as I have a solid goal to work towards in future sessions.

New Work

2010-07-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

Ahh, we had a house inspection yesterday. For which, I eradicated my studio of; fossilised banana peel, the random dead souls of cashew nuts (MIA from a lunch long past), and non-descript fluff. It's now lush in here. In fact, I've decided (as of today) that it's so scrummy in its' gleaming and pristine state, I shall never work again; for fear of spoiling its' immense beauty.

In keeping with my new philosophy of non-work, I saw Eclipse. It's not that the Twilight movies are ridiculously good, as such. (When it comes to vampire teen angst, you don't have to do much to please me, anyway). But, they do have this, sort of, lasting atmosphere to them. It took me a good 24 hours to shake the heady scent of teen spirit from my aging neurons. Made me want to dye my hair black and slob about, glaring at everything; from inanimate objects to newborn babies and kittens... oh no, wait, I do that anyway.... well, apart from the kittens (awww!)

My friend, Joe, wrote an article on books that have been successfully made into movies. I think (though he'd probably want to beat me, and then drown me for my book choice) even Joe would have to admit the conversion from book to film has been pretty seemless for the Meyer novels, and that is pretty unusual... although perhaps it's because they're pretty silly to begin with... Eclipse isn't as good as New Moon though. If this makes any sense, it leaves you less room to add your own imagination to the film, and is a bit more prescriptive... perhaps because there's more actual plot to it.

I also:

- went to see The Bush The Tree and Me play. Brilliant band- look them up on spotify and enjoy.

-drew my dog. (she moved before I could finish her properly, so she kind of looks like she has no eyes...oops!)

-discovered Strada chocolate tart (worth an entire blog post in itself)

-watched 17 episodes of So You Think You Can Dance (and what?!!!)

-went to Liverpool to see friends and get beat up by them (BJJ-stylee) and to Manchester Children's Book Festival to meet up with lovely illustrator folk and see my old Illustration tutor; the great John Lawrence, give a talk. Lovely and brilliant man. I hope one day I too have a 'tache and sideys as distinguished as John's. I reckon he's like Sampson, and all his illustrative strength is nestled in them. If you don't already know him, do google him. His work's beautiful.

-saw Inception- ooh, is all I can say... far better, (and the teen in me is throwing a full-blown strop at me for saying this) than Eclipse.

So, you see; my studio's far too lacking in fluff, and I'm FAR too busy to work, anyway. I simply will not sacrifice its' Fairy Liquid sparkle...

Oh, go on then, hand me that pencil and that packet of nuts...

Here's something of my new picture book project. I'm sure it'll change hugely before you next see it, but it was fun working slightly differently in technique. I'm LOVING the freedom of it being picture-led too; being able to draw whatever I want, and just chuck it right into the text. I've been lucky with the texts I've had so far, but there's nothing quite like being able to dictate for yourself where the story goes. (whether the sales people like my slap-dash attitude has yet to be seen- eek! I shall keep you informed.)

Cassia's Escape To Wonderland

2010-07-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Remember that meeting I was all of a' dither about? Well, it was all about this; a children's book illustration retrospective. Exciting because... well, for a start, how many children's book retrospective exhibitions ever come along! But also, because I'm getting to exhibit in it, which is terrifying as well as amazingly thrilling.

To accompany the show, I've started up a separate blog, which I think might be slightly less chaotic than my normal one... and perhaps a little more, ahem, well-to-do!

I'll still post up here though with all the general news and gossip.

Lively Elizabeth Event!

2010-07-22T01:42:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie to say, the marvellous folk at Waterstones Guildford High Street, have been weaving their magic once more, to put together another Lively Elizabeth event.

Details of the event are:

Waterstones Guildford High Street
Monday 2nd August. 3.30pm

for a fantastic book reading and treasure hunt.
FREE fun for all the family!

Here's the link to it on the Waterstones site.

I might sneak down there myself to take some piccies!

Drawing board

2010-07-13T09:31:00.000-07:00

It's a long shot (so long that I can't even see the other side of it) but I was wondering if anyone in the Surrey area had a drawing board they wouldn't mind kindly loaning me for an exhibition from August to the beginning of January....? Anyone? Hmm....

Failing that, if any of you have ideas on where I might be able to borrow one from, please give me a yell. So far, I have emailed Ikea (awaiting a response) and my Uncle David... Yes, people, my search has been far-reaching! Any further suggestions, please do let me know. Mucho Gracias to you all.

More soon (I promise!)

In the mean time, here's my first attempt at a character for a much younger audience (yes, the sad irony smacks you in the face, doesn't it?) He was given a warm reception from the publishers a couple of months back, but given his species, I'm guessing he mightn't be deemed appropriate in the UK at the moment, poor guy. Let's hope people react responsibly to what was a pretty one-off tragic accident, and we continue to see foxes out and about... not to mention in children's books!

Couch surfing and chin-wags.

2010-06-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

Good grief, I've been pathetic today.

Last night was my first advanced kick-boxing class. Now, now, Children, you may hold those acid tongues. There's no need to remind me that the only thing of which has advanced of late is my rather protuberant little belly; one that is so soft and cuddly it might have been adopted at a pet rescue centre. Why, I had to carry it around all night. I've found kicking is somewhat hindered if your own body comes complete with airbag, but I'm ambitious I tell you. Advanced shadmanced!

If only my belly could be farmed out to a new and loving home though, it would save me a lot of bother. After an hour of intense one two, one two three four, combinations, I'm almost certain I may have a better precipitation rate than that of Scotland. I'm pretty sure I've single-handedly staved off the hosepipe ban...

Anyway, the whole point of exercise is surely to feel better. However, I always feel as if I've gone several rounds with England's current air of defeat... Today, I managed to drag myself heroically to the sofa to eat Waitrose scones (which I've discovered are FANTASTIC given 20 seconds in the microwave) and drink tea. From my cushion throne, I shared generously my new-found athletic prowess, both wisely and copiously, with Andy Murrey (the lucky boy!) Despite the fact I've still no idea what the name of his opponant was, Andy's winning (I'm adamant) was entirely down to my yelling, 'win, you bugger!' at the TV. I'll bet he was glad I was laid up.

I paused my hectic schedule to take a well-earnt nap, and then it's been all go, go, go again since then.

Fortunately, my bout of feebleness coincided nicely with me having just completed a rather lovely job (I shall write a separate post about it shortly). Thus, I feel a little breather today was allowed. It's strange not feeling completely depressed at the completion of a project. I usually feel at sea. I can only assume it's because this has been a quick job, as it's been no less enjoyed, that's for sure. A well-deserved days' hookie to celebrate is really a fantastic treat!

Tomorrow though, I've got a very exciting meeting lined up (I don't want to say anymore about that yet, incase I jinx it!) and I've also got to get back into my Egmont book proposal. So, I shall have to be stern with myself and get back into the swing of things.

Before I sign off, I wanted to mention what a fantastic day out I had on Saturday. I often feel there isn't enough support for illustrators. We're isolated creatures, and I think we often get so stuck in our own little brains, we forget we need the input of others. Perhaps I'm only talking personally here, however I decided to attempt to arrange a little get together of children's book writers and illustrators, and others seemed to be on board with the plan. A nervous cluster of us, from all over the place, arrived outside the ICA (my good friend, Ellie Sandall, suggested a group of illustrators should be called a 'disorganisation' of illustrators, which I think sums things up nicely!) It was a wonderful mix of people I knew from my course, those I knew from Hodder, and folk I knew from blogland, and had never met in person before. I was prepared for it to be slightly awkward, taking us a while to find our stride. Everyone got on instantly though, and tales of joy and sorrow, and frustration and success were shared likewise. Advice was given and received and it made me feel lucky to be part of an industry that attracted such brilliant people.

I'll be attempting to organise another one in London in the Autumn. Interested parties can comment here, and I'll add you to the list. But, there are so many illustration groups out there, I urge everyone to see what's available in their area.

Anyway, I just wanted to talk about it, to remind everyone that we're all out there. No matter how lonely it sometimes feels, we're all still here, going through similar things, and the more support we can give eachother, the better.

Cat and Mouse

2010-06-05T03:19:00.000-07:00

I just found this guy lurking at the bottom of my bag. Can't really remember drawing him, but it must have been during break at Waterstones. Reminded me quite how much I like drawing baddies!

Publishing houses

2010-05-18T00:07:00.001-07:00

Hello my dearest blog readers! How the dickens are you? Isn't 'blog readers' is a dull term? Personally, I quite like 'bloggles', or 'bloggins,' or perhaps (if you were all kindly prepared to don leg-warmers), 'bloggets'...?

Anyway, I hope you're all well and dandy. Things have been barmy, naturally; but a little more so than usual. To give you some indication, I'd say, crazier than a soup sandwich, but not quite as mad as a bag of cats.

I've been working on several illustration jobs at once and have been attempting to fairly price up another couple. I've met up with the Surrey Illustrators (a very fine bunch of people) and I've been down to London to blether at the feet of Harry Potters' people in Bloomsbury.

Incidentally, I know I've spoken about the different 'feels' of each publishing house, but have I mentioned the eccentricity of publishing buildings?

If you lined all the publishing offices up next to eachother you'd have the kind of skyline of which Tim Burton could only dream. What's really great is they're all so unexpected. I always find myself picturing an interview beforehand to try and steady my nerves, but I NEVER get the situation right. I'm half thinking, I might have to envisage a bouncy castle or an icecream van in my mental walk-through next time... just to cover my bases. Publishing houses are all fantastic. They range from shiny, high rises with gated security stations and receptionists, stern and highly armed (with biro's and name badges, naturally), to eccentric tumbledown houses, to Templar's magically warren-y offices (which I'm sure they're short-leasing from a large family of badgers). At the end of Publishing Road, I'm sure there'd be an old, and very esteemed art director that lived in a shoe.

One publisher has wall to wall windowed lifts, so if you're romantic you feel like you're flying, and if you're like me, you feel like you've farted with enough gusto to launch. I'd also note that when visiting said publisher, due to a strategically placed Starbucks below, when travelling higher than second floor, short skirts are to be avoided at all costs. And picking ones' nose is an out and out no-no.

The Bloomsbury offices have THE smallest lift you've ever seen. I'm not joking, it's about a metre and half wide, by a metre deep.... and there's three of us in there.... and we're all the same height. Now, the height thing can be seen one of two ways. With tall people, I tend to be at armpit (or worse still) crotch height. For anyone that's never had the pleasure; introducing yourself when you're eye-to-crotch is something from which it's kind of hard to recover. With people the same size as me, and particularly in a interview type environment, the eye-to-eye thing is always slightly unnerving; you over-analyse your movements until you develop an erratic twitch. On top of that, it's before the interview, so I'm attempting to make small talk AND impress at the same time. On top of THAT, our faces (all three of them) are mere inches apart... I feel like I'm in the Bohemian Rhapsody video. Quick, I think... and twitch, and twitch and think; drop some enlightened phrase on publishing current affairs. Talk apps, talk distribution channels, talk anything but... 'I LIKE HARRY POTTER!' Dear God, when you belt out this inanity, you can only hope you didn't top it off by spitting in anyone's eye or stomping on anyone's foot. And unfortunately, we've still got another three floors to ride...all staring (in extreme close-up) and in palpable silence at my reddening, twitching face.

Thank goodness publishers are a nice breed of human. Whether I'm trying to exit out of the 'entrance' door at Orion, bashing head-long, like a trapped wilderbeast, into the glass doors at Hodder, or babbling incoherantly in Bloomsbury's lift, all of them have been decent enough not to mention it. All I can say is, if they can be this nonchalant at my behaviour though, it does make me think; what on EARTH do the rest of you illustrators get up to????

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pre-order George and Ghost with its' swanky new cover here (or at any other good book store)! It's now sold to South Korea too- hooray!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I have nothing I'm able to show for the mo, I'm sticking up some cool links.

Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity -

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html

Emily Gravett drawing Cave Baby -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hY4MgstiVg

Alice for the Ipad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gew68Qj5kxw

Axel Sheffler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9xntY0bvTk

Chris Riddell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePN4p80vRbw

The times, they are a changin'

2010-04-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

When you work in a microcosm, it's sometimes easy to pootle along, believing things aren't changing. A book might take several months to do, and a couple of years to actually see on the shelf. And when you're pinning your life on this somewhat lackadaisical time structure, you often get a little lost in your daydreams. It's quite disturbing, for example, to see what other people have been up to whilst you were picking crayola's, or absentmindedly dipping your paintbrush in your tea (again).

'Look!' you cry, 'I've managed to make my characters' face look less like the backend of a horse!' Or, 'See here! I've created a triptych using only a pizza box and a vermillion hue!' And upon looking up to receive your *surely quite substantial* praise, you gasp... because what you find is that your best friend's holding a- no, surely not- is that- oh, but it can't be! That's not... a BABY??? Yup, you were unaware that a) they wanted a baby b) they were pregnant (well, ok, so you did know she was pregnant, but surely it could only have been for more than 5 minutes!) and c) that the baby is now almost a month old (in baby terms that's at least a teenager, isn't it? Or is it only dogs this applies to?) So, unless you missed a very important lesson in sex ed... or have somehow confused the gestation period of babies with that of kittens... you've somehow missed 9 months of life... Indeed, you've missed so much life, that your friend's gone and created a whole other one in that time! Crazy!

Ok, so let's cut the 'you' part. I think we can both see through my ruse here. Possibly, 'you' wouldn't be so shortsighted to miss these things. But, me? Well, I'm in shock. Don't get me wrong, I'm pleased, but I'm very much in shock. I'm in shock that I could possibly get to the age that the word, 'pregnant' is not followed a hushed, 'OMG! what are you going to tell your mum?!' I'm in shock that time seems to be going so FAST! I'm in shock that I'm suddenly sounding like my Mum saying things like, 'time seems to be going so fast!!!' Man, I can't take it!

Anyway, here's a picture to take all of our minds off it!

In other news:

The London Book Fair was excellent. It was a rather airless event, with many people not making it, due to things exploding in foreign parts. However, it was brilliant to catch up with old course friends, Kay Bainbridge, Jennifer Miles, Emma Malfroy, and Rosie Brooks, and my lovely Hodder editor too. It was also very exciting to meet the spiffing Jon Davis
who was also lurking in the Illustration Corner. I'm not sure the event itself was worth the £25 entrance fee (I think I'd have to go on a normal year to see) but the company was (in the words of a certain credit card company) priceless.

I've resigned at Waterstones. It wasn't an easy decision to make on a personal level, as I really enjoy working with my colleagues there, but it was quite straight-forward from a business point of view. It's illustration all the way, from now on! (Well, that and stopping child A from inserting a toy giraffe into child B's nostril at the nursery...)

The book event went well- Mara made cupcakes, so of course I'm going to say that! Pictures to follow, as soon as I work out how to get photos off the phone...

Lively Elizabeth reviewed. Yay! I love this one!

http://www.mychild.co.uk/forum/book-review-lively-elizabeth-by-mara-bergman-5393

Possibilities of a new project to tell you all about soon- very exciting. Please watch this space!

a bit of a whinge and a whole lot of thanks!

2010-04-07T00:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I wrote... again. You see, it's been quite quiet of late, but also far too stupidly complicated for me to get my pea-sized brain around.

Since starting work at Waterstones and the nursery, I don't feel like I've stopped. I also don't feel like I've done very much illustration- Yah boo sucks. It's a strange thing. Combined, the two jobs take up two and a half days; a piddly amount, really. However, since I started a couple of months ago, my role as an illustrator seems to have changed too; becoming very much about promoting 'Lively Elizabeth'. When all the admin-typed stuff that that demands is also deducted from my week (plus, all the regular, boring, house keeping stuff) I reckon I have about 1 and a half days to actually draw. Now, I have to confess, even 1 and a half days a week of proper illustration work is more than I've been doing of late. There has, I'm afraid, been an enormous amount of navel-gazing going on.

Now, my navel is of average shape and size. It doesn't sing or dance. I don't remember it ever having produced a haiku or a sonnet, and I'm pretty sure its' views on current affairs lack depth (if not belly button fluff). By all accounts my navel is average. It does not warrant fixation of any kind. And yet, since the beginning of February, it's been enjoying the sort of limelight, I normally reserve for a semi-naked Christian Slater, or a particularly gooey chocolate cake. Why is this?

Over the years, I have come to the conclusion that I defy science. Not in any useful way, mind. I can't fly or turn invisible. I can't even conjur a cup of tea, using only the power of my mind (ahh, how cool would that be?) What I mean is, I'm female, and I'm not a multi-tasker. ALL women are multi-taskers, right?! Well, not me. And to add insult to injury, I'm as spatially aware as a drunk, partially-sighted moth- obviously my brain has no blokey compensations either!

But it's not just that I can't turn my brain to two tasks at one time- dear god, that (to me) would be as exciting as invisibility! It actually seems my brain very much rejects the idea of doing two, or more, tasks per week! No, I tell a lie. I must give my poor, weary neurons a break. It's not really the tasks themselves, it's the way of thinking that's the problem.

Working in a shop, working in a nursery, promotion, and drawing all have very different thought processes behind them, and it's the swapping between these that sets me all of a dither. For a start, I'm not used to having to make sense verbally, dagnammit! Normally, as long as things make sense in my head, that's good enough for me. I don't have to use too much reasoning with illustration. I just know something has to be done a certain way, in order for a picture to work. I have kids at nursery who think it's fun to cover themselves and everyone around them in pasta sauce and snot- strong powers of reasoning are necessary to avoid a bad case of coagulation!

So, here's what's been happening. I've been going to either job, wrapping all my wits about it... (for all my flaws, I do try damned hard to do any job to the best of my abilities). But unfortunately, these are wits I'm not used to using (I guess you could say, up until now, I've been a half wit) and upon arriving home to do my regular work, I've realised that my brain has fried. Yes, fried. And scrambled. And boiled. And poached... no, maybe not poached (but by heck I'm hungry) Hence I end up navel-gazing my time away. The navel-gazing turns to stress, as I realise the weeks are going passed and I've done nothing. And because I've done nothing, the work's mounting up, and the stress gets worse.

Now, I think it's usual to expect a period of adjustment, and let's not forget I've been my own boss for over three years now. However, what I forgot is, part of the reason I love illustration is because I've always been rubbish at dancing to anothers' tune. I don't mean I'm some kind of militant rebel, and I actually really love the nursery and Waterstones. I just mean that I'm so much better with a routine and doing things in my own time. My illustration is better when I have time to daydream about it, and sort of 'live' with the characters a bit. And, above all, illustration is my passion... so... anyway, some further thought needed, I think.

In other news

I want to give huge levels of thanks to everyone who's been in support of me the last couple of months. I got news that 919 copies of 'Lively Elizabeth' had sold before 28th of Feb- that's 2 weeks before it was officially out. At one point it actually ranked about 8,000th on amazon- that's out of ALL the books in all the world! Since it wasn't in the shops then, I know most of those purchases were by you, dear blog readers. I can't tell you how completely chuffed I am. You're all amazing!

'Lively Elizabeth' got its' first book review at the bookbag here. It's a lovely review. We got 4 stars, thanks to Keith Dudhnath. I was going for Tank Girl, rather than Shirley Hughes, but I can't complain at the comparison!!!

I also think Jessica Sage at Waterstones Guildford High Street deserves a huge shout-out, for putting up with Mara and I's demands, arranging the event for Saturday. We haven't quite asked for blue M&M's, baths of Evian water, and private trailers. However, she's been an absolute star for calming our nerves with her fantastic organisational skills. I also want to thank Emma Swabey at Hodder for doing some fantastic activity sheets for the event. I'm going to try and find some way of sticking them up here, as it'd be brilliant if everyone had access to them.

Right, I'd better get on with stuff- I've a shepards' pie to take command of! Applogies for the lack of piccies. I do have some to pop up, but since it's been ages since I've written, I think it's more important I get this post out- I'll try and add some images later.

ooh, goodies!

2010-03-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Now, I know there's probably some fancy way of lining all these up, but I was far too excited to bother about all that complicated rubbish. What fantastic pictures! A huge thank you to the fabulous Katie, Ben, Mao and Freda at the top there, the marvellous Prospero's Bookshop in Crouch End, and last but not least Claire, Sam and furry friends!

Dead chuffed with them, Guys! Please keep them coming.

I may have some excruciatingly embarrassing ones to add soon myself. Mara and I are doing our first event at the Guildford Waterstones, on the 10th April. Details here. Hopefully, there'll be a fancy dress competition, drawing, a book reading, and much more. Everyone's welcome. Please do come and say hullo. I'm going to be horribly nervous, mind, so if I merely gurgle and stammer, you'll know why. No doubt my dear Ma will be on hand to take a variety of awful snaps of the occasion! Will keep you posted.

Lively Elizabeth OUT NOW!!!

2010-02-24T05:41:00.001-08:00

Hooray, hooray, hooray!

Here is the first ever sold copy of Lively Elizabeth! Well, that is, it's the first copy I've seen, that's sold and made it all the way to its' destination. This one has sent itself all the way to.... my good buddy, Mike's, desk... huzzah!

I was thinking of running a little competition. I would love a photo record of places Lively Elizabeth goes. I know some of you have been good enough to buy a copy, and others of you may see a copy at your local library or bookshop. I was wondering if I could please, please, please ask you to take photos of all and email them to me, marked 'Lively Elizabeth on tour'

cassiathomas@googlemail.com

I'll post any you send here, and there will be a wee prize for the most exciting/creative shots or locations. Thank you all, kindly.

Err... Happy new year????!

2010-02-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

*Cass creeps meekly into the picture, pink cheeked and ansy-looking*

Blog: Say you're sorry.

*Cass looks sheepish and defiant, in turns.*

Blog: We-elllllll.....?

*Cass shuffles feet nervously*

Blog: Cassssssss.... do we have to go through this again...?

Cass: Sorry, Blog. Sorry for leaving you so long! (in a rush)

Blog: (sighs) That's ok. Now, get on with your post.

Cass: *bashful grin* OK!

So, in brief, our um... for lack of a better word, 'heroine' has:

-Moved home. To yummy, yummy Surrey. Oh, how she likes living close to so much National Trust land AND a Cupcakery! All the lovely walking amongst deer, rabbits and llamas (don't ask!) ALMOST accounts for the cupcake consumption.

- updated her website. Huzzah! About blooming time.

http://www.cassiathomas.com/

- Started work at Waterstones and a local nursery. Interesting turns of event, these. Both are working out ok, although she did almost quit on the spot this morning, after being presented with a prize booger (at the nursery, obviously! The staff at Waterstones are very well-behaved indeed!)

- Started work on a new book. Hooray! Keep watching this spot.

- 1 month and TWO days left until the release of her first book. Hardback books rarely ever make it into store these days, so please feel free to go into your nearest bookstore and/or library and ask for 'Lively Elizabeth'. If the shop doesn't ask for a deposit, I'd love everyone to go ahead and order a copy too- when you don't buy it, it'll go out on the shelf and hopefully someone else will. (Of course, I trust YOU all have your copies on order already! ;0) x )

Some of you may have also have noticed the children's illustrators site has been down. It got hacked into a little while ago, apparently. However, it's all in good working order now; and with a brand new face lift too. You can visit my section here.

Other than that, I'd like to draw your attention to the film, 'Cirque Du Freak', if you haven't seen it... and you probably have- I'm always last on the scene with these things! Anyway, having read the book, I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy the film. Films so ofter cock-up a good book, don't they? Anyway, solid script and acting, and the story arc (plus, what they did and didn't take out, plot-wise) worked well. Ahh, Harry Potter- if only you could have been treated as well...!

I think that is all, for now!

The Christmas Spirit?

2009-12-06T07:03:00.001-08:00

No, sorry- it's only me!

Well, Winter's taken hold like a bad habit. I have a chill in my bones and icicles for tootsies. I've managed to accumulate an extra layer's warmth... in blubber, as the surprising diet of mince pies for brekkie has become part of my recommended daily allowance. Well, how else is one supposed to feel good about the 24/7 rain, and the excessive application of darkness at this time of year?

So, I know you're probably all dying to hear of the fizzing gossip and champagney, conversational, bubbli-ness of the Hodder Christmas party, but tough! I want you to hold on to your proverbial horses! In fact, how about making them a cup of tea and getting them to put their feet up? Because first, I want to talk about some other bits and bobs.

Right. So, I'm moving! Huzzah! But also... ahhhh! Yes, after wrangling with the entire Southern property rental market (oftentimes coming out black and blue all over- with the vague feeling that another small part of me had died) Liverpool and I are parting ways. We've been together nearly three years now; not quite long enough for marriage and kids, but it's certainly been no fling! I have good friends up this way now and little nooks and crannies I've claimed as my own. (Such as 'The Egg Cafe' off of Bold Street, and 'The Moon and Pea' on Lark Lane- splendid cake, I tell you!) I find myself missing it already.

Nevertheless, in a couple of weeks time, I'll be speedily putting up our Christmas tree in Surrey, in the effort to appear to myself that I've always lived there. Scary! I have to say, I'm fairly rubbish with change- mainly as it takes me a couple of years in a house to learn to leave my door keys in the same place each time. All right, I know it sounds small, but if it took you several days to get out to buy milk, you wouldn't be laughing either!

But also, there's the whole, 'making new friends' issue. Working alone has it's downsides. I don't know if you've ever tried it, but it takes a while to make friends in your own kitchen; A very long while. And if you achieve success, you'll almost certainly be carted off to the funny farm! So, yes, I strongly suspect I might have to LEAVE the house to find an answer to this problem- I'm getting the heebie-jeebies just thinking about it.

That said, I've already made two lucky discoveries. One is the talented Sam McCullen, who'll be living up the road from me, and the other is a group of Surrey children's book illustrators that meet up regularly for coffee and cake- I likes the sounds of that already! I shall keep you informed of my progress.

Ok, in other news; My website has been due an update for some time. Well, that's not really news, is it? Appologies- quite, quite mis-leading. Truthful, however. In fact, in the near(ish- let's not get too over-ambitious here) future, I do hope to revamp it completely. I'd like to add 'editorial' and 'advertising' sections, and I also have crazy, grand ideas to do a 'Lively Elizabeth' off-shoot to the main site, containing activity sheets and bits and pieces for kids to download. In the mean time though, you'll have to make do with the bare essentials. I've finally updated! HOWEVER, I'm awaiting my new phone number before I upload it, so I shall give you a yell once it goes live. Here's a glimpse of the new picture book section though.

Also, I recently got some surprising and rather thrilling news about 'Lively Elizabeth' AND 'George and Ghost'. Both have conducted themselves remarkably well and have gone off, behind my back, and sold to Israel! Excellent stuff! I had absolutely no idea that they were even being considered there! I do love that kind of surprise and I can't WAIT to see both translated. There's something that feels so very official and important about a translated book!!!

I've put up the pages of the Hodder Frankfurt Rights catalogue, concerning George and Ghost, for you to see.

What else? Hmm... I think that's all really. I suppose you can get those proverbial horses shod and saddled once more, as the only thing left to cover is the Hodder Christmas Party....

But, by Golly it's getting late, so perhaps that'll have to wait until tomorrow afterall....!

Lifedrawing

2009-10-30T01:09:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, November. Scary how fast this year's going, isn't it? It doesn't help that the later months of a year are so much more dramatic and exciting and look-forward-to-able. I sort of wish the rest of the year away, just waiting for them. In fact, the first quarter of the year tends to drift me by, completely unnoticed. I think the thing is, that the early months have no discernible features. I mean, apart from spelling, what is the difference between March and April?

March and April are 'nice' months. Months with limp handshakes; ones that'll always offer to make you a cup of tea, but you hope you don't get sat next to on the bus, for fear of far-too-intimate conversations of Mrs Nextdoors bunions, caravan-ing holidays and kittens. July and August? Kind of sweaty and overbearing, laughing too loudly in quiet places, or lacking- with 'could do better' scrawled across their report cards, and disappointed, pasty faces all round.

October, on the other hand, brings a firework display of colour; with the sound just slightly out of sync, so that it's November that literally starts with a bang. December romps past with a fat man fumbling in people's stockings! Who could ignore that?!

I think the general consensus will be good riddence to 2009, but I'm going to do my damnedest to make its' last 2 months count.

More B+W Doodles

2009-10-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

My head feels like it's got a tribe of elephants traipsing through it in mixed stillettos and clogs. Possibly, the biggest elephant might also have a drum 'n' bass fetish and the youngest has taken up the tuba...

I'm hoping this is a reaction to the terrible culling of thousands of baby 100watt lightbulbs, and not the dreaded lurgy. Ahh, 100watt lightbulb, I so mourn your passing. And damn you, 60watt! It's like working through a nicotine stain- I demand better working conditions. At this rate, we'll soon all be working by the light of a glow worms' buttocks!

Anyway, here's another doodle. I may have to stop myself working in b+w soon. I'm loving it way, way too much... I'm sure it's not healthy...

Lively Elizabeth on Amazon!

2009-10-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Ok I admit it, ego-centric, control freak that I am, every 0nce in a while I google myself- (mainly to check my site taggy things are working in the search engine- honest!) but sometimes just to see what I've been upto when I wasn't looking!

I was honoured to see my good and exceptionally talented friend, Paul Milne, had linked me from his site- Thanks, Paul!

But I was also hugely excited to find 'Lively Elizabeth' on Amazon! Very strange feeling indeed- especially as I just stumbled across it. I wasn't expecting it to be there until the New Year, at least. It makes it really real now, which is actually quite a butterfly-inducing, experience. I mean, it has a proper ISBN number and EVERYTHING!!! It feels a little like the moment you realise you might actually get that super-cool toy you've been ringing in the Argos catalogue for several years in row! Gosh! Well, all I can say is, please place your pre-orders now, People!!!!

But I have to say, my favourite personalised google reference was this, from the Iowa Old Press (brace yourselves- it's news to me too!)

'Somebody told us Saturday that Cassia Thomas and wife have 250 young chickens. They aim to get them big enough for the market at Easter time.'

Excellent!!!! If ONLY I could claim to be that Cassia Thomas!

b&w doodling

2009-10-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

Right, you may have noticed that this isn't the George and Ghost log post that I promised. I AM writing it- I swear! It's just LONNNNNNG, and as I'm trying to write it thoroughly and at least SEMI-seriously, it's taking forever. It is on its' way though, and you can be rest-assured it haunts my dreams, an endless knitted mass of words twisting about my subconscious, like the DNA of guilt!!! I'll try and get it up some time in the next week or so.

In the mean time, here are a couple of doodles I'm playing with. I've been trying out the Chris Mould biro technique, with something that resembles more of my old, MA style. The biro was interesting. It's actually a medium I've always enjoyed using (too many years of not doing homework and scribbling in the margins, I suspect!) but I was always told to use a 'proper pen' when doing art. Despite knowing there are no rules in art, it's amazing when I realise I have somehow imposed some ridiculous ones on myself. To this day, it would never have occured to me that I could use biro- but I think Chris has proved it's quite as valid a medium as any other!

The first one's entirely biro, but I quite liked leaving the background in pencil in the wolves one, to take it further back in the picture.

Yes, I am aware that her teeth are quite obscenely large, by the way. I got a little carried away. It was quite nice pleasing no one other than myself, and if that means bunny incisors, well so be it!

Although, I'm pretty certain I'll gravitate back to my pencil, I do love how using a different, temporary medium changes the way you work. I wasn't feeling too confident with my drawing before I started the top image, but simply using a biro (where I would ordinarily have used pencil) gave me so much more flow than I've actually earnt (colouring George and a wee bit of a holiday after, has made me a complete drawing slacker!)

Stylistically, I'm also enjoying going back to my roots. Something I'm hoping to carry through a little in my next picture book projects (combined with my present approach) and also, in building a portfolio geared towards a fiction market.

Hence, I'm having a stab at putting my doodles into colour. Here's my colour rough. I find the problem with colour, is that it often deadens or overpowers the line, if I'm not careful. You can see this in extreme with the flat colour rough. I'll keep you up-to-date with it though.

Announcing the New Booktrust Early Year's Award winner, Miss Mara Bergman!

2009-10-13T01:39:00.000-07:00

I will get back to talking about the month's news, but I decided whilst I was on the subject of 'George and Ghost,' I'd better get around to the method overview I spoke of a while back (see next post- expect it to be long... very long! Get a cup of tea ready... and a zimmer frame!) Am I confusing you? No, it's not me jumping about in topic, it's you practising the senility that'll set in, whilst reading my next post!

Quickly though, here is 'Lively Elizabeth's' wonderful author, Mara Bergman, receiving the Booktrust Early Years Award (in the pre-school category). Mara's the tiny, wee, lady on the left (she may even be as small as me- I must ask!) She's pictured here with Nick Maland, her illustrator from 'Oliver Who Travelled Far and Wide'. You can read a description of Oliver here

It's an amazing commendation to win such an award, so huge congrats to them both! Also, to ex-Anglia Ruskin students, Simon and Kazuno, shortlisted in the Emerging Illustrator Category. Well-deserved by all!

Also well worth a read, is this interview with the rather fabulous, Chris Mould. It's brilliant to see someone I admire being interrogated so thoroughly!!! Plus, it's a site with many other fantastic interviews to boot.

Inspired by the interview, here are the most recent pages of my sketchbook; drawn on a stinky train down to South Wales, last weekend. I really loved the girl, sitting opposite me. She was so mysterious, with this dark, cascade of hair, and endless fiddling to get the right soundtrack for the occasion. Throughout the journey, I never saw more of her face than just the very tip of her nose!

The Last Month - Part 1.

2009-10-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

Err... right. This one's going to be a bit of a stream of consciousness, rather than my usual, meticulous, *ahem!* ever-so-structured prose!

This is partly because this whole month feels like it's been more of a stream of consciousness than my usual, meticulous, *ahem!* ever-so-structured life.... Well, that is, it's been a bit different you see. Usually, my life consists of; getting up, dog-walking, getting dressed (yes, in that order), working, eating, working, eating, So You Think You Can Dance, bed. Things in my life tend not to leap about in pace much. I get work, I panic about work, I panic some more, and then I settle down into a routine to get the job done... and just when things are getting really comfortable, I finish the job, wondering why on earth I was ever worried.

This month has involved me balancing different projects; something I've never done before, which makes the whole process of having a good panic so much trickier to schedule in, I'm sure you'll understand. Sometimes it's been difficult trying to remember which project I was panicking about. In which case, I came up with a cunning plan, and panicked about not knowing which project to panic about- ahhh! See! I don't miss a trick!!!

Anyway, irrespective of everything else, my priority had to be to finish the cover for George and Ghost; in time for it to go to New York (the week before last) and to the Frankfurt Book Fair next week. You might remember me saying everything had gone smoothly with George and that I thought I'd completely finished it. Well, it turns out, the toughest thing about George WAS finishing it.

In essence, I think the problem was, it's a subtle and sensitive story. However, 'subtle' and 'sensitive' aren't really words that sit well with covers, where things have to be bold and eye-catching in order to sell. So the issue, as I saw it, was to find something that was true to the story, but that would still stand out. Not easy.

In the book, I've given the little ghost character a scrap book, so my idea was to have the book look like Ghost's scrap book. This is an idea we carried through in the endpapers, I think, to great effect. However, having put it together this way for the front cover, I wasn't happy about the brightness of the colours and the way the text sat (thinking it looked too modern), and Hodder felt the red was over-powering and it looked too dated! Anyway the result, we all agreed didn't work, and so no one felt too agrieved at the idea of trying something new instead.

We're now going with a variation of one of the inside illustrations instead, which is not quite what I'd expected, but the important thing at the moment, is those crucial (and increasingly rare) co-edition sales. I feel so proud of the book and hope it does really well. However, it is Frankfurt that will have the last say on not just its' cover, but its' future, really. I will post updates on both, as I receive them! Please keep your fingers crossed for George, Ghost, and me!

I've stuck in a segment of the original cover for you to see.

Lynne Chapman Exhibition

2009-09-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

Right, in my recent 'pants-ness', I've missed out on blogging some fairly important events. Upon hearing this statement, let us pretend that you and I are both unaware of my tendency to walk with close proximity to the path of interest... and yet to wander off at the first bog of banality. Let us, for once, suppose that I am the sort of blogger that actually stays on target, and reports all manner of excitement. Here is what I would tell you...

Actually, first I have to tell you, incidentally (and just to once again prove the above statement to be true!) I often like to look up synonyms for words, and check these out;

'banal, insipid, vapid, flat, jejune, inane mean devoid of qualities that make for spirit and character. insipid implies a lack of sufficient taste or savor to please or interest . vapid suggests a lack of liveliness, force, or spirit . flat applies to things that have lost their sparkle or zest . jejune suggests a lack of rewarding or satisfying substance; a jejune and gassy speech. banal stresses the complete absence of freshness, novelty, or immediacy . inane implies a lack of any significant or convincing quality '

I love 'a jejune and gassy speech'! Being a Cass of very little brain I have, of course, chosen to hideously misunderstand the 'gassy' part. *snickers*

Anyway, back to the important stuff. One such important event I have yet to remark upon, is Lynne Chapman's Exhibition, Giddy Goats and Dippy Dinosaurs.

Whilst I've met Lynne a number of times now, and consider myself reasonably well-up on the fab-ness of her books, this was the first time I'd seen her work 'in the flesh'. It always makes such a difference to see the originals and get an idea of how big someone's working. Also, even with such improvements to the printing process, the colours always look a little more alive in drawings. I think it gave me a better appreciation of how much detail she works in too... and her patience too- must be a bleedin' nightmare in pastel!

Another thing I'm always impressed by, are those people who create the whole thing on one sheet of paper... I know this is the traditional way of things, but it's something I've never had the guts to do. I've always prefered to colour digitally to order to counter my dreadful ability to 'cock up!' And more recently, I even do the foreground and background drawings on different sheets of paper. It struck me with her work that there wasn't all that much margin for error, and that level of commitment has got to be marvelled at. Not to mention that seeing the originals in their full glory, has so much more impact too.

The show itself was well laid out. The pictures were tiered in height, so kids had a row at their eye level, as well as the adults. This was a simple, but brilliant idea to make sure all audiences were properly catered for. I actually find it quite hard to really look at work in a gallery setting, so would have prefered the show to span two rooms (although, I understand that the regular exhibition had to continue in the other rooms). I think spacing it out would have given it a little more room to breathe, and made it easier for my mind to relax and process everything I was seeing. It was quite a busy exhibition, and every piece deserved just as much attention.

Also in the room, were activity stations for the very young, all based on Lynne's books; Again, a master stroke, and something that's routinely forgotten in other 'family' exhibitions.

It was brilliant to see the lady herself once again too, understandably somewhat in a whirl from a days' worth of storytelling and workshops. We all agreed Giddy was probably our favourite work. According to Lynne, almost everyone had said the same; Something she believed was possibly due to the use of more dramatic perspective in the work, making it stand out from the rest. (I also reckon Giddy is probably hands-down my favourite Chapman character though too!) I wondered if all the fantastic perspective shots in her current book were due in any way to the feedback she'd been given from the show?

It was also lovely to meet fellow artist, Phil Alderson and his beautiful partner too, with possibly his most gorgeous work to date; his baby daughter, Martha- who quite frankly, puts other babies to shame in the cute stakes! I dunno what they've bred this one from, but I'm thinking sugar and spice and all things nice... And those that know me, KNOW I'm not a baby person!

All in all, it was a brilliant afternoon out, and more importantly, it's been a great success for Lynne- And children's book illustration in general, to get this degree of recognition. Very exciting!

I hope she doesn't mind that I've stolen her piccy, as being somewhat of an eejit I forgot to photograph proceedings!

The show is still on until the 7th of November, at the Central Art Gallery, Ashton under Lyne. Go! Run! NOW!!!

Happy Birthday, Dear Blog

2009-09-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday, dear Blog
Happy birrrrrrrthdaaaaaay, deee-arrrr Blo-oggggg
Happy birthday dear Blog!

1 year old last week, I say! And didn't it go quickly?! Good grief, I do believe it's fair flown by! And what has become of my blog one year on...? Well, hang on, let's see... I'm sure I left it somewhere under this dust bunny....? Perhaps beneath these cobwebs....? Ye-essss, there it is! Excellent. And I expect you're now all a blether, bashfully wondering, 'But I didn't bake a cake....' and 'But, I didn't don my finest, fancy pants...' Or perhaps you're thinking, '...And what does one BUY a blog anyway...?' Well, now then, now then, settle down, Children. It really IS the thought that counts... And after you're done thinking, please do send cheques, choccies and cards immediately! Failing that, it would be FANTABULOUS to acquire just one more follower; An extra special birthday follower, with chocolate sprinkles and sugar on top. I do so loathe odd numbers and 50 is darned near the perfect blog present! Any takers....? Yes? No? Ahhh, I can see I'll have to resort to bribary on this one!

Ok, so here's a picture I've been working on. The technique isn't quite as I'd like it to be, but I think it's a question of going onto a different image now, rather than attempting to re-work this one.

Making School Libraries Statutory

2009-08-28T07:24:00.001-07:00

If you've got a second, please look over and sign this petition to make school libraries statutory. Children have far too little contact with books as it is. Without school libraries, I'm positive some kids would get away without seeing books at all.

And, if that's not incentive enough, you can keep a watch on the petition for all the famous authors/illustrators and publishers signing up!

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/literacy/

Lively Elizabeth- you GO, Girl!!!

2009-08-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

Ahh, today has been a little cracker. I woke up KNOWING it would be a goodun. True, there were no Disney birds or puffy-white-haired, pepperpot ladies whipping me up a ball-gown from stray table cloths- Quite frankly though, I'm not sure that that wouldn't have been distinctly creepy, anyhow- surely a day that starts off that way, ends with padded walls, padlocks, and rocking in the corner....

However, today just felt good from the word 'go'; Which is quite glorious, since yesterday I was in a complete stinker of a mood, and stomped about getting terribly irate with inanimate objects.
'Grr, Hoover- you suck!'

-Well, actually, ours doesn't- not since something large and suspicious dislodged itself from behind the laundry bin and disappeared, scuffling its' protest all the way up the nozzle, like your average asbo teen trapped in a police van. My inner-Columbo deduced that it MIGHT once have been a sock... Anyway, our Hoover let out one last wheezy groan of pain, and exploded, with a 'pumph!' in a cloud of dog's bottom fur and toenail clippings... See, now I'm actually getting quite teary thinking about it, Poor Hoover- All the good times we've had together; me grunting and sweating, while it gently wafted dust about and deposited it MERE centimetres away from where we started... No, no, actually, just like the dust, I make a U-turn and return to whence I came- Stupid, cheapass vacuum- why couldn't you have been a Dyson like your cousin?!

But, back to today,

So far, its' immense beauty has manifested thus-ly (is that a word?)

* I listened to Imogen Heap's new album, followed by the song, 'Koop Island Blues' (guaranteed to make anyone feel just that smidgeon cooler than God intended)

* I consumed two jam donuts before breakfast (Yes, I know, but, look, if I have to pay tax, and all that other goshdarned, dull, grown-up gubbins, I most certainly am going to take advantage of the few fabulous advantages of being an adult! The other's being, of course; NOT having to have a bath before bed and the ability to use a plethora of 'colourful,' language concoctions whenever you like- particularly when addressing household, cleaning apparatus...)

And this is the stonker

* I just got word that 'Lively Elizabeth' shall be winging her way to THE STATES, when the book comes out next Spring. When I read the email, I actually did that little hand clap you see 2 year olds do. And then I punched the air, 80's style- just for good measure. And since then, I've been bouncing about like an idiot. It's probably the best news the book could have gotten at this point. Huzzah! I don't yet know any more details than that, but I'll let you know when I find out.

Also, following a final frantic weekend of 3.45am starts and 11pm finishes, the insides of George and Ghost have been signed off by everyone and gone off to proof now- Admitedly, many of the last minute tweaks were under my own governing. The cover is also pretty much done (I hope). My editor is pleased, but it still has to tiptoe quietly past the Big Cheese at Hodder, Anne McNeil. Also, Rights and Sales, and obviously, Catriona Hoy, the author. At this point, my work feels kind of like Atreyu in The Neverending Story; You know, the part where he has to get past the sphinxs without them opening their eyes and turning him to stone! However, I really like what Claire and I have put together, so I hope it makes it in one piece. Anyway, it would be great to show you a little more of that, very shortly.

Right, now I'm off to pay attention to that third (and highly lonely) donut and to watch my boyfriend kill things in the new Batman game. Ahh, a celebration fit for a King! *ahem*

Introducing George and Ghost

2009-08-11T05:43:00.000-07:00

I have just consumed the hugest plate of feta, pitta, roasted peppers, salad, hummus and olives (Actually, I lie. I aspire to eat the very sophistication and chic that is olives... Unfortunately I find them to taste like one's mouth after a bout of gastroenteritis. Either that, or the inner sole of an athletes' shoe...) However, despite the fact that I can't stand the things, I always feel a sense of joy when olives are placed on my plate. There's an immense gladness that the waiter hasn't taken one look at my inane grin and swiftly replaced them with alphabetti spaghetti...

Anyhoo, I 'did' lunch. 'So what?' You ask. 'You went to lunch. Big deal!' Firstly, yes it was, thank you very much; All that food for a fiver- Bargain! And secondly, you're completely missing the point! I had TIME to do lunch!!! Which means, HUZZAH! I've FINISHED THE BOOK!!! *

*Well, almost- I still have the cover to do, but don't you be raining on my parade, now!

Good grief! And it feels really good. I'm very fond of the journey this book's gone on. The author, Catriona Hoy seems pleased, and Hodder too. I think we're all feeling a bit collectively chuffed that it's all gone so smoothly thus far. As per usual, all could go belly (and many other body parts) up at Frankfurt, or else maybe the thing won't sell when it comes out. However, I think I'd still be really proud of it.

I had intended to take the week off; to mooch about, take a pick-axe to the washing up, and watch horribly atrocious movies . However, as we've previously discussed, I'm simply no good at time off. Thus, I've already started on a new project. I'll let you know how it goes. Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more...

I'd like to thank my family, my dog, my cat (who's now dead) and the bin men- for doing such a goshdarned good job!

2009-08-06T02:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, I feel quite guilty as I've been such a horribly bad blogger of late, but the lovely Studio Petite has awarded me with the 'One Lovely Blog' Award. Thank you very much, Studio Petite. Sorry, I've been a bit rubbish of late- I felt I needed to stick up a new post before I could accept it! Please see, 'Ooh, hello, do you come here often?'

The condition of the award is that I pass it on to 15 other blogs, I consider to be topnotch.

So, with no further ado, I give you the very wonderful;

The Fairytale Cupboard

The Peculiar Adventures of Joanna

April Jarocka

Jackie Morris

Jumble Sale Rabbits

Ooh hello, do you come here often?

2009-07-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

Erm... well, no not really, now that you ask!

Ok, so it has been a WEEEEEE while- My appologies. Do I have a note from my mum? No. Did I have some sort of dramatic accident involving the loss of limbs? No. Do I have a fist full of very poor excuses? You bet your sweet left butt cheek I do! Well, alright, it's more one bigg-ish excuse and a couple of small and feeble ones, sort of flapping about ineffectually. However, it's all you're getting, so be satisfied!

The smaller ones involve the invasion of parental units, a decidedly unappealing incident involving my dog's anal glands (parental units unlikely to return for some time...) and a new-found love of getting down and dirty with sweaty fella's during MMA (mixed martial arts)

Yes, People. Yours truly, everyone's (second... or possibly third) favourite short arse has finally found a hobby. And that hobby has 3 rules. The 1st; Do not talk about fight club. The 2nd; Do NOT talk about fight club. The 3rd; Wear clean undies and just a splash of summat nice... (well, we're not animals...!)

I can now kill an assailant, utilising an array of horrific manouvres, and cackling all the while in a manner MOST evil. HUZZAH!!!*

*However, all postures do (of course) require my wannabe assailant to be

a) Asleep

b) Unconscious

c) Dead

in the moments prior to my attack. Since, quite frankly, I'm not all that good yet!

Anyway, when I've not been flouncing about, attempting ninja kicks (and looking uncannily like Winnie The Pooh attempting the high jump) I have been working on my BIG excuse.

That is, that I have been bashing away at this here second book- Currently sitting at Hodder, awaiting their and the authors' approval.

Now, I know you were all probably expecting a blow-by-blow account of the books' high's and low's during the process- particularly since I bent your collective ears so intensely, and so regularly, about the last one, but it didn't transpire to be particularly easy to do so.

I'm not quite sure why. I guess it all seemed to come together so fast. I suppose that really is the difference between working on first and second books i.e. The nerves- As the time period on the two books was pretty much identical.

It's been easier to have the confidence to 'switch off' when I'm not working too, and therefore blogging hasn't been at the forefront of my mind. With 'Lively Elizabeth', I was so paranoid that if I gave myself the day (or even evening) off, everything I'd worked on, and all the progress I'd made on the project, would go 'poof!' into dust. When I physically couldn't look at photoshop any longer, blogging was a good way of letting Elizabeth know I still had one eye on her!

I've still had wobbly moments with 'George and Ghost', I do think that's part of being a book illustrator. Like the person that goes into the office and has occasional problems with their colleagues, I'm never going to get along with my characters ALL the time. However, knowing the process involved this time, and the knowledge that I HAD now done this before, made the rough patches much easier to deal with. It also made the many, many good and exciting bits all the more sweet!

Anyway, I'm sure I may yet fill these pages with anxiety, woe, joy and hysteria, concerning our dear George and Ghost. The feelings of un-ease and 'over-tired-toddler-ness' that arise waiting for publishing approval are still rampant- Will they like it? What if they don't? These feelings thrash about, holding hands with my general control-freakiness, obsessivenses and sadness of seeing a project almost finished. There's always a period of mourning for me, afterward. Not to mention, THE FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN! What'll I be working on next? And, when?!

Until I get that approval, I also can't show you too much of what I've been working on. Here's a couple of rough character sketches I did at the beginning of the project though.

Eventually, what I'd like to do is show you a piece from beginning to end. I've been inspired by watching the process unfold, over at Lynne's blog*, and I'd love to do a really condensed version of how things work 'about these parts!'

*Incidentally, if you haven't already seen that Lynne's doing an exhibition in Manchester, all the details are on her blog too- can't wait to see it.

If I were Prime Minister...

2009-06-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

I thought, since there may soon be a vacancy for the position, I'd have a little brain dump on the countries' problems. Of course, for the record, I'd be truly rubbish as the P.M. The power would go straight to my head, and before long I'd be banning people over the height of 5ft, making it the law to eat cake for breakfast, and sending people to the firing squad for not laughing at my woefully pallid attempts at humour. Besides which, I spend a large part of the day wearing an old sock on one hand and, let's face it, no one could take that seriously. (Oh, for a tablet glove of my very own... alas all my pdf's smell of feet...)

So, that acknowledged, I shall stay reasonably clear of the life or death stuff i.e. cake, buns and gateaus. These are treacherous (and sticky) playing fields indeed and I should like to start on firm footing. Thus, I shall mainly look at my area of expertise. Some would say this was navel-gazing, but I declare myself multi-talented. Yes, Madam Speaker, Sir, I shall pass judgement upon books.

Law no 1.

All books should have pictures. Yes that's right. All of them! Aside perhaps, from Katie Price's last 'efforts', of course... No child should ever be exposed to that hideousness... And, quite frankly, she just looks so badly drawn! But yes, all those other luscious booky wooks should most definitely be illustrated. Who says picture books are for little kids? And I don't mean little tiny vignettes. I want all singing, all dancing, full-colour plates! Listen up, People. I have a dream...!

Law no. 2.

Anything different SHOULD be published. Yes, it may not sell, but shouldn't we have a looksee, rather than always publishing more of the same?! I want to see truly grotesque-looking children in books. I want to read stories with completely miserable endings. I want scary, wary, ugly fairies on every page, gosh darnit! Strange, odd or weird characters- Come one, come all, and let the children rejoice!

Law no. 3.

I want to see an end to this worrying mollycoddling of kids in literature. All those wonderful and inspirational, and horrible and terrible people in history were brought up on tales of all sorts... And they turned out to be wonderful and inspirational, or horrible and terrible just the same. Why, oh why, do we think this generation will be any different. Let kids be kids, with all the goodness and badness that that entails!

Law no. 4.

No book should ever have picture and text repeating eachother. This is something I strive to live by... partly because if I did not, I'd bring upon me the wrath of my good friend Claud, who's responsible for instilling this mantra in me... And then she'd almost certainly over throw me. And since, by now, you're all eating sweet meats instead of shreddies and laughing insanely at my latest wonderful witticism about the cow walking into a bar, I most certainly would not want that!

So, there we go. That's what I'd do if I were Prime Minister.

In other news; Huge congrats to Anthony Browne, the new children's laureate. He's only the second illustrator ever to grab the position; The first, of course, being Quentin Blake. So I'm quite, quite thrilled to see what he gets up to. Not to mention that he's the only UK illustrator I know of to have done a picture book almost entirely in b+w pencil, which (as far as I'm concerned) deserves a medal all of it's very own!

Here's a picture of the lesser spotted Hotbotamus; Complete with more commonly spotted 'my dog, Sheebs,' hairs all over it!

Cover Me!

2009-05-10T06:42:00.001-07:00

So, here it be; The final cover for Lively Elizabeth. What do you think?

Work Update

2009-05-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a chocka couple of weeks. Last week was several shades of 'meh!' workwise; With overtones of 'slow lorris' and undertones of 'snail'. At the beginning of this week, I was already well into Book 5 of Harry Potter, so for those of you that read my last post, you get an idea how wobbly things were...

This week has contained the more wholesome flavours of Linford Christie, 'shooting star', and a side order of 'cheetah'- And, oh, how I glad I am. Not a MOMENT too soon. By the time I finish these drawings and get them approved, I'll only have 2 1/2 months left to get them coloured.... which is, ooh, mebbe 3 days per piece... if I don't have a day off until I'm done... I would probably recommend those that know me, stay away- I don't reckon I'll have much time for bathing from now on, and the only tea you'll be offered may be several years old... with bits of dog bottom fluff floating gently on the surface.

So, what made it all click into place? I sometimes think it helps to have a whole bunch of drawings together. You stop being so (anal)ytical/neurotic and start appreciating the collective weight of a (hopefully not-so-dead) body of work. Whilst I work, I like to keep as much of a project on the wall as possible. It helps me stay in a project until the bitter end... and also to keep checking and re-checking my continuity (currently, my characters' pesky little ears keep sliding too far down his head, and I've drawn more than one hand back-to-front...!) There is also something quite impressive about pinning two full sketch book's worth of work up at once. It's hugely confidence building. Of course, it's not all roses. Occasional (and complete) grotesque, fugli-ness still lurks amongst my little nursery of pictures. However, since I now have more (vaguely) right-uns than wrong-uns, I feel quite zen about re-doing bits.

Something else which really spurred me on, was a wonderful package of work I received from the rather remarkable Svein Nyhus- inspirational stuff indeed! It's a real shame his books aren't available over here- They should be on every child's shelves. However, it does make my little collection feel all the more special to me. My Swedish friend assures me that Norwegian and Swedish are fairly similar, so I'm going to go over to hers with a big glass of hot milk, my slippers, and Svein's books, for a bedtime story.

Lively Elizabeth's Bologna-ise success!

2009-04-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

It looks very much like Lively Elizabeth, the little minx, shall continue to excede my own meagre holiday plans. As I've just come back from sunny Wales, I've heard from Hodder that Elizabeth is set to go international! Apparently she did behave herself at Bologna and in fact went down a triumph- Woohoo!

This is great news indeed. Although Mara is a seasoned pro, I knew I, as the newbie had the very great potential to boldly and proudly sink a perfectly good ship. Since the artwork itself was commented on positively, I now feel able to be a little more confident about the future.

However, as of yet, nothing is definite; No eggs have been placed in a single basket and no poultry, of any sort, has been counted. It does mean though that I can breathe a very small sigh of relief that Elizabeth's off the starter block. Once I know anything more definite, I shall pack her cossie and shades and give you a shout!

artists block

2009-04-22T12:07:00.001-07:00

I'm drawing like a drunk gibbon at the moment. My pencil and I seem to be having some major translation issues. I say one thing... it skips off and throws me a moonie from across the paper. Erg! My very wonderful and talented friend, Faye, says it's all about cracking that first picture and then things will be easy. I know she's right. However, it's always a tad worrying to have 'artists' block when you have deadlines. I also know it's because the drawing is 'official' that it's not going well. I could go away and merrily draw 20 kids that AREN'T in the book, but the one that IS just won't come out of my 2b!

I have developed rituals to combat artists block (I tend to do stupid things, like tidying my sock drawer too, but they never help!)

1. I pick a film that I've seen over and over before, and which bares some similarity to the mood or theme of the work I want to create. Either that, or if I'm drawing children, I watch Teachers' TV to refresh myself as to how kids move. I find drawing with only half my attention on the page cuts down on the amount of neurosises my brain can throw at me. Before long, I usually haven't a clue what's going on on the screen and have a full page of pics.

2. I listen to Harry Potter. I listen to audio books throughout the entirety of a project. It helps stop my brain going, 'Is it lunch time yet? Is it lunch time yet? Is it lunch time yet?'

The only part I do in silence is the storyboarding, as I find that requires more active thinking. However during the rest of the project, if things are going badly, only The Fry will do. I've probably listened to the Harry Potter series over 20 times now. It's my comfort listening and it's got a pace and tone that suits ANY project. I've not found anything else like it for the ability to throw it on and get on with work. I never seem to get sick of it and it generally gets me through the tricky beginning and tedious end parts of a project just nicely.

3. I go out. This one I always forget about, as it seems like a reward. And I shouldn't be allowing myself rewards if I'm not working now, should I? However, I realised in the last project that I couldn't keep drawing children without reference. I wasn't allowing myself to go out, so therefore I wasn't getting the reference and my drawing was suffering. Although I enjoy lifedrawing, I don't often remember to take a sketch pad with me and I'm pretty pants at it. What I do tend to do though, is to pay attention when I'm out. I'm quite good at remembering a movement and storing it in my head. If I'm around kids enough, I find it relatively easy to imagine them doing different things, even if I haven't seen them doing them, because I remember the 'gist' of the child. It's when I become disconnected from this 'gist' that I'm on a losing streak.

So, yesterday I watched the horror that is 'My Girl.' Today I listened to Harry Potter. It's not true to say that I've made NO progress, but it's been slow, slow, slow. So, tomorrow, I shall go to the kids playground and draw there. Dang, I hope it's sunny...

A blog in place of a real blog (which turned out to be utter rubbish!)

2009-03-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

I tried to write something about the SCBWI event I went to today, but I've just read it back and it's the blog equivalent of over-toasted marshmallow. I might try and come back to it tomorrow when my brain is less smushy.

I also did some life-drawing on the train, which I'm going to refrain from inflicting upon you all- see how much I value you your eyes!

I shall now away to fill myself with all manner of bad things; i.e. pizza, icecream and Gossip Girl. Gazooks! I forgot how much concentrating for the day exhausts you...

whether the weather will cheer me up.

2009-03-26T04:33:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling ever so slightly below parr this week. I think it has a great deal to do with the disappearance of Mr Sunshine.

Don't get me wrong, I am not a big Summer fan. I do not do Summer well at all in fact. Largely because it seems to equate itself with all things 'girly,' and I'm far from an expert in these matters. Summer is for dresses and shorts and tanned limbs and people who's face's actually have the mass to peer out from beneath sunglasses. Summer is not for jeans and hoodies (my only attire- no really, I've been to both meetings and parties in this ensemble) and white flesh (that doesn't even have the ability to go that endearingly British shade of 'fire engine' red, of which we seem so proud). It's not for sweating or squinting. It's not for DOING anything. It's for sitting daintily outside of cafe's in something long and floaty and sipping iced tea (I have strong suspicions that iced tea might actually be a substance more sinister... involving cats...! Keep that under your sombrero's though...)

Anyway, what I do like is a darned good Spring or Autumn. I like the sunshine without the heat, and the pressure, and the huge hoards of students and families that suddenly claim the parks and tut at me for letting the dog wee too closely to them (little do they know, she was on strict orders!) I like watching plants pop up from soil, decked in their fanciest outfits. And I like trees bookending the Summer with their own colourful displays. I do not like men wandering around Tesco with no tops, larger cleavages than I have (at either end of me!) and their beer bellies dusting the floors as they go.

Oooh, anyway, the sun must have heard me and is making a brief appearance so I shall go and enjoy it. If it's not sunny where you are, you should most definitely cheer yourself up with this.

Hands up who's looking forward to 'Where the Wild Things Are' The Movie? I really hope it's good. I'd love to do a book as dark and brilliant as that one day.

Bologna Bites the Dust

2009-03-25T05:16:00.000-07:00

Alas, it is the last day of Bologna Book Fair 2009. I somehow thought there would be more coverage in the publishing journals, but I guess they must do a following week post-mortem, when all the figures are in. I slightly regret not getting myself together to go, expensive as it would have been- It seems such a shame to have completely missed my first book being shown. Obviously, I couldn't have crept into the meetings (perhaps disguising myself as a litter bin or a truly hideous, gurning, lampshade) but I'd have loved to have been part of the outside hub-bub. The Cheer Squad, as it were. I'd definitely like to go next year. Especially if I manage to have another book there. I'm dying to know what really goes on.

I spoke to my art director about the new book this morning and she does assure me she's heard the show's bustling. I'd certainly like to believe her take on things above the quote from Jean Feiwel, in, 'Publishing Weekly' that, "I knew attendance was down when I walked right into the ladies' room." Well, that quote was taken from the first day so I'm sure it's picked up greatly since *eek!*

Come on, People- Sell! SELL!

I went for cake and chat with, the very talented, Gemma Raynor a couple of days back. She'd just been sent a Korean copy of her book, 'What's the Time Mr Wolf?' 'What's the Time Mr Wolf?' came out a few years ago now in the UK, but it had just been released there (complete with weird and wonderful back spreads of korean pictures and text, translating all the 'english-isms' in her pictures- brilliant!) Anyway, the fact that her book is still converting into different languages and new markets, years on is promising. I guess Bologna is only the main selling place.

Here's one of my 'in front of the TV' doodles. Since I have a little time on my hands at the minute, I decided to have a go at colouring it.

Bologna Book Fair

2009-03-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow is the last day of the Bologna Book Fair. It seems quite bizarre that the thing I've been working up to, and also the one everyone has been speculating so much over this year, has passed by nearly unnoticed.

Of course I've been checking The Bookseller's site for updates on an almost hourly basis. And I've definitely been tempted to click refresh immediately every time nothing new comes up... just incase... However, yesterday and today have been ridiculously normal. House-workey, doodlingly, dog-walkingly normal. And meanwhile, somewhere in Italy, Lively Elizabeth is doing her thing. I'd like to think she's swimming rather than sinking, but who knows, and I can't help her anymore.

I think I'm particularly ansy because I have no visuals to attach to what's going on over there. With all the doom and gloom talk about this year's fair, the most my brain can muster is a small stall behind which little publishing figures hold up books, yelling,

'Two for a pound! Getcha books here! Two for a pound!'

you may mock...

2009-03-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

Huzzah! My art director, Claire, has been chugging away this last couple of weeks, getting all the book jackets ready for Bologna. Last time I spoke to her, she had five still to do and only the slightest hint of a whiff of panic in her voice- that's professionalism for you! Anyway, I emailed her today to tell her the colour roughs for the second book were in the post and hey presto, she emailed me back this piece of loveliness!

This is her mock-up of how the jacket will look, so now we await Bologna feed-back on it. Even if the overall look passes the test, the illustrations will still need deciding on and drawing. I think they'll be similar poses though, as they suit the shape of the text pretty well.

Also, I'm very excited to say the fantastic Mr Svein Nyhus dropped by so, not only am I immensely honoured, but I now have a blog address for him. Everyone go look. His work is absolutely amazing. It presents a truthful portrayal of kid-dom I think i.e. some of it's quite dark and yummy, with a good dose of humour but essentially the whole goshdarned thing is beautiful and precious. Unfortunately, since he's Norwegian, I haven't got the faintest idea what he's actually talking about in his blog, but I'm sure they're great words of wisdom!

Time for Tea

2009-03-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

I'm getting to that stage of the day when I can't see straight and suppose I should probably stop before I do something disasterous. This rather sane thought usually occurs to me just as my finger is hurtling gleefully towards the 'close and don't save' button, and right before I think 'ooh... er... bum...! How long will it take to redo that, I wonder...?' So, bunking the trend (what an anarchist I am!) I'm calling it a day.

It's quite frustrating that I can't put up what I'm working on at the moment, but it won't be long until this book's completed too. Arg! Think I'm getting to that age when I'll go about remarking on how 'time flies' to anyone who'll listen. Surely it can't be long before I start catching buses PURELY to regale queasy-looking teens with grotesque tales of corns and bunions...? It's good to have something to look forward to, eh?!

I thought I'd stick up some more 'Lively Elizabeth' prep work in the mean time...!

Life drawing

2009-02-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd be bold and try doing a 'Lynne' on the train today. By now, I'm sure you're all familiar with the pretty smokin' lifedrawings that Lynne Chapman seems to sneeze out on an almost daily basis.

I, on the other hand, have been a very naughty girl and haven't really done any life-drawing since the first year of my MA. I mean, I have occasionally been known to doodle on trains. However, for some reason I always seem to be sat so that I face the winning composition of the back of a chair, an unattached hair tuft and a rogue ear lobe... not interesting viewing, no matter how large the ears or how hairy the hair.

Either that, or I'm sat nose-to-nose with my muse. Quite frankly, that's just not the way to get to know someone.

Anyway, today I was lucky. First off, a rather attractive, but more importantly (ever so slightly more importantly!) nearly stationary bloke. I love drawing action, but it has to be big actions to be fun. E.g. someone playing tennis or dancing. Someone consistently alternating between one elbow and another, interspersed with periods of nose-picking is just annoying... and grim....

On the way back, I had a range of backs of heads to choose from. This, in itself, might have made a nice study but I couldn't get a good angle on it. Eventually, I was engaged in a conversation about 'The Specials' and 'James Brown' with some merry Liverpudlians and gave up on the drawing altogether.

Character Studies and the Cass Oscars...

2009-02-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd begin to post some of the preparatory work I did for 'Lively Elizabeth' so you can see how I've been working.

There are an awful lot of little characters to keep a hold of in this book, so I'm afraid several forests were felled in my efforts to get to know them. I have literally piles of these studies. I know I shall have to ditch a lot of them. My work, as we speak, is stealthily creeping out of my studio and is edging its' way to towards total house domination... It's quite the dictator, I can tell you. Fears that I may one day lose the dog amongst hoards of tiny, 2-D children are well-founded.

I have never tried to sell work before, but I may be driven to attempting to give it a whirl this spring. I've no idea even how to go about selling work. I know some folk put stuff on Etsy, but does that work? If anyone uses the site, could they please let me know how well it does for them?

In light of the weekend's Oscars (and since I appear to have some space to fill next to the picture), I thought I'd award my own.

Most Stand Out Picture Book goes to:

Kazuno Kohara - The Haunted House Published by Macmillan. Kazuno's work is quirky, feisty and really stands out on the shelf. I'm impressed that it was published, actually, as the colour scheme alone makes it a bold and gutsy choice. Bravo, Macmillan!

Funniest Picture Book goes to:

Melanie Watt- Chester's Back

Published by Kids Can Press. Ok, I confess; I haven't actually read this one. It's a bit of a leap of faith really. But I loved her first one so much, I'm sure the second is just as great. I'd never heard of this publisher before, but they've obviously got their heads screwed on the right way around.

Funkiest Picture Book goes to:

Jill Lewis and Deborah Allwright- Don't Read This Book

Published by Egmont Books. I love the styling on this one- great to see some anarchy in kids books! Probably for the older end of the market (as it's quite wordy). I'm lucky enough to have seen it at proof-stage and have been not-so-patiently waiting for it to come out ever since. Brilliant madness. Out now.

Best Book of last year goes to:

Chris Riddell- Ottoline Goes to School

Published by Macmillan. I may be biased on this one, as I loved Ottoline. The format was ingenius and the pictures astounding. It's true, this one just isn't as good- mainly the plot is a little sloppier, which makes it slightly harder-going (given that it can't be over 1000 words, that's no real problem, mind!) The pictures are still incredible though and since this is the first Cass Oscar Presentation, let's call it a political move!

A new beginning...

2009-02-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

So, my first book is unofficially finished. Whoop! Whoop! -'Unofficially' because, whilst I'd never admit to being something as daft as superstitious, I certainly don't want to tempt fate! (yeah, yeah... I know. Well at least I stopped counting magpies- Mainly because I don't know the correct prediction for a person who spots a flock of 27 of the little blighters. I'm pretty sure it can't be good. I have a suspicion it's along the lines of, 'you're a sucker who should spend more time out of your studio and in the company of others' and/or a sign that the world is at an end... Either way... best be sensible about stuff, eh? Just don't step on the cracks whilst doing it.

So, the cover does still need doing (of the book? You remember, that's what this post was supposed to be all about!) However, we think that might not be until after Bologna Book Fair, where the book will be making its' debut (eek!) Apparently, sometimes publishers take a cover mock-up with them to get feedback before commiting to a final design. This, I think, is what's happening in my case.

Of course, I knew how important a book's cover was, but I had no idea how many things needed to be considered when doing one. It seems to be quite a science, and a mini-project all of it's own. Apparently it can be a pretty contentious topic and I've been imagining Bridget Jones style publishing/sales punch-ups over font choice etc. We shall see what wins out.

I found out that the title isn't just a title either. I thought the writer just picked something that sounded right, but apparently those 3-ish words almost have to work like a strapline, describing both the story and it's character so as not to confuse an audience. I'm told many books change titles a couple of times before hitting the shelves.

With that in mind, this book's going to be called Lively Elizabeth- I'm guessing you know where we're going with this one... Mara Bergman's text is all about a little girl who's a little too OTT for her classmates and who finds out there are consequences to her over-bumptiousness.

The title describes the process of illustrating it pretty well too. I've often had days when I've felt like putting Elizabeth to bed without her tea. However, she's been an awful lot of fun to have around too. She's taught me a lot about how to work with a text, the process behind making a book and about living with a character. I hope it does really well for Hodder and Mara because (here comes the cheesy part!) it really has made me a better illustrator attempting to rise to the level of Mara's text. Thankfully, everyone seems pleased with the end result. However, it's now upto Elizabeth to stand on her own two feet in front of the rights buyers at the fair, next month- Please, please let her behave herself!

(The first pic is the second colour character sketch I did. The second and third pictures are from spreads in the book).

Anyway, in the name of something which is most definitely NOT superstition, I haven't yet had my official post-1st-book celebrations (although I have allowed myself a quiet and ever-so-sophisticated 'whooping' session, whilst dancing around the table)

My main nod and a wink to the whole 'finishing' affair so far has been to un-teather the beauty that is my brand new Ikea 'desk of dreams'; which just this day, emerged magnificently from its cardboard cuckoon. A few rather colourful utterances and 2 sore thumbs later and Huzzah! I am now working ACROSS DESKS on the next project. There's something so fabulously grown-up about working on multiple desks; makes me want to drink espresso, look carefully windswept, don a pencil behind my ear and call everyone Larrs... Next move is to get a phone in the studio, but I don't yet trust myself with the responsibility... I'd probably end up prank calling my downstairs phone and giggling myself silly.

So, onto the next book. I'm not sure how other artists like to do things, but I've realised it's necessary for me to have a face-to-face thrash out of ideas at the beginning of a project- It helps make sure everyone's on the same page (it's so hard to avoid that pun, isn't it?) Anyway, I popped my thumbnails, pants and toothbrush in a Sainsbury's bag (classy, eh?) and dashed down to Londers for meeting with my editor and art director.

The second book's going to be the absolute opposite of Elizabeth in style and tone, which keeps me on my toes and is great, as I'll have a lot of variation early on in my career. Elizabeth is minimal in backgrounds, naughty and nicely girly. The new project is thoughtful and melancholic, with a boy as the lead. It will have loads of yummy full-bleed backgrounds and probably completely OCD amounts of detail.

We covered a lot of ground in the meeting (not surprising really, given that I was in there for over 3 hours, and we only paused to look vaguely awkward as I dribbled sandwich pickle down my chin...) We finalised layouts and I've since done a colour character study too, which has really brought the project to life for me.

I'm going to aim to hand-in worked-up roughs next week and if all goes to plan, it will go to Frankfurt in October. Damn it, it seems my work has a more exciting travel life than I do!

The art of relaxation

2009-01-19T11:24:00.000-08:00

It was pointed out to me (I don't remember exactly when, but it was no doubt during one of the many times I've chosen to repetitively poke my fella in the forehead with my pokey fingers, chanting, 'talk to me, talk to me, talk to me...' etc. etc. You get the idea...) that I don't have a hobby. At the time, it wasn't 'the time' and the response was little more than the slight expulsion of steam via the aural canals, a puffing sound (resembling an overweight rhino on heat) and a very frosty, 'I draw!!!' But since then, that observation has become an elephant in the over-stuffed, cubby-hole room of my mind... What's more, I have realised it's not only that I don't have a hobby, infact I have absolutely no idea how to relax at all. Who knew it was a learned skill?! Relaxation is an activity, actively requiring... active acts! What a conundrum...

I have noticed other people effortlessly relax. They relax with the greatest of ease, simply stopping at the end of the 'work portion' of their day and slipping with barely a ripple into 'play' section. They garden. They cook. They read. These are NOT advanced acts of relaxation we're talking about. We're not talking tantric, yogic, meditation with a side helping of the Alexander technique and a sprig of chamomile here. (Can you get sprigs of chamomile? Or does it just grow in teabags?) These activities simply require a little regular time set aside and a moderate amount of dedication, perseverance, patience and motivation. And the trouble here is that I'm actually breaking into a sweat just thinking about these necessary requirements. Isn't it just easier to work? I know how to do that. Since my internet went on the blink and I had to go 'cold turkey' on my habit of looking every 5 mins for potential dogs to rehome, I can also actually say I'm GOOD at it too. It just sounds like too much work to learn to relax.

The thing is though, as romantic as it's sounded to me all these years to 'think art,' 'breathe art' 'live art' and 'BE the art,' there's no eventual escape from the small fact, that that's really a rather stinky pile of pretentious twaddle! I'm just simply NOT Picasso. I'm a midget getting high on a diet of M&S iced buns and stress. Where's the romance in that?! Nope, there's no doubt that if type 2 diabetes and a heart attack are to be avoided, a healthy dose of relaxation is in order.

But where does a beginner start? There are no regular hours to being an illustrator. You work until you get the job done... or you've carked it in the attempt. Setting aside time to NOT do anything, when you've got 'plenty to be getting on with' is tricky. You end up just counting down the minutes until you can start again, thinking 'thank god that's over and I don't have to do any more of that pesky 'nothing' anymore!' So, I think the best idea for the beginner A.K.A Me is to pick something they/I can do any time for any length of time.

I've started running. I wouldn't say it was a hobby. It's not something I particualarly enjoy. Sweating isn't one of my favourite things and that chesty feeling of iminent doom even less so. It was more a case of my fella suggesting with subtle hints (involving a puce face ((his)) and an EXTREMELY ANGRY retaliating pointy finger) that if I didn't find another outlet, either my or (most likely) his head may explode. So, there you are, I jog... vaguely... for not very long... but I jog. And during that time, I don't think about work. It's a start. I'll be making vol au vons, souffle and potting... er, things, in no time at all. Just you wait and see.

2009- Woohoo!

2008-12-18T13:26:00.000-08:00

Given that we're over a week in, I somehow feel I've lost the right to any fancy new year's talk. However, what's a little rule-bending between friends, eh? Happy 2009 everyone! Another year bites the dust, eh? I hope you each saw 2008 out with all the style and finesse of which I know you're capable... (no wearing of traffic cones, snogging someone inappropriate or need for Tesco's alka seltzer aisle for us- no, siree!)

2009 does seem (most unfortunately, poor thing) to have 'handle with care' stamped all over it. Although, personally, I see no reason that we shouldn't greet it with as much nose-tweaking and cheek-pinching as with any other year. Let's give it a spanking good welcome. After all, pessimism is darned near a self-fullfilling prophecy, isn't it? Besides, in spite of my computer packing up (with a frightening air of finality this time), the internet deciding to go on the blink (again) and my fella stepping in poo (outside of the house, naturally!) all before 1pm on jan 1st, I have a very good feeling about this year.... SO THERE!

Another week, another party... it's a hard life, eh?!

2008-12-05T10:37:00.000-08:00

Well, this week has been a big one. It was the Hodder Christmas party. However, if you've read Lynne Chapman's blog (which you most certainly should do) this entry will be nearly identical to her last post... only without the fantastic life drawings from her train trip- I, of course, fell asleep and drooled on myself both there and back... and make no apology for it. In fact, I almost feel like just putting a link to her blog here instead and going off to eat mince pies... Unfortunately for you, I've already eaten every morsel and have an un-pastry-laced gap to fill, so here goes.

I'd like to say I arrived fashionably late, swanning in to sighs of awe from the crowds. Unfortunately, I wasn't really late, I was just wearing so many layers it took me an hour to get out of the cloak room... and the only swan was the origami-ed one of clothing detritus I left behind. Note to self: It's hard to look posh, when your upper extremities are trapped in the swathes of a cagoule. Inside my woolly fiasco and increasingly panicked that this wasn't 'the done thing', my opening appearance resembled that of a girl with her head stuck up the bottom of a giant jelly fish. This wouldn't have been so awful if I hadn't had to repeat the unsuccessful operation numerous times, as the party moved venue.

Slightly flustered, and with hair that performed advanced geometry lessons, I skulked into the main room and swiftly buried myself in well-to-do armpit, as I searched for someone I knew. By now it was heaving, and the air was heavy with every women's perfume known to man.... I'm quickly learning that a bloke in publishing is a very rare creature. If you're a heterosexual, lady in publishing and looking for lurrrrrve, I'd advise taking up a pottery evening class.

Anyway, I located the spiky haired lovely, Lynne, and tried not to crush her with the weight of my relief and joy. She was in conversation with an equally gorgeous Hayley Welsh, whom I immediately felt at home talking to. Hayley’s a soft-spoken, Blackpool lass with gigantic suitcases of talent – I’m betting she’s another name to be watching out for in the future. I found pictures of her work on her website afterwards. It's a mark of how nice she is that I still want to be in the same room as her, as her first book (quite mad and mostly produced in paint on the back of cardboard boxes) is going to be amazing!

The three of us cornered art director, Claire, and proceded to be pelted by mini-food trays (is it just me, or do mini-foods just make people feel large and frumpy?!) Certainly, they’re much harder to eat than first they suggest, as you’re never quite sure of what consistency they might be and thus how much ‘pincer’ pressure to apply…

Claire was talking to Melanie Williamson, amidst some rather boistrous ferny-typed plants that kept gleefully batting everyone on the head at inopportune moments. (it was a bit like being in the jungle... if the jungle rained tiny banoffee pie's and smelled of Armani) Melanie (who’s books are selling like hot cakes ((and probably taste just as good)) ) is one of THE most mental people I've ever met- She’s a bit like a stand-up comic who's main act revolves around children's books. I’d give her 10:10 in any comedy review.

I also met the marvellously handsome, Chris Mould. He was not the middle-aged, balding bloke I'd imagined, but a very dashing northern bloke; who works with a pencil like a be-sworded ninja. He’s been a favourite of mine for a while now. I’m a sucker for a well-drafted line! And discovering he can't carry a tune on the lip of a beer bottle has done little to put me off.

The big news of the night for me though, was meeting the author of my text for the first time; A lady called Mara Bergman. It was a very nervy and long-awaited event.

To me, being a picture book author seems a very strange thing; to think up a text, which you must care so much about and then having to offer it to someone else to depict. Obviously, a picture book should be half about the words and half about the pictures, but I'm not sure if it were the other way around and I was the writer i.e. the first in there with the ideas, whether I wouldn't have a terrible time handing over the reins. It shows an amazing amount of trust and throughout this project, I have felt an almost overwhelming level of expectation not to mistreat that trust.

However, although Mara is an award-winning author and her book, 'Oliver Who Would Not Sleep', is one of the few picture book texts that I genuinely admire, I needn't have worried that she’d be as intimidating in person. She’s one of those people that immediately relaxes you so that want to curl up on her knee when you talk to her. I only wish I'd met her sooner, as it would have helped the work flow so much more easily, knowing what kind of person she was. Meeting her has made me feel so much more energised about this last push to finish the book.

So, tired but feeling warm and fluffy inside, I clicked my heels together and headed off home. Ah, but first I had to face that dreaded cloak room one more time… Bum…

Adios, November... you will be missed...

2008-11-25T01:32:00.000-08:00

Cripes, it's been a wee while again. My internal clock tells me it's 10am two thursdays ago. I'm not going to be happy to see November go, I can tell you. I shall be clinging on to it's fluffy woollen coat tails and mittens (strung on elastic, naturally), yelling, 'COME BACK! I feel like I didn't even get the chance to know you!'

On the plus side, I'm quite justified in thinking about Christmas now. We've reached that Christmas Danger Zone; the one when it first appears a nice, healthy, 'look-forward-to-able' distance away, then you blink and suddenly it's there, slapping you upside the head. I've noticed the odd Christmas song has sidled nonchalently past my lips, disguising itself as an advertising ditty (and let's face it, these days, they are pretty much one and the same...) The pitch of my yowling (yuleling, indeed) gradually increases in hysteria as the days until my deadline shrink away.

I think it worth noting, for the me of a few months ago's sake, that publishing deadlines are not to be considered too lightly. What I mean by this is, although my final deadline isn't until February, I failed to take into account the interim deadlines that would allow the hand-in in February to take place. For example, there is the minor matter of the biggest office holiday of the year right slap bang in the middle of my work time. From now on, I will consider any picture book deadline to be a full month before it actually is. I'm fairly certain that I'll finish in time, but I like the idea of having that last few weeks for feeling smug... or redoing the whole thing!

So, what's news? Well, firstly, I got my proofs back. It wasn't the Edvard Munch, finger-through-nearest-eye socket, horrific experience I'd prepared myself for. My art director, Claire, did sophisticated, understatedly chic stuff with the type and the paper made it all look snazzy. I think the main help of this interim proofing process was it allowed me to think of the project as a book for the first time. Previously, as much as I THOUGHT I was thinking of it as a book, I wasn't actually really even thinking of it as a sequence of images. I think this is quite a common problem for art graduates, going into publishing. It's easy to concentrate on getting one image right, only to forget you've got another 6 gazillion to do. Certainly, it is a common complaint from publishers, that an artist cannot carry off an entire book. Anyway, it was quite a revelation to finally get my head around what it might look like on the shelves.

Secondly, I got a chance to go to my first publishing party. I've been asked to work for Egmont a couple of times. Once on my own project and once on a fiction project. Sadly, due to timing of prior work engagements, neither actually happened, so I was really chuffed and surprised to be invited to their Christmas do. I did feel slightly like an imposter, having to explain to everyone I met that I wasn't actually currently working for them, but everyone was so lovely it didn't seem to matter- I was accepted with open arms and a vol-au-von or twelve.

The gig was held at the London Transport Museum and I have to confess it made for a very surreal night. I'm sure you can imagine the scene, but let me waffle on anyway. The thing about the London Transport Museum is it's filled with... London transport, right in the centre of London which is filled with... London transport. Effectively, the museum is like some sort of Escher/fractal-esque situation. It even has commuters... stuffed for realism! So, in the middle of this heavy traffic jam, traffic lights flashing and buses set ready to collide, there was this huddle of folk in posh frocks, eating truffles on sticks. Very odd indeed. Incredibly enjoyable, nonetheless. I have found that different publishers have different 'feels' to them. The Egmontians seem to have a very 'family' sort of a feel, which is very welcoming.

I got to meet the amazing Shirley Hughes aswell. She's the closest I think I'll ever come to meeting a real-life Agatha Christie character. I can quite imagine her deftly solving the odd, cosy, fireside murder in between drawing kids.

One of the best bits of the night though, was catching up with fellow illustrators, Lynne Chapman and Ellie Sandall. Lynne, I met for the first time just recently, but already feel I've known for years and Ellie was a course mate at Anglia... and quite the star of the night. Her book, 'Birdsong' went down a storm at Frankfurt. As with publishing in general, it's ridiculous for me to tell you to watch out for it when it comes out, as that won't be until 2010, but in a year or so when she's famous, I'll say, 'I told you so!'

My trip to London was topped off nicely by a sighting of local hero, Simon Pegg, walking his pooch, 10 mins away from my house. What a man! What a dog! I thought briefly about kidnapping him and taking him home to live in my cupboard. I know I'm home when I catch a glimpse of the great Mr Pegg.

Other than that, I'd like to put out a book recommedation. I feel this book deserves to be talked about, but I'd never heard of it before a random pick at the library.

I, Nigel Dorking- by Mary-Anne Fahey
I can't recommend this book highly enough. I haven't read a book for this age group in ages that I've enjoyed as much. It's got that perfect blend of painful and laugh out loud honesty and observation. About a young lad coming to terms with his parents break up and life around him... but far more subtle than that!

Right, I had better go get on with making my Christmas card. I thought I was doing well, but I have been told that the child I drew looks like it might just eat other children... not an appealing character trait in children's publishing, cannabalism... Hence, I may go back to re-work an old image... I shall attempt to post my efforts tomorrow.

Picture Book BBC4 9pm

2008-11-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Just a quickie to remind you all to watch it tonight.

Now, I must go and decide whether the green, furry thing in the bathroom should be kept... I KNOW it's mould, but it's quite cute really....

Jack of no trades

2008-11-10T06:04:00.000-08:00

It's a strange and painful revelation that there are people who outstrip my meagre creative output miles and miles over... even before they've had their morning wheet-o's or done their daily ablusions (sp?). Obviously in illustration but in so many areas PLUS illustration.

I am head expodingly, mind-bogglingly, thumb-twiddlingly flummoxed about how to feel towards those people that not only illustrate more profusely and better than me, but also make their own jumpers... out of handspun wool, grow their own vegetables, have four children AND keep pigs! Good grief!!! What time do these people get up at?!

It is not that I don't get certain urges... Gosh, I fancy making a papier mache mask, painting glass and learning to crochet table mats today... but I 'somewhat' lack in focus. And the simple result is that in a Robinson Crusoe-like situation, I'd be as useful as deodrant to a sewer rat.

So, I have come up with a cunning plan to prove my worth to all of humanity. I wish to share my new found exploits with you in a one-time only opportunity (cos, darnit, this creativity stuff is just too blimmin' tiring...) I have decided to INVENT something. Something which will be my offering to the world after I've gone.

Here it is; my remedy to the rising prices of gas and electricity in the home. I call it 'The Hot Botty Pappousse' (patent-pending)

If you look closely, you might be able to see the rubbings out where I've perfected my design... I'd like to thank my mum and dad for allowing me to dream big. Enjoy.

temporary proofed

2008-11-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

I want to say hi to two new 'followers'- that term is just a wee bit sinister isn't it? I promise I haven't contaminated either of them in any way! Alex T and Eric Orchard, I'm really excited to have you both aboard, you ridiculously, ridiculously talented individuals! (See my 'Illustration Site' links to view their work). I also want to put a plea out to everyone else to put the 'follower' gadget on your blog. It does sound a tad cult-like, but it makes it much easier for us to get back to your blog once we've found and enjoyed it the first time.

Well, I'm happy to report that things have been a trifle more Cass-friendly this week. I got three pieces out to be 'temporary proofed' (at least I think that's what it's called. For some reason, publisher's always seem to call when you're in the middle of chomping on an apple the size of Brazil.... and then you spend the whole phonecall trying to strategically swallow. Or, when you've just dashed out of the shower and have to 'aha!' in all the right places, whilst your dripping hair attempts to electrocute you and your towel slips around your ankles... and it's only then you realise you forgot to close the blinds the night before...!) Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, the good people at Hodder have sent my work to the printer so that I can see what it'll look like when it's all jazzed up. I think my art director thinks I need (and it'll give me) confidence... I can't think why she'd think that, can you???? I really hope she's right and that it doesn't just throw some sort of prison break-esque spotlight onto all of my bloopers... (not that there *ahem* ARE any mistakes, of course...)

Is it just me, or have an insane amount of brackets crept into this post? It's worse than Homebase in here and just like the the worst kind of DIY-ers, I haven't the faintest idea how to use them...

Other than that, I hope everyone watched Picture Book on Wednesday on BBC4? Part 1 of 3 is available to watch here. The programme was really enjoyable and very well put together, though I would perhaps have liked it to be a bit more indepth. It is a surprisingly big area to cover in 1 hour slots though and possibly they'll dig deeper now they've covered the history of picture books. However, it is well worth celebrating that the medium is finally being offered this sort of recognition.

Splishy Splashy

2008-11-04T06:21:00.000-08:00

I'm going to avoid waiting until I finish work before I post it. I have a sneaky suspicion old age might set in otherwise.

So, here's a piece I started a couple of days ago, based on the theme, 'Things I Like'. If I can get it together in time, it'll be entered into a competition. I'll keep you posted.

Book Worm

2008-11-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

The rather fabtastic Louise Arnold, author of 'The Invisible Friend' (which you should really all read- if you haven't already) did a wonderful blog post on her life in books, itemising each book that had made a difference to her and writing about why.

Go to her myspace page and read her blog here- Oi! Not yet! Stay right here and read mine first!
Anyway, I thought it was such a great idea that I'd do my own (I'm also loving the excuse for another one of my lists too- some sort of psychological throwback from writing letters to Father Christmas, I think....

Trouble for Trumpets - Peter Cross

My Dad bought this book for me when I was two and, looking at Cross's lavish images, I knew from then on I wanted to 'do that-' Okay, okay! There was a five-minute madness when I wanted to become a fashion designer... and a barely mentionable insanity when I wanted to go into advertising... but for the most part, I remained faithful to my fantasy to create fictional worlds, just like the great Peter Cross. Looking at this book again and again, still has that effect on me.

Faeries - Brian Froud

This book met me when I was in my early teens. It had a diary-like/sketchbooky format that so appeals to that age and it had the most beautiful artwork, worth keeping secret. This was the book that introduced me to a new love; Dadada-DAHHHHHH! Introducing..... THE PENCIL! It was one of the first books I'd seen that contained black and white drawings and I fell totally and utterly for the purity of these pictures. There were colour plates too, but I wasn't nearly so interested in these. I've had a deep and ongoing 'love affair' with my pencil ever since.

The Phantom Tollbooth - Norton Juster

I remember listening to this on audiotape, sat on a sunny floor and eating tutti-frutti's. This was one of the first audio tapes I ever listened to and one of the most perfect memories I have. There were the Famous Five and Narnia, of course, but this is the first one I remember listening to for the sake of it, with nothing else in the world I needed to do.

Oddly, I'd just discovered how grown up 'being bored' made you feel. It's a strange thing, as people almost never actually feel bored as adults, do they? There you have it though- and this book was all about (and completely was) the antidote to boredom.

I re-read Phantom Tollbooth recently and it's just as good without the tutti-frutti's.

I'm going to continue adding to this list as I think of necessary additions.

An 'Orrible Week

2008-10-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I originally started this blog post a week ago and called it 'An 'Orrible Day.' I think you can guess what happened. One day of extreme ugliness turned into another and before long I had a grimy and gruesome, carnivalesque collection of the little blighters. I can truthfully say that the highlight of it was the dog walk on Tuesday- yes, I remember it with clarity.

I was taking it slowly, admiring the fetching Autumn coats the trees were wearing, and generally minding my own very non-muddy, clean and dry business. I don't quite remember the moment of certainty creeping up on me but, alas that moment came with great squelching gusto; A moment when the error of my previous actions was henceforth undeniable... The world slowed down.... I gulped loudly... and then I descended gracefully, arse first, into the world's biggest boggle (part bog/part puddle). Yes, Siree. I went down and I darned nearly went under.

It was one of those full body slides that you play back again and again in your mind's eye. It started as a child on a waterslide and finished as an obese hippo squelching sedately into a waterhole and got funnier with each play back. The whole epic journey from forth-standing, world watcher to buttock-sloshing, mud be-decked, sky-gazer gurgled about inside me. The comedy of the matter burbled around my navel, grew in force about my oesophargus and then, when I could no longer take it, spewed forth from my mouth in giant hysterical hiccups. Of course, being a lone female in the middle of a field, in the middle of the mother of all boggles, I tried to stifle my increased mania, stuffing a fist in my mouth to staunch the flow... as if the fact that I was laughing to myself was the embarrassing factor in this picture. I had leaves in my hair, for the love of Pantene!

The dog looked at me in a disgusted, 'You're only s'posed to blow the bl**dy doors off!' manner.

When I'd finished wallowing (literally), I flapped my way home... looking much like I'd scuba-dived in a sewer and interspersing my 'serious' face with great guttural guffaws which generally escaped me when the nearest person was in spitting distance.

Since then;

I broke my computer
Lost an afternoon's work (non-related to first computer incident- as far as I know- but does back up my feeling that computer 1 and computer 2 are in cahoots and may be plotting to assassinate, or at least mildly inconvenience me...)
Re-did the work, only to find it was the one bit that Hodder didn't like...
I lost my house keys in the very same boggle-ridden park. This time uniquely increasing my misery by donning complete 'jogging gear' in order to do so. I was locked out of the house for no fewer than 3 and a half hours... and as every one knows, the very best items of clothing to go jogging in... are one's pj's. I'm not sure my dog will ever respect me again.
Dog got runs and left chocolate puddles all over living room floor... Quite possibly a protest?

2008-10-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I feel I've accomplished a fair amount this week and yet it's zipped past again and somehow I feel like I haven't done enough! I know that doesn't make much sense. I'm somehow quite frustrated at how long things take... or more to the point, how little time there is left for anything else after.

I've started my third final piece today and as it's only a littlelun, I hope to finish it by Tuesday. This actually puts me ahead of my plans by a little and I'm not sure what results I'm creating, but I'm loving the process.

However, I think the problem is, all the looking ahead... wondering if I'm on schedule to finish a book by February (to me that feels like a tight deadline!), knowing what the next project will be and letting my mind wander to that occasionally. Planning my own potential texts efforts and then looking at publication dates in 2010. It all makes me feel quite impatient. I feel like I've spent so much time thinking about this project and planning for it, it should be finished by now, dagnammit. I'm having trouble not believing it's December too. I keep wanting to send everyone Christmas cards... I'm as bad as Woolworths and Argos for trying to cram Yuletide cheer down people's necks on September 1st.

At the same time, knowing all the things that I have to do up until next August (!) is helping me not waste my time nearly as much as I used to. It looks like a mammoth and exciting list. I think I just have to remind myself to stay in the present a little more.

Here are some of the non- workrelated things I've done this last week and felt chuffed about.

1. found a new favourite cafe and spent some valuable cake-eating time catching up with a dear friend.

2. Learnt how to cast on and started making myself a scarf from squishiest purple wool I could find.

3. Met 3 fabulous new people.

4. Listened to 'Eat, Prey, Love', by Elizabeth Gilbert. Amongst all the new-ageyness that made me cringe was a lot of fun stuff and feel-goodness that I'd recommend. Elizabeth Gilbert reads it herself with a lovely soft accent.

5. Bought some comfy monkey pants!

A fleeting update

2008-10-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Crikey! Time's gone fast! I shan't appologise for having been away, as I'm pretty sure I'll be fairly notable by my absence in the next couple of months and I'd like to save my appology for when I'm REALLY lax! If you haven't spotted me for a month say, I expect you'd probably better prepare for a major grovelling session.

Okay, well, update.

I'm in the middle of my first final piece (it having taken longer than I suspected it would- of course!)

I had thought I was over my jitters about my work. Apparently not. I still found myself hurtling wildly toward it paint brush in jousting position, hand over eyes. Attack! My footfall slowing though with the ever-increasing proximity of duh-duh-daaaaaah... the 'easel of doom'. The resulting meekest of paintbrush taps barely reached its' target. Much mopping and then frantic slewing of said work then occured in order to ecxordise the work of the vaguest hint of a tint. Now I know how Lady Macbeth felt! 'Out damn spot!'

Well, anyway, it might have a way to go, but I'm hoping to have sent it Hodder bound by Friday. There we go, I've uttered the words. Now, it won't be just me I'll be letting down if that doesn't happen!

Other news

I've been selected for the second time for the Cheltenham Illustration Award Show. I think it's on until the 31st of October, so if you find yourself in Gloucestershire with nowt to do, please pop along. I think it's a particular honour this year as my work will be exhibited alongside the rather marvellous Shaun Tan's. I think they had entries from all over the world this year so I'll have to really pull my socks up for next year's entry.

http://www.cheltenham-illustration-awards.com

Yesterday, I attended a SCBWI meeting in Manchester. The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators has branches throughout the UK and I urge everyone interested in either area to go try them out.

Whoop! Whoop!

2008-10-09T05:04:00.001-07:00

It's becoming one of those rare and ellusive days when things just go right and you feel near untouchable... I mean, I'm not saying I'm going to play russian roulette in motorway traffic any time soon, but it is a nice feeling.

The author has seen my layouts and is apparently very happy. The publisher is pleased with how I've resolved my backgrounds. A couple of small changes and I'm away to do my final pieces. *does a little dance* I'm really excited about it too, which I thought at this stage might be impossible!

Right, I shall work on some thing to hopefully post here later.

In the mean time, have a look at Simon Wild's website. The man is a don with colour and a fiend with the ol' b+w. He's also more productive than a family of chimps with the runs too, so there's always something new and exciting to look at.

www.simonwild.com

Monster Mash

2008-10-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm feeling slightly less icky. Huz *splutter* zah!
However, my head still feels slightly full of cushions. Especially when it comes to my work.

I'm still trying to mesh the different elements of my Hodder colour studies together. It seems ridiculous to be having such difficulties as the backgrounds are quite minimalist. I'm not sure now whether there are problems, or I'm just not used to working in such a way.

Anyway, here's another experiment >
I think it's currently looking too computery (technical term, stay with me!) and the lighting is wrong, but as a first attempt, I'm quite pleased.

As an aside, does anyone have a comfort angle? As you may have guessed, I tend to draw a character first off in profile. I find once I've drawn them in profile, I have far less problems tackling them from other angles.

This (and you may also have guessed it) is the 'little boy' character I instantly tend to think of. I'm working with multiple characters at the moment, but he's my sort of default. He greatly resembles my brother as a child- what can I say, we were a fugly family...!

I'd be interested in knowing if other people have 'default' characters and where they think they've come from.

Hmm...

2008-10-07T05:11:00.001-07:00

Gosh, this blogging lark is hard to keep up.

Somewhere between working on a project that I can't show and having been a big snotty, monkey, I have lost a good few days on here. Maybe you enjoyed the respite. Maybe you haven't even noticed. Perhaps I've just blown my own cover as well as my dribbly red proboscus...?!

During that time, I have made no work I can air and made no thoughts other than, 'squelchety, squelch! Arooooooooooooooooooooooooog!' (That's the sound of my nose-blowing resonating through brain cells).

Therefore, I shall tell you that the background style of the book seems to be going well, but I'm still sussing out how to draw the foreground inanimate objects. So far, the elements of the picture are going together like an anchovey chutney and bakewell tart... I will try to resolve this little problem today (the demand for anchovey chutney and bakewell tart trifle being shockingly low). However, I will also make a point of trying to get some sort of doodle to add onto this blog. I'd also like to cover another picture book too and put up a link to a fabulous article I found online the other day. I'm holding up my hand now in a firm promise (well, a gesture of affirmative that I shall try to, anyway...) that I will get that sorted this afternoon sometime.