Picture This

Great Indie Bookstores

2012-01-25T17:04:00.000-08:00

There is the most lovely children's book store in Bluffton, SC. The Storybook Shoppe. They now carry copies of Rockabye Baby Jesus and Twelve Colorful Things. Check out the photos.

Another indie bookstore that carries a title I've illustrated is E Shaver bookstore in Savannah. Autographed copies!

They Draw & Cook

2011-12-18T12:36:00.000-08:00

Love the site for They Draw & Cook. I enjoy cooking and will be doing this in the near future. Great site.

Spoonflower

2011-12-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

Working on repeat patterns. Learning. Found some great youtube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDiTE4Fe_24

The I uploaded my own works up to Spoonflower a great site for creating your own custom fabrics. I love browsing to see all the great designs.

Rockabye Baby Jesus Illustrator Copies

2011-12-06T16:05:00.001-08:00

Just in copies of "Rockabye Baby Jesus". YEAH!!

Review of Twelve Colorful Things

2011-11-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

Sweet review of "Twelve Colorful Things" on the 21st Century Housewife.

Rockabye Baby Jesus Coloring Sheet

2011-11-24T08:41:00.000-08:00

For a free coloring sheet the release of "Rockabye Baby Jesus" by Heather Tietz art by Nancy Miller. Click the coloring sheet.

Picture Book Month

2011-11-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

Celebrate picture book month!

Pete the Cat

2011-09-28T14:24:00.001-07:00

This is a wonderful book that incorporates song and colors. Gotta love Pete!

Crayola Doesn't Make a Color for your Eyes

2011-09-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

Cute video and great song with kids!

Interview Author Brenda Sturgis

2011-08-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

I interviewed author Brenda Sturgis, whom I got to know while illustrating Sweet Dreams. She was kind enough to answer some questions about the business of children's book writing. Enjoy!

1. How did you come up with the idea for "10 Turkeys in the Road"? After watching the book trailer I couldn't help but giggle. Humor abounds in the writing and the illustrations.
Thank you Nancy! The original idea presented itself one day when I was driving my daughter to school. There were about 10 turkeys blocking the road that we live on, (a country road in Shapleigh, Maine) strutting, creating a ruckus, and then they’d fly off into the trees. I woke up one night at 3:00 a.m. and the story was in my head, and I wrote the first draft fairly quickly. I sent it to my good friend, editor of Flashlight Press, Shari Dash Greenspan, and she liked it as well, and she added some funny illustration notes, the turkeys were doing all kinds of crazy things that she thought up. I reworked the text. I entered it in Smart Writers 2007, and it took an honorable mention, while the Football Game, now titled Touchdown, won first place in the same contest. In 2008, I took 10 Turkeys in the Road, on a road trip with me to RUCCL (Rutgers Council for Children’s Literature) a selective conference where you’re matched one-on-one with an editor. I was paired with Margery Cuyler, of Marshall Cavendish. She read the manuscript, laughed out loud and loved it. But said she’d like to see it about a circus. I went home and started a revision, had to change 10 entire stanzas each one had to rhyme with “One turkey flew away,” which is the refrain. I was able to rewrite the whole story to Margery’s specifications, it was submitted to her, and she acquired. She asked for two additional stanzas which I was happy to write for her, and the rest is turkey history!

2. What types of marketing techniques do you use to promote your work?
My website, designed by Donna Coons Farrell is turkey themed, and my daughter-in-law, educator, Whitney Reeves, (co-creator of The Bitzy Baby) wrote the lesson plans for me. My good friend and critique partner Carrie Clickard wrote the puzzles for me, and I created the book trailer myself with Movie Maker. I’ve contacted The National Wild Turkey Federation who looked over my puzzles and my website, and agreed to do a book review, also Avner the Eccentric, (he was in The Jewel of the Nile movie with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner.) Avner was the juggler in the market scene. He’s a performer still and has agreed to do a book review as well. Also, I contacted The World Circus Federation and have agreed to donate two signed copies for a silent auction in Monaco. I work with Kirsten Cappy of Curious City, http://visitcuriouscity.wordpress.com/ and we have a marketing plan in place as well. Book signings, school visits, and promo events are sure to follow.

3. What are some of the other book titles you've done?

I have a poem in the Sweet Dreams anthology titled Snuggled Child with Blooming Tree Press, illustrated by the fabulous you. Also have a lot of titles in project portfolio of picture books, polished and ready to find a home. Have had a lot of great feedback on several pieces but no additional sales yet, and am presently searching for an agent that will be a good fit both professionally and personally.

4. Can you tell us about any future books that will be released?
Nothing I can share just yet, but some good things are in the works!

Brenda, thank you for taking the time to share your work! To learn more about Brenda visit her site www.brendareevessturgis.com/ .

Visual Illusion

2011-08-20T06:33:00.001-07:00

It's amazing how contrast and values work in this one.

IF: Perennial

2011-07-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

This illustration of a camilia that I attempted for my grad illustration class on materials and techniques. Not my usual pastels. It's using CF Payne's technique. It was a bit washed out. Live and learn. This next one is a magnolia in Mark English's technique.

Live Oak Southwest Branch Visit

2011-07-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing time at the Live Oak Southwest Branch this past week. The children's librarian, Alissa Boyd, is so welcoming and provides a lot of programs during the summer at the branch. It was great seeing all of the participation. 45 kids and 20 parents attended the reading of "Twelve Colorful Things" by Heather Tietz and illustrated by me! Reading, drawing demo, and I love throwing in an art project that goes with the book. The children in the story give a neighbor 11 pots decorated. We made pinch pots and each kid did an fantastic job of making theirs unique. I wished I'd taken photos of their work. The kids were so animated and we enjoyed our time together. I got a couple of hugs from kids and tons of questions and thank yous!

IF: Stay

2011-07-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

I thought of this illustration I did of my neighbor's dog that has to stay inside because of the weather.

Author Interview: Heather Tietz

2011-07-10T04:59:00.000-07:00

I've had the pleasure of illustrating several books by Heather Tietz. She was kind enough to do a interview with me on her recent book Twelve Colorful Things.

Here's a little bit about Heather. Heather Tietz spent most of her childhood on the east coast of the United States making mud pies, lemonade stands, snow forts, tree houses and poems. It was her fourth grade teacher that inspired her love for poetry. After receiving a teaching credential from Cal State Fullerton she taught in Los Angeles city schools for several years. In her free time she pursued freelance writing jobs for magazines.

1. How did you come up with the idea for "Twelve Colorful Things"? It's a wonderful idea to bring months, colors, and number together.
"Twelve Colorful Things" has born back in my teaching days. Every year or so I scooped it up, toyed with the words and laid it back down to rest. The concept of 12 months, 12 colors and 12 numbers has stayed the same, but the story has changed tremendously over about 15 years time. In fact, it was the editors at Ambassador that inspired the biggest change to the book. They saw that it had potential, but wanted it fattened up so that it wasn't so dependent on the illustrations. I had about a week's time to sort of rewrite it again. I love what happened. Their suggestions really brought the story to life.

2. What types of marketing techniques do you use to promote your work?

I have a FaceBook Author page and a linked-in profile and a website of course (www.HeatherTietz.com). I've haven't done much marketing outside of my little town. I've had a few small author signings, I've made a friend with an editor at my local paper, but I can't seem to get my local library or any bookstores to call me back about simply coming in to just read books during their storytimes. I think if I had the voice of a whiskery old man I could get a few doors to open for me. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of time to put toward marketing. I am a mom foremost, my extra time comes in uneven slices and is often eaten up before I get to use it for myself. Efforts put toward marketing are efforts taken away from writing.

3. What are some of the other book titles you've done?
In 2008 "Yes, Jesus Loves You" was published. That was my first picture book. Prior to that I wrote two crafts books for David C. Cook, and a handful of crafts for a third book published by a team of writers for a Vacation Bible School Curriculum. The invitation for me to write the FunStuff craft books for Cook actually came about because they had been interested in the "Yes, Jesus Loves You" manuscript. The publication of it fell through with them, but my name had been imprinted in the back of some editor's mind there, a few months later I was given a proposal for my first craft book with them.

4. Can you tell us about any future books that will be released?
Presently, "Rock-a-Bye Baby Jesus", illustrated by Nancy Miller, is due to come out before Christmas. The timing is so nice, since it is the story of Jesus birth. Other than that, I have a list of manuscripts I've submitted, I am just waiting to see if I can catch an editor's eye once again.

Thanks Heather for taking the time to answer these questions. If you'd like to learn more about Heather's books visit www.heathertietz.com/.

School Library Journal Article on Kids' Book Apps

2011-07-08T13:49:00.001-07:00

Great article on kid's book apps.

Planet App: Kids' book apps are everywhere. But are they any good?

Another sea creature

2011-07-05T19:38:00.001-07:00

Decided to try the collage style with some seahorses. Really enjoyed apply and figuring out the best textures.

Adobe Photoshop Wins

2011-06-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

After struggling so much with Corel Painter I decided that I needed to try and work with a sample Photoshop illustration. It's one of those things I do love all the traditional options in Corel Painter, but I find that I'm so much more used to Photoshop. It can be overwhelming looking at all of the palettes and options in Painter. I even spent time taking some Lynda.com courses on it. I decided to try scanning in my work and trying to give a collage texture feel to this sample piece. It went so much smoother. I scan in textures that I've created traditionally so I enjoy that a lot. Photoshop is what I'm going with.

IF Midsummer Night

2011-06-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Here is my Midsummer Night Dream. I always think of falling asleep and fairy dust.

12 Colorful Things Wallpaper

2011-06-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

Free desktop wallpaper to promote Twelve Colorful Things.

Twelve Colorful Things Book Trailer

2011-06-28T15:10:00.001-07:00

I decided to create a book trailer for Twelve Colorful Things that was released recently. I used iMovie.

IF Launch

2011-06-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Here's an illustration I did for an editorial piece about a child making his own homemade aircraft.

Sketching for fun

2011-06-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

Simply sketches. Ideas for possible illustrations.

Beach Gesture Drawings

2011-06-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

Took a sketchbook and tried some gesture drawing on the beach. Beautiful weather.

Gardening Illustration

2011-06-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

Probono Job for kids gardening club in public schools. Done in Corel Painter.

Relief and finished!

2011-03-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

Since I last posted. I've finished my book illustrations and started a pro bono job for a friend. The pro bono job is for a program that goes into public schools and helps them start their own organic garden. I'm doing an illustration for their website. It's nice to be back to a manageable pace. I'm looking forward to getting back to working on the computer illustration style. Rock-a-bye Baby Jesus will be out Fall 2011.

Deadline...

2011-02-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

I'm taking some time away from my marketing efforts to finish a picture book project 2 months early. I keep thinking like the Little Engine that Could...I think I can I think I can...

Twelve Colorful Things Coming Soon!

2011-02-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

New book title that I've illustrated will be out May 2011. Click to preorder on Amazon.

Library of the Early Mind

2011-02-13T11:57:00.000-08:00

Painter

2011-02-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

The more I use painter I feel more at ease. Here's a screen shot of a thank you card I'm working on for clients. A bit of a self portrait. Liked using the real bristle brushes for the hair. Mainly I like working with the pastels.

Marketing Tuesday, Jan. 11th

2011-01-17T11:15:00.000-08:00

I'm a day early. Decided with the holiday to take advantage of some spare time. I'm over 50 on my mailing list. I'm half way to 100. Yeah! I've been viewing other illustrator sites/blogs to find publishers. I'm still on a tight budget. But I think you get a bit more creative when you are on a tight budget.

I'm hoping to eventually get time to make a presentation of my work on Prezi. This is a nice way to make a presentation that isn't so slide based. It take some getting used to working on the canvas. I wanted to repeatedly use my quick key commands. It's browser based. So you don't have to worry about mac/pc or if they have the software. I think it has promise.

Marketing Tuesday, Jan. 11

2011-01-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

I've been researching online for various publishers. I tried googling for "Illustration Submissions". That had mixed results there's a lot of things you have to weed through if you are looking children's book publishers. After about 5 pages of this I decided to see how current my info was in my 2008 Children's Market Book. I'm working on a budget. It helps to google the publisher to double check them on JacketFlap. That helps. Now I'm up to 30 for my mailing. I try not to get discouraged at my slow progress. I'm still working on illustrating a fourth book title the talented author Heather Tietz. This is my 3rd illustration job with the same author. It's been a wonderful experience. I love her work.

Marketing Tues Jan 4th

2011-01-05T13:55:00.000-08:00

I started my Marketing Tues. on Jan. 4th. I decided to spend time adding names to my mailing list for my future promo card mailer. I found some listings off of the Children's Book Council site. If you click on the "For Members" section you can access CBC member list. They have a link to each members site and lists if they accept unsolicited submissions. Then I doubled back and check on the website to see their backlist and submission guidelines.

When I have some freelance money coming in I'll opt to buy the Market books. I noticed the 2011 Artists and Graphic Designer's book is now available online. I think that's better than having the hardcopy. They get outdated so quickly.

#31 – Now go and do!

2011-01-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

Here's the link to Holli Conger's Site. Enjoy!
#31 – Now go and do!

Ideas for Interiors

2011-01-03T08:14:00.000-08:00

I enjoy visiting thi site called Design Sponge. I think it helps to get ideas for interior spaces for illustrations. Sometimes you need something that looks more contemporary. Check it out. If not for your illustrations you get ideas for your own home space! I like how the organized the books in this picture by color. I wish I where that organized.

Promo Card

2011-01-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

After a couple of years, I finally got motivated enough to create a new promo card to send out to ADs. I got really excited after following Holli Conger's website for Dec. Now I just need to wait for pay day and I can get them printed and mailed out. My marketing days I will have on Tues. Should be fun.

Wizard Sketch

2011-01-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

I watched the movie "The Color of Magic" based on the novel by Terry Pratchett. It was a good fantasy movie. Complete with everything you would want to see in a magical world.

IF - Resolution

2011-01-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a sketch for this week's theme resolution. Save more money! That's a personal resolution for this year.

Redesigned Website

2010-12-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

I finally got some time to rework my website and make this Monday and Marketing Monday. I took some inspiration from reading Holli Conger's blog A Girl Who Creates. Great stuff on her site. She is posting for every day in Dec. a tip on illustration biz. I find it really inspiring and motivating. I feel like in the past I've been really spotty when it comes to promoting my work. I'm going to try and do at least one thing each Monday to promote my work.

I think this rework in my site Nancy Miller Illustration makes it clearer that I work in pastels as a children's market illustrator. I also updated my portfolio images. I combined some pages to make it cleaner.

Oops! Forgot to embed the fonts. I checked it on my other computer and realized what I'd forgotten. Fixed it.

Illustration Friday - Winter

2010-12-25T11:52:00.000-08:00

Here's my illustration friday piece for winter. I used this illo for a promo card last xmas.

Edgar Allan Poe Portrait

2010-11-23T06:41:00.000-08:00

This didn't turn out as well as I would have liked but it was a final assignment for the illustration course. I enjoy Poe and read him during Halloween. Not fond of color pencils. I find them to be a lot of work. My original sample for this piece was stronger.

Pol Turgeon Technique Update

2010-11-23T06:39:00.000-08:00

Completed a finished illustration for the Pol Turgeon technique.

Flower Samples

2010-11-23T06:33:00.000-08:00

Did some samples of various flowers from the course I took. Some better than others. Used techniques from Mark English and CF Payne.

Southern Breeze Illustrators

2010-11-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

Nice to get some additional web coverage from the Southern Breeze Illustrators Corner.Wonderful showcase of Southern Illustrators.

Next Book "Rock-A-Bye Jesus"

2010-11-10T17:20:00.001-08:00

Can't wait to finish class so I can get back to work on my next book project. It's been so busy trying to keep up with work and class.

Spam

2010-10-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

I never got spam before but boy is it racking up these spam comments from other countries.

Working Differently 2

2010-10-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

Had to try a new technique. Try Pol Turgeon's. He's a great illustrator, but boy does the stuff he uses stink to high heaven. Just the smell of the L&B cracking varnish just about did me in. It's made out of ox bile. Ugh. When you cover your painting with it and use a blow dryer it creates some amazing cracks on the top. After that he goes back in with oil paint and rubs it off. The oil paint stays in the cracks so you can see them. It was interesting.

Here's a close up of the cracks:

The cracking varnish costs about $9 for a small bottle. Lefranc & Beourgeois. They also make an aging varnish but I really didn't think it made that much of a difference. Could have saved $9.

Working Differently

2010-10-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

I am such a creature of habit. Working in a different materials besides pastels is like having my teeth pulled. Figuratively. After working in acrylics which I haven't done in 13 years it made me appreciate my pastels even more. I'll be glad when I can get back to my pastel for the next picture book.

Graduate School

2010-10-09T05:53:00.001-07:00

I started a graduate course for my masters. I realize after starting it that I'd rather be spending the time and energy to finish books. I think after this one course I'll be back to focusing on my illustration work more. I may think about other programs that may suit my focus.

June Library Visit

2010-05-31T11:20:00.001-07:00

I'm looking forward to a local library visit for the month of June. I'd say this is my first visit with a drawing demo and art project for the kids. Should be fun!

Southern Breeze Illustrator Show 2010

2010-05-31T11:04:00.000-07:00

I'm so glad I got the chance to participate in the Southern Breeze Illustrator Show at the Little Shop of Stories. I couldn't make it in person but it looks like everyone had a great time.

Book related visits

2010-04-03T13:05:00.001-07:00

It's hard to get noticed in the biz. I guess what I mean is even when I tell book stores, schools, and libraries that I'm available for signings and visits they think I'm a nut job. I speak to them on the phone, meet in person and send letters. No luck. It took me 3 months to get a book signing with a major chain. Took 3 months of persistence to get the visit at a library. Which I'm exciting about the library visit. It's a chance to hone my skills at working a crowd. It's also a chance to give back as a volunteer. My local library has provided the majority of my language art tie in w/my Kindergarten curriculum. Children at that age just love to be read to. As long as the book is interesting the kids they listen. Use the silly voices for each character if it's appropriate. The kids like it. Cuts down on behavior problems in the first 10 min. of class.

I've been checking out other children's book illustrators/authors site to see how the handle such events. I got some great insight from some of the blogs I visit. Click on the name to visit their blog.
Elizabeth Dulemba
Don Tate

I've been a K-5 art teacher and I will say that really helps being around kids and teaching art to get a feel for what children like. I'm used to being around children and parents. I still get some butterflies but nothing like prior to my student teaching days. You also get a feel for improvising. Children are all different, and each event is slightly different. Prior to that I would have been hiding under a desk. It's exciting when the kids love what you teach them. Can you beat a standing ovation from a class of kindergartners. Plus shouting "You are an artist!" It warms the heart and soul. With the biz of children's books being so full of rejections it's a nice change of pace.

When working with kids here's something I've learned from being a teacher. Say the group you have is a bit on the rowdy side and you need them to focus. You can always find one child that is doing what you want them to be doing and compliment them. Are they sitting quietly and waiting. "I really like how you are sitting here quietly and waiting for me to start". Do it loud enough that the other kids can here. Majority will get the idea and follow along. No matter the age we all love to be complimented.

If you are teaching kids to draw break things down into steps. Include questions for the kids to respond. Guide the questions if you are trying to get a specific response. Also try and come up with analogies that the kids can understand. They really like food analogies. Oh that's like a shape of an oreo cookie. That's helpful if you need them to draw things a specific size. Kids generally tend to draw things on the small side. Also if you intend the kids to draw save passing out the pencils or crayons for last. It cuts down on pencil twirling and drawing when they should be listening.

You do need to be energetic with young kids. I find that I have a certain style of talking with lower grades. You know the kind that your kindergarten teacher uses. The older kids you don't have too as much. Try to make sure that you don't talk to a 5th grader they way you talk to someone in Kindergarten. When kids are young saying their picture is nice and you like it is usually enough. When they are older be more specific about what you like about their work. Talk about lines, colors, shapes, principles of art. Otherwise they think you are humoring them.

If you aren't sure what kids should be learning at what age check your states Performance Standards for visual arts. All states that have art programs will have some type of standards that will give you an idea about what kids are learning about in the arts. If some concept is too high for them you'll know.

Kids of any age love games. Depending on the audience well known games modified for what you need such as Simon Says can help keep them interested. You can toss a ball to a student for a Q & A about what do they remember from the story or event. It's scientific that if you can coordinate body movement and learning there is better memory retention. I do dance and hand motions with students when they are learning about Mondrian and Broadway Boogie Woogie. I learned the lesson from my teacher while student teaching. A year later they still remember it because of the seeing, hearing, motion, and doing.

It's good to practice what you are doing. Practice makes perfect even if it's just in front of your mirror. Also I try and have a mini outline of what I'm going to do. Just so if I draw a blank I can refocus by just reading a line. Once you've done it a few times things get much smoother. Also really think about what you did that didn't work and correct it for the next time.

Dr. Suess

2010-02-28T15:26:00.000-08:00

Read Across America is starting March 2nd, Dr. Suess' birthday! Some great free stuff on the National Education Associations Site.

Widget Box

2010-02-18T08:41:00.000-08:00

I thought this was interesting you can make your widgets at Widget Box. Nice.

Good Review From Christian Children's Book Review

2010-02-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

Got a good review on the first picture book I illustrated from the Christian Children's Book Review Blog.You have to scroll down to see it. Here's a screen shot of it.

Tim Burton at MOMA

2010-01-18T12:47:00.001-08:00

I have a NYC friend of mine that just saw the exhibit and loved it. Check out the online MOMA site if you can't make the exhibit.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2010-01-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

A good read for Martin Luther King Holiday.

This picture-book biography provides an ideal introduction to this leader and his works. Juxtaposing original text with quotes from King's writing and speeches, Rappaport's (Escape from Slavery) narrative offers a pastiche of scenes from King's life, beginning with his childhood experience of seeing "White Only" signs sprinkled throughout his hometown. He questions his mother about their meaning, and she assures him, "You are as good as anyone." Listening to his father preach, the boy asserts that "When I grow up, I'm going to get big words, too." Rappaport also touches upon King's role in the Montgomery bus strike that followed Rosa Park's 1955 arrest for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger and his subsequent efforts as a civil rights crusader. After briefly describing the circumstances of his death, the story concludes, quite abruptly, with the statement, "His big words are alive for us today." The author relies on her subject's own words, and his power, passion and pacifism shine through. Collier's (Uptown) striking watercolor and cut paper collage art feature closely focused, lifelike images of King and other individuals against an inventive montage of patterns and textures. The portraits of King exude his spiritual strength and peaceful visage. In the background of some scenes are intricate recreations of stained glass windows, which, Collier explains in an introductory note, he interprets as a metaphor for King's life. An elegant, understated pictorial biography. Ages 5-9.

IF: CONFINED

2010-01-09T07:58:00.000-08:00

This is an illustration I did for Summer Shorts Anthology. It's a scan from the book. It was a poem about having to go on the high dive. With all the other kids waiting behind you. I'd feel confine if I was afraid of the height and had only 1 way out.

Submissions for New Children's Online Mag

2010-01-09T07:48:00.000-08:00

Berry Blue Haiku

Berry Blue Haiku is a quarterly digital magazine focusing on haiku for kids of all ages. In each issue, we will bring you contests, articles, lessons, as well as puzzles with haiku/senryu related-fun.

If you are a writer or an illustrator, please familiarize yourself with our submission guidelines before submitting.

If you still have questions after reviewing our guidelines, please contact us at berrybluehaiku (at) gmail (dot) com (email must be formatted properly to function).

Our first issue is due out in June 2010.

**Submission guidelines may change without notice.

New Years Resolutions

2010-01-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

I made some New Year's Resolutions to try and blog more. I was doing pretty well when I first started this blog but things got busy like family, school, work and freelancing. This year I'm going to make time for it. Plus be healthier when I freelance. I get so wrapped up into a project I forget to move. By the end of illustrating a book I feel like a slug. Not a good feeling. Plus I'd like to to do a mailing at least 2x a year and work up to quarterly. Make some tunnel books out of my illustrations. Also try and create a new illustration style that might work in more markets.

Andrea Dezso, artist

2010-01-05T13:15:00.000-08:00

Love the work of this book artist: Andrea Dezso. Amazing tunnel books.

Tunnel Books New Ideas

2010-01-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about how I can make some more tunnel books. I'd like to make some out of my illustrations from the picture books.Especially after seeing the work of Chuck Miley. He's makes tunnel books and pop-ups from classical children's book stories.

IF: RENEWAL

2010-01-03T17:36:00.001-08:00

I geek my local library and love the renewal process! Visit the GeekTheLibrary site to geek what your interested in.

Here's an additional sketch with the two owls reading.

My Etsy Store NOW OPEN!

2010-01-01T15:12:00.001-08:00

I finally got up and decided I need to sell some of my original art on www.nmillerillustration.etsy.com. Please check it out!

Wishfull Visual Art Retreat Online

2009-12-31T07:12:00.000-08:00

I saw this Wish full virtual art classes and find this idea of a virtual visual art retreat as a fun way to focus on art with pros with out having to go any where. I don't shy away from online learning experiences. If they have good contact and keep regular contact it goes quite well. I've taken online classes and to me they take motivation then your traditional classroom setting. If you have a busy schedule and want to get some art in and creative time this is one way to do it.

#2 Pencils

2009-12-30T11:09:00.000-08:00

When I was in college they used to make us buy those fancy sets of drawing pencils with all the different hard and soft leads. After I got out of school I realized there's nothing more trusty then your #2 Pencil. I buy 20 in a box from the Dollar Store and they last forever.

Roz Box

2009-12-29T13:36:00.000-08:00

I realized I've filled my first Deluxe Roz Box with pastels. As a pastel artists you gotta have something to carry and protect all of your pastels. I highly recommend this box.

Sketches 12 Things

2009-12-29T13:27:00.000-08:00

Slowly but surely working on sketches for "Twelve Things". My office space is starting to get to me. I tend to work on my old fashioned plexi animator's board in front of my computer. Once I get my sketches finished and approved I'll move over to my equally messy drafting table to add color using pastels. This book I think I'll need to do color comps in the computer. We'll see.

FREE Coloring Page & Wordsearch

2009-12-29T10:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a Free Coloring Sheet and Word search for fans of Yes, Jesus Loves You. I used these sheets for kids to to take home with them from my recent book signing. Most of the young kids can do the coloring sheets and I opted to add a word search for the older kids that want something more challenging to do. A solution page is also included on the 2nd page of the word search.

Reworked My Site

2009-12-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

Did some rework on my site for the 2nd book that will be out hopefully Spring 2010. I did some searching online for how to tile/pattern in photoshop. This was a easy tutorial. I used photoshop CS4. I need to try it out in Illustrator as well.

Also been looking at Intuos 4. Price is right at $199 for the small on Amazon.com. There are pros and cons reviews listed and a cool video demo on the site. When I start grad school I'll probably consider making that switch to digital illustration.

Illustration Blogs

2009-12-27T17:32:00.000-08:00

I really have to say that I'm so glad that illustrators have been kind enough to share so much of their experiences online. It's such a wealth of information that is out there. Back when I was getting my BFA in illustration the web was a new things for illustrators. At the time none of my professors where really utilizing it. Marketing was taught strictly as mailers and carrying your portfolio to ADs. The marketing for illustrators has changed so greatly. My first picture book contract I got was from the AD at Ambassador Bks/Paulist Press seeing my work online at the SCBWI. Then my 2nd book that is out in 2010 was from a targeted postcard mailer. I think it's worth trying various types of marketing approaches because you just don't know what will work. I'm always reading others blogs about what they did try it but make different to fit my needs.

Illustration Friday: Pioneer

2009-12-27T17:22:00.000-08:00

I did this illustration a while ago, but I thought it applied to the theme. I imagined a young boy being a pioneer aviator. Imagine what it would be like to take flight. I wouldn't recommend doing this at home, but it's fun to imagine what Wright Bros. Might have been like as kids. I'm sure they gave their mom some frights.

First Book Signing

2009-12-27T17:05:00.000-08:00

After several months of contacting I finally had my first book signing. I've learned some things for this experience. Even after you get a first book published there is so much effort that one has to put into promoting it. It takes repeated contacts with a bookstore to get a signing. I'm sure if you have awards attached to the book or backed by a major publisher the experience is probably very different.

Most of the kids that were at the signing were there to be read to and do an art project. They seemed to enjoy it. Working at a book signing is way more easier then trying to coral students in an art room. It was a nice laid back experience. I could probably have thrown in a drawing demo. Overall without a drawing demo it took about 45 min. Then there was a signing at the front of the store. I think I would have liked it if it was possible to have the signing in the children's book section. But with that said I got a customer that came up and bought 2 without having had a child attend the session.

I realized due to the kind and thoughtful patronage of family and friends I was able to sell about 12 books in a hour. I could hope for more, but for a first time signing I think it wasn't too bad. I had fun.

I'm Thankful

2009-11-28T07:46:00.000-08:00

I'm enjoying my time off while illustrating book #3. I must say if you ever done any teaching especially with children it can be exciting, enjoyable, and exhausting all at the same time. Being an art educator has taught me how you can explore all kinds of avenues of art. I get to see every day how much the students love art. Especially the kinders. Can you remember that time when you valued your art so much that you wouldn't give it up, and you just purely enjoyed making any type of mark? I find that it's been a long journey back to that frame of mind. When you work so hard to succeed as an illustrator you forget at times the value of your own work and find time to just make art for oneself. I'd gotten so critical about everything I did or made. I've finally gotten to the point where I value the work that I make like my kinders and feel that i deserve to keep the rights and payment. I expect that now. I remember when I used to sell myself short.

I get the incorporate pictures books the most with kinders. They LOVE being read to and being asked to be illustrators. It's great that my kinders know what an illustrator is and what the pictures in the books are called. You can find a picture book that ties into any of the grade levels state standards. They value the work of these artist because for them it communicates so much more. Here's a list of some of the books I've read to my K-5:

Where The Wild Things Are
Mother Goose
Dr. Ted
The Little Engine That Could
Turkey Ball
Olivia
One Tiny Turtle
Mouse Paint
Calabash Cat
Art Dog
Mama Don't Allow

There are more but I can't remember their titles. I can't wait to read so many of the other books I have in store for the rest of the year.

Now that I've had some time away from teaching it's hard to get back into the mind set of illustrating. It's taken a week for me to get back into the swing of things. I'm looking forward to when I have more time off to work. I've been fortunate to work with an amazing publisher, Ambassador Books, and they've really worked with me on getting to a place where I could manage everything I've been doing lately. You often hear that everything is so commercial these days and publishers are all about numbers, etc. I find that with a publisher like Ambassador Books/Paulist Books that isn't the case. I would one day love to meet personally with these editors.

I'm going be having my first book signing next month. It took me 3 months of contacting stores to get it worked out. Even with having illustrated a quality picture book it still takes leg work to get things happening. I'm sure it's much different if you have a Caldecott next to the title. :)

With all that said I'm thankful for so much in my career. Also I've had the support of my family and friends to make all of this happen. Many of my friends and family have appeared as models for the characters in the books. My mother-in-law has been a tireless cheerleader in everything I've done. I get to share the end product with my own son. He's at that age that he wants to be read to every night. I'm more than happy to comply. :)

Book #3

2009-10-13T12:23:00.001-07:00

Trying to get the time and energy to start book dummy #3.

Illustration Friday: Drifting

2009-06-23T18:36:00.001-07:00

Here's an illustration I did a while ago but fits so well for the theme. The three cats in the sub are an homage to cats I've owned: Snowball, Teddy Bear Head, and Stinky.

Carbonite.com

2009-05-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

I've been really terrible about having a backup for my own work. I decided to try a service that archives your files behind the scene while you work. Carbonite.com free 15 day trial. I admit it takes time for it to backup on their servers. I have 16 gigs I'm trying to backup. The nice thing is that even in the event of theft, natural disasters your backup will still be there.

Painter II

2009-05-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

Tried Painter 11 and it works great. I downloaded the free 30 day demo from their site. Here's an example using a sketch I scanned and painted in Painter. I've realized I don't know that I'll get the exact same look as my traditional work. I think it has potential to become a new style of work that I can add.

Google Doodle

2009-05-11T09:19:00.001-07:00

There are so many talented young students who created ideas for their version of the Google logo. Vote for your favorite!

Sweet Dreams Collection of Bedtime Poems

2009-05-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

I've been working hard on this latest book. It's from my previous blog post. I've enjoyed reading the beautiful poems that were selected. Thank you to all the writers that were selected. Miriam Hees the publisher of BTP mentions it on her blog A Publisher's Life.

Fast and Furious Illustration

2009-05-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

I'm working as fast as I can complete 10 illustrations in the next 3 weeks. This is a very fast pace for me. Normally I'd complete that in 2-3 months comfortably. Hope I can do it.

Adobe CS4

2009-05-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

Finally upgraded to Adobe CS4. Loving it!

Art is...

2009-05-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.
Twyla Tharp.

Twyla Tharp was Dancer and choreographer (one who develops and directs dances) Twyla Tharp is known for developing a unique style that merged ballet and modern dance

Class Act

2009-05-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

I watched an amazing movie about why arts in education is important and relevant. Also one man's, Jay Jensen's commitment, to the fine arts.It's on hulu.com for free to watch.Click to watch Class Act.

SCBWI Redesign

2009-04-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to learn that the SCBWI is updating their site. Can't wait to see it!

Storylineonline

2009-04-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

This is a great site, Storylineonline.net, of wonderful picture books being read by various actors. I especially enjoyed the books by Nina Laden. Great illustrator and writer.

Free Coloring Page

2009-04-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

With the upcoming release of "Yes, Jesus Loves You" by Heather Tietz art by Nancy Miller I've made a coloring page from one of the interior illustrations. Check it out.

Free Page

2009-04-18T05:36:00.001-07:00

Serbin is having a drawing for a full page ad in the Illustration Directory.

Illustrating a 2nd book

2009-04-11T05:43:00.000-07:00

I'm working on illustrating a 2nd book. A book of bedtime poems by various authors for ages 0-9. The more I work on it the more excited I get. It's so hard to imagine that in the end it will become a finished book. I start working on a book and it usually takes a year or longer before I see the finished product. I wish I could share some of the photos of it.

Yes, Jesus Loves You listed on BN

2009-03-26T17:24:00.001-07:00

Yes, Jesus Loves You is listed on BN. YEAH!

Books to Movies

2009-03-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

Twilight on DVD
Harry Potter 6

JJK Studio Book Tour

2009-03-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

I had to laugh when I watched Jarrett Krosoczka movie for Punk Farm Tour was hilarous! It's from a while ago, but I had LOL. Here's a link to that vidoes and much more.

"Yes, Jesus Loves You" Youtube trailer

2009-03-15T14:04:00.001-07:00

Yes, Jesus Loves You Book Trailer

2009-03-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to view the book trailer online.
Yes, Jesus Loves You

Yes, Jesus Loves You

2009-03-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

I noticed that amazon.com is carrying Yes, Jesus Loves You. Yeah!

Yes, Jesus Loves You Picture Book

2009-01-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited that after many years of trying I have illustrated a picture book. Yes, Jesus Loves You by Heather Tietz. I had to read the catalog entry on by Paulist Press several times to believe it's true. It's on pg. 15 of the PDF for the Spring 09 Catolog. YEAH, Here's the catalog description:

Written by Heather Tietz, Illustrated by Nancy Miller
Yes, Jesus Loves You Ages 5-9
Yes, Jesus Loves You is a soothing stroll through God’s creation, in lullaby form. His love for us can be seen throughout all he’s made. The very shape and function of our physical bodies were designed by Him. Animals, great and small, the elements, tame and unreserved, plants, frail and strong, are often quiet lessons about God’s character and His love for humankind. Even the night itself is from God-the stars, a night light, the call of insects, a song, the darkness a reminder to pray. This charming story may be sung or simply read and lends itself easily to accompanying hand movements. It is perfect for church, for school, or for putting little ones to bed with a sense of peace and joy.

Heather Tietz lives in Chino Hills, CA.

Children
GENERAL TRADE / July 2009
16 pages / 9 x 8 / Hardcover / World rights
978-0-8091-6743-2 / $14.95

Available for preorder on Amazon.com.

ABOUT PAULIST PRESS
...Paulist Press began to expand rapidly in the 1950s. By 1966 it was the largest Catholic distributor and publisher in the world, employing 235 lay employees and the services of six Paulist priests, and distributing nearly 20 million books, pamphlets, and magazines each year. To channel books into Catholic parishes around the country, the Press established the National Catholic Reading Distributors (NCRD) in 1958. In 1962 Paulist Press enlarged greatly when it acquired Newman Press, with two book stores in Baltimore and Washington, D.C...Through children's books, works on spirituality and prayer, and studies of the latest developments in theology and scripture, the Press continues its mission to bring the riches of the Catholic heritage to Catholics and persons of other religious traditions.

NEVER GIVE UP
I'm so glad I never gave up. I can only tell you when I first got out of college I was pretty idealistic and thought if you are talented enough they will find you. I also didn't realize how common place rejection was in the picture book industry. I'd hung up my illustrator's cap for 4 years before I tried to revisit send out work to publishers. I was green and naive.

It was later on when I was working as a graphic designer at a magazine that I met a co-worker that had similar interest in picture books. It sparked something in me and made say I'm really going to try this time and not give up. I joined the SCBWI in 2002 and then I attended a regional conference. That was an eye opener. Just in the region I'm in there was a large attendance. Attendance of some of the most talented published authors and illustrators in the country. Yikes! You know I met some really nice illustrators and writers. This is just a bias but I think children's book writers and illustrators are some of the nicest people you will ever met. They are passionate and they will share what they know without a bat of an eye.

It was after I attended the conference I had a completely different perception on some of the old rejections I'd received. Back then I'd submitted a joint submission with a writer friend. We actually got a letter from a major publisher saying they were taking it to an editorial meeting to consider it for publication. A month later we go a rejection notice with comments. Prior to the conference I thought if you don't get accepted what's the point of it. The conference folks that I sat with said you have to realize the number of submissions major publisher receive and the fact that they wrote back is a positive sign. Also the fact the editorial assistant provided comments from the meeting is an additional plus. I'm glad I decided to listen to those nice folks. Sad, to say I don't remember all their names. But two illustrators I met at the conference Liz Conard and Elizabeth Dulemba were always so great to stay in touch and email words of encouragement.

Also a thanks to Belgin whom I met via email serendipitously through another illustrator.

Now when I look at that particular rejection letter I see the positive side of it. If you read between the lines sometimes rejection letters are telling that you should keep going.

Btw, sorry for any typos this is an uber long post.

Blog Cleaning

2009-01-11T13:19:00.000-08:00

I decided to get rid of my old blog since I decided to streamline things. I've been really trying to keep things tidy, so there is no longer a link to my old blog archives on this site. Sorry if anyone had links to it.

Chris Van Allsburg

2009-01-09T14:40:00.001-08:00

I'm a big fan of Chris Van Allsburg, but then who isn't. I recently went to his site and noticed that things had changed. It's highly interactive and too much fun.

Education

2009-01-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a new path. It's taken some time but I'm working on become an art teacher for K-12. This change has taken sometime to go through but I'm so glad I did. I recently found out that my previous job that I worked at ended up closing their offices. It's one of those things I knew I didn't want to be a inhouse graphic designer anymore. It's one of those things I've learned with time that isn't varied enough for me to be happy with. I'm almost finished with my getting my K-12 certification. Since I getting my certification I've taken so many wonderful studio classes that wasn't required with my bachelors. Ceramics, Sculpture, Printmaking, & Crafts. All of which I enjoyed. Especially Sculpture and Printmaking. The pictures above are from the Sculpture course I recently took. The professor was fantastic.

Sculpture is just too much fun. I recommend working 3D. I was really intimidated. I only took a 3D design in college. That was working in wood, plaster, and wire. Clay sculpture like trying to learn to draw all over again. Really challenging and pushes you to think about your work in so many other ways. There's also just structural and engineering aspect of it that I liked.

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-05T08:08:00.000-08:00

I think these glasses are too funny, but wonder what will happen when it's 2010? That year might not work so well. On to resolutions. I'm going to only make a few resolutions for this coming year.

1. Really try and attempt to create some digital illustrations. The operative words are "Really try". I find that I'm so fond of my pastels. I've used pastels for the past 17 years and they are my best friends. Watercolors and pen/ink make the list for 2nd and 3rd. I've seen digital illustrations that I've found to be not overly digital that I like. I wonder if I can make my digital illustrations look just like my pastel work. Then I wonder why even bother and just use the pastels? It does cut down on the need for packing and shipping. Saving money is a plus. No dirty fingers. Of course when you go down that road there is always upgrading your computer and software. I used to work at a magazine and it was tricky when the photographers switched from slides to digital. There really wasn't a basis for comparison for proofs. It added additional steps of proofing and changing the color in the production phase. I don't really know if I made the best judgment compared to what the photographer intended. Likewise I'm sure that can happen for digital illustration unless you have some kinda of hardcopy for the designer or production to match.

2. Send out more targeted promos. This Christmas I sent out only 13 postcards using the USPS.com Premium Postcards service. I'm hoping to get some more illustration samples printed and send out some packets. I've been thinking about a handmade type book. I love artists books. Probably only 10 max. I'm going to do a better job of researching publishers.

3. Hopefully with 2 that will lead to more book contracts. I've gotten a couple of things in the works, but not solid. We'll see.

An illustrator friend of mine posted on her blog some previous articles she's written about the biz of children's book illustration. Here's a link to dulemba.com.

I hope 2009 is a fruitful and happy one for all.