Back in 2011, Cynsations shared Ellen Beier‘s research and illustration process working on a historical picture book manuscript. Since then, the book’s journey has taken a few interesting twists and turns.
Readers fascinated by Lindsey Lane‘s Cynsations series on Books Going Out of Print may be especially intrigued by this new stage of the book’s journey.
How to place things to ‘look right’ in your story illustrations…
Illustrators, let’s talk about a fundamental issue of draftsmanship that you’ve probably run up against in your pictures.
It falls under “linear perspective.”
The issue is eye level (or you might have heard it called “horizon line.”) Viewers are typically unaware of it.
Continue Reading Guest Post: Mark Mitchell on Linear Perspective in Illustration »
April Pulley Sayre is a successful children’s author-illustrator with a long, distinguished career.
In children’s writing, maintaining an active publishing career is arguably an even bigger challenge than breaking into the field.
Reflecting on your personal journey (creatively, career-wise, and your writer’s heart), what bumps did you encounter and how have you managed to defy the odds to achieve continued success?
By Kim Rogers
Today, I’m delighted to welcome Weshoyot Alvitre to Cynsations.
At the Mountain’s Base (Kokila, 2019) is illustrated by Weshoyot and written by Cherokee author Traci Sorell.
Weshoyot is Tongva (Los Angeles Basin) and is well established within the Indigenous art community.
Continue Reading Native Vision: Weshoyot Alvitre on Illustrating At The Mountain’s Base »
Carolyn Dee Flores is the author-illustrator of nearly a dozen books. Her latest, The Amazing Watercolor Fish (Arte Publico, 2018), has the unique distinction of rhyming in both Spanish and English. I’m very excited to share Carolyn’s insights with Cynsations readers!
What was your initial inspiration for writing The Amazing Watercolor Fish?
Pat Cummings is a successful children’s author-illustrator with a long, distinguished career.
In children’s-YA writing and illustration, maintaining an active publishing career is arguably an even bigger challenge than breaking into the field.
Reflecting on your personal journey (creatively, career-wise, and your writer-artist’s heart),
By Traci Sorell
for Cynthia Leitich Smith‘s Cynsations
Today we welcome Diné (Navajo) artist Jonathan Nelson to discuss his journey as an illustrator and his recently published debut picture book.
Johnny, your Wool of Jonesy (Native Realities, 2016), a wordless graphic novel won the American Indian Library’s Association Middle Grade Honor Book Award earlier this year.
Continue Reading Native Author-Illustrator Interview: Jonathan Nelson »
By Dana Carey
for SCBWI Bologna 2018 and Cynthia Leitich Smith‘s Cynsations
Note: This interview is the second in a series focusing on the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
SCBWI International Illustrator Coordinator Dana Carey talks with those who judged the Bologna Illustration Gallery.
Continue Reading Guest Interview: Dana Carey & SCBWI Bologna Illustration Gallery Judges »
By Dina von Lowenkraft
for SCBWI Bologna 2018 and Cynthia Leitich Smith‘s Cynsations
Note: This is the first in a series of interviews focusing on the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
SCBWI Belgium + Luxembourg
I’ve always had a fascination with Bigfoot; the idea that an ape/human creature could be secretly living in the woods both intrigued and terrified me as a child.
So when I got the opportunity to chat with the author and editor of Uncertain Summer by Jessica Lee Anderson (CBAY,
