shadrieka 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
It’s the last day of 2018, which also means it’s the last day that we can donate to our favorite organizations and declare it on this year’s taxes. I ask that you consider donating to two organizations that are dear to my heart, The Highlights Foundation and I, Too Arts Collective. Both organizations are committed … Read more
The second half of 2018 was full of wonderful happenings. I spent time mentoring great talents at The Highlights Foundation this summer, I presented my work at Hollins University, I participated in an amazing show titlted “Telling a People’s Story: African American Children’s Illustrated Literature” at the Miami University at Oxford, and spent time sharing … Read more
We’re slowly awakening from our long winter slumber. This time of year is always especially motivating for me and I’m sure it is for most creative people. Here are a few classes over at Craftsy that might help fertilize those ambitions! Enjoy! The Art of the Picture Book Sketchbooks: Drawing the Everydayfrom: Craftsy Drawing Essentials: … Read more
It has been a fantastic and busy season over here in the studio! First off, I helped launch an exhibition of my work at The Highlights Foundation!! How cool is that?? This year, my linocuts from A Child’s Book of Prayers and Blessings will be on display at the barn. I will be back up … Read more
Saturday, April 21 11:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. ~ Shadra Strickland (Illustrator) Positivity and Fulfilling the Dream Strickland works to promote self-affirmation and validation for African-American children in order to encourage positivity. Through her work, and her ultimate goal as a picture book author and illustrator, Strickland believes her work is about teaching children how to live their … Read more
“Be curious about the world and how it works.”–Shadra Strickland Join me for a at the Highlights Foundation on Saturday, March 17. The reception launches The Highlights Foundation’s 2018 Visual Arts Exhibit, which features original art from A Child’s Blessings and Prayers: From Faiths and Cultures Around the World, written by Deloris Jordan (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman … Read more