shadrieka October 8 What does it mean to “leave room for the illustrator?” What tools can writers use to think visually while writing? Likewise, how can illustrators pull words from their images? Author/Illustrator and Agent* Shadra Strickland shares how to get at the heart of your story by making sure both the text and the illustrations … Read more
Dear friend, I can hardly contain my excitement! JUMP IN! My first authored/illustrated picture book is off to the press and will be available in January. Pre-ordering is available now! It has been a long time coming and I am so happy to finally share it with you~ Jump In! celebrates a community at play … Read more
I was asked to illustrate a young Countee Cullen for the 125th year anniversary issues of The New York Times Book Review. So pleased with how this came out!
The also asked for a sketch of The Little Prince. I sent a box full of old drawings, sketches, and old paintings for the prop master to choose from. I figured it’d be easiest for me to send a variety of things for them to work with. Now that the show has aired, it has … Read more
I usually shy away from editorial assignments. Typically it’s because I’m busy with book work, but mostly it’s because I have always been nervous about the quick turnaround. Well, those nerves got set aside when SU almun, Jim Cooke, asked me to illustrate Veronica Chamber’s review of Honorée Jeffers’ novel, The Love Songs of W.E.B. … Read more
On Saturday I visited Messiah College to celebrate their latest original picture book art acquisition from my first picture book BIRD, written by Zetta Elliott. Over the years I have had a few inquiries about the original art for Bird, but I always declined because I wanted to keep the artwork together. The Ruth E. … Read more
For the past three years now I have joined The Highlights Foundation as a faculty member for their annual summer camp. It’s an amazing opportunity for authors and illustrators to learn more about the business of picture books. Participants have a chance to be mentored by published authors and illustrators while they work on manuscripts … Read more
I’ve always been an all or nothing type of person. As a kid I would play outside in the hot sun all day until I would be attacked by a crazy migraine and my mom would have to place cold compresses on my head and soothe me until I’d eventually throw up. Now, I know … Read more
On May 7th, Chronicle Books will release a gorgeous illustrated book that features artwork from 16 amazing artists (Selina Alko, Alina Chau, Lisa Congdon, Emily Hughes, Molly Idle, Juana Medina, Innosanto Nagara, Christopher Silas Neal, John Parra, Brian Pinkney, Greg Pizzoli, Sean Qualls, Dan Santat, Me, Melissa Sweet, and Raúl the Third). Each illustration represents … Read more
This week marks the release of “Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away; Young Readers Edition”. In this incredible narrative, Erica Armstrong Dunbar reveals a fascinating and heartbreaking behind-the-scenes look at the Washingtons when they were the First Family—and an in-depth look at their … Read more