shadrieka On Saturday I conducted a free bookmaking workshop for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s Saturday’s Child series. Families came from Washington DC, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City to learn how to make picture books. After a brief chat about my work and what I do as an illustrator, I led families through a quick accordion … Read more
On Saturday I attended the 24th annual African American Book Festival in Philadelphia. It is one of my favorite events of the year because I get to celebrate with many of the brightest in African American children’s book literature. I also get to meet many of my facebook friends and followers who come up for the event. … Read more
Last week I spent a few days in snowy Montpelier as author/illustrator in residence at Vermont College of Fine Arts in their Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children & Young Adults program. It is a low residency program where students meet for ten days of workshops and lectures and then spend six months working … Read more
I never play the lottery. My mom does. I do not. This week, with a pot of over 1 billion dollars, I will be buying lottery tickets. What would I do with 1.3 billion dollars? I’d get a therapist to keep my head from exploding over the wonderful trauma. Next, I’d hire a team of … Read more
Another year has presented itself with opportunity and promise. I am not one to make resolutions, but I do have a few “big girl” goals mapped out for myself this year. I am terrible about keeping a zipped lip about most things that happen in my life (I just get so excited to share), but … Read more
The holiday season is upon us! When I was a kid, there’s nothing that I enjoyed more than art books and supplies. I still enjoy those gifts above others (except maybe cash, of course). Make the artist in your life happy with a Craftsy gift card. Cards can be used on any class (or classes) and can … Read more
October has been EXTRA busy. If you’re friends with me on facebook, you’ve had a front row seat to all of the comings and goings. Here’s a recap of the past month. I kicked the month off with a trip to Pennsylvania College of Art and Design with Amy Sherald to hear Robert Pruitt speak about his … Read more
I’ve been a member (consistently inconsistently) of SCBWI since college. When I joined, I felt that I belonged to a community of other picture book makers throughout the world. Moving back to Atlanta away from my college art community, The Bulletin was an invaluable resource for me. Through the years I met other members of the … Read more
August went out with a BANG! I finished a dummy for a new book, a cover for another book (details t/k), a cover for the October SCBWI Bulletin, two paintings, and launched the EJK Bookmaking Competition. Recently, I went to NY to celebrate my 30th birthday again with friends and was able to talk some … Read more
It’s that time of year again! Kids are heading off to school and parents are celebrating the end of summer vacation. It is also time for me to clean and organize a bit before settling into my fall and winter work routine. I have been accumulating books all year and it’s time to share some of … Read more