I had the privileged of illustrating a children’s book for the Jewish Youth Library of Ottawa. The opportunity was given to attend the book launch in Ottawa, Ontario and I jumped at the chance. The author of the book, Sara Loewenthal as well as Michoel Muchnik, who created a fantastic mosaic mural, were also present to give their accounts.  The launch was held at the Ben Franklin Place, in Ottawa.  I was asked to give a speech explaining how I illustrated the book. Ottawa is a fantastic city and I certainly enjoyed my stay.

One of my favorite parts of the journey was the opportunity to meet Herbert Carliner, a survivor of the Ms. St. Louis. Herbert was a kind man, who is passionate about telling his remarkable story. Every morning Herbert and I would find each other for breakfast, and I would learn more of his story. Herbert made this project real to me. After spending months working I finally had a personal connection to someone who was actually there. He gave me his approval of the book, which made the whole thing worth it.

On Thursday we attended a tea at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, where I met some very influential people in US/Candadian relations. Sara and I gave a short talk on our experience with making the book. We then enjoyed an afternoon sipping tea and getting to know the team from this historic project.  I was taken back by the desire for not only Canada but also the US to fund such a project. History is super important, and this was my part in retelling it.

Here are a couple articles covering the event if you would like some further reading on the event.

 Chabad Jewish News Article

Ottawa Jewish Bulletin

During my trip I took pictures using my new iTouch. The photo quality is horrendous, but it beat lugging a bulky camera with me.

I took this picture right before we came into Ottawa.

Ottawa from above.

First glimpse of the book in my Hotel room.

My first book!

Mr. Carliner. What a great chap!

Michoel giving his presentation. This guy is great!

I couldn’t leave Ottawa without a good beard pic. So here it is!

Ambassador’s Residence.

Michoel’s Mural.

It took my four extra days to get home. I did however, get to stay in a pretty classy hotel.

This is what I came home to. Narnia!

My next post I shall cover in more detail the illustrations in the book.

A while back I was approached by The Pipestone Performing Arts Center to use my To Neverland illustration in their advertising for their upcoming performance of Peter Pan. Talented designer Mark Thode, created the following promotion piece. It is always fun to see my work used like this. Well done Mark!

2011 has been a splendid year for my illustration business. About 80% of my work was illustration, which is a radical leap from last year. This year marks, in my humble opinion, the biggest leap in growth for me artistically. I  had the opportunity to work on a few fun projects, while continuing to learn my craft.  So many illustrators have said that drawing with great fervor and frequency is the best way to improve. This year certainly brought about the opportunity for more adequate drawing time. Learning my craft has been most exciting, as I can visually see the improvement in just one year. As my book and editorial work becomes public, you will (hopefully) be able to see the improvement as well. The following is a not-so-comprensive review of the work from 2011.

Books

This year I illustrated children’s books for the very first time.  While both of these books are yet to be published, I can tell you that they both were splendid projects. I can say that I certainly bit off more than I could chew. Putting a book together is a daunting task, and certainly takes more time than I ever thought it would. Every time I pick up a children’s book I have more respect for the time, talent, and dedication that went into making it a success. Sitting down, and imagining a book, is most compelling. As I begin my 3rd book, I am filled with joy as I imagine the characters, scenes, and epic stories. I can’t wait to show you more!

Editorials

National Geographic contacted me this past year to work on a project with them. I can’t wait to show you more of the project, as it becomes public. I can say that the folks at National Geographic know what they are doing, thus making the experience concise and pleasant.

Education

Another first for me was working in the education field. Snap Learning, a subdivision of  Sullivan Learning Systems has been a brilliant client for me this past year. Repeat work is always nice, and working with Justin has been a breeze.  Educational projects offer new and exciting things to draw. Abe Lincoln to Egyptians certainly keep me entertained.

Snap Learning: Connor Plays Soccer

Lost Lake: SNAP Learning

The Constitution – Snap Learning

Abe Lincoln – Snap Learning

More from Snap Learning is coming down the pipeline.

Prints

This year was the first major year for prints sales. The Yellow Umbrella, a local shop here in Bemidji, has been very kind to carry my prints.  The summer months were certainly the best for sales. Christina and I even participated in a local indie craft show.  Another indie art and craft supporter in the Fargo area is Unglued. They had a Christmas Market over the holiday season that did very well.  This coming spring I hope to be a part of their craft fair.

Commissions

Adventure Family Portraits was idea that I came up with this year to capture families in a fun new way. LeTexier Family Portrait and the Hensel Family Portrait

I engaged in other random commissions such as this Porcupine Commission.

Personal Projects

Personal projects are certainly my favorite, as I get to work on what I enjoy the most. My philosophy is to fill my portfolio with work that I love, and in turn will attract the kind of projects I will enjoy.  Interesting enough, the majority of new clients this year referenced personal projects in my portfolio that they really liked.

Peter Pan Some projects really get left in the dust as client work takes priority. Peter Pan, was that kind of project. I simply couldn’t finish it, due to my project load. One day in October, I decided to just finish the project and have some prints made.

Happy Christmas Cards were really fun.

Comfort Before The Sacrifice is a good example of a personal project that not only sold well as a print, but interested potential clients

Conference

This year is a big year because it marks my first professional conference. The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators hosts one of its annual conferences in Los Angeles. Read about my experience in my SCBWI Conference post.

Mentorship

I have been working with two mentees this year. It has been a privilege to teach them what I know about art and the illustration career. I have not done much teaching so this has been a welcomed stretch.

Gallery

Scissorhands 20th Exhibit at Gallery Nucleus was my first gallery show since my time at University.

My Goals for 2012

First and foremost in my 2012 goals is to illustrate my first graphic novel. My mind has been consumed by mythical parables that simply need telling. Last year I did not devote enough to these projects, and this year simply must be different.  With the advent of the graphic novel, I will also be showing at a local gallery.  Along with personal projects, I hope to continue this amazing career in illustration.  Over and over I am reminded how amazing it is to be paid to draw. I love drawing, and people pay me to do it.  What a great deal.  I thank my family, friends, fans, and of course, my Lord, for the support in 2011. Cheers to another great year.