Who are your favorite artists?

Georges de La Tour (for his sense of light), Georges Seurat (specifically his impressionistic drawings), N. C. Wyeth, Vilhelm Hammershoi (mood), J. C. Leyendecker, Edward Gorey…

Who inspired you and how?

It would be tempting to answer that all of the great illustrators and artists of the past have inspired me (see above), but I also think that being able to work alongside fellow students and peers is what pushed my dedication to a higher level. I think that is why it is so invigorating for me to be back in the collegiate setting now—students have such a great desire to grow.

Why did you become an author/illustrator?

I became an illustrator for a few reasons. I think my calling stems back to childhood, when it was easy to escape into one's imagination. At that age, I was able to spend countless hours not only dreaming up new worlds, but also practicing the skills to become a better craftsman. During college, I chose illustration because of this artform's versatility. Illustration has no media/materials constraints, and focuses on something which I found to be important in my artmaking: message. Through the use of thoughtful concept and astute image making, illustration provided a reason to be for my art.

What are the greatest challenges in your field?

The greatest challenge sometimes changes. Mostly it is being able to finish assignments within the required deadline. But lately it has been trying to grasp what the recent technology and economic crises will do to the craft of illustration. We are in an era when phrases such as "print is dead" do not sound so preposterous. Being able to stay on top of the latest skill set within illustration is going to be an absolute necessity. 100% of my artwork is with traditional media (acrylic and oil), but I do also respect and utilize digital tools especially for self-promotion.

What is something about your work that most people do not know?

I often listen to crime shows when working.

What are your favorite children's books?

My all-time favorite is The Story of Ferdinand, written by Munro Leaf and illustrated by Robert Lawson. The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois. Miss Nelson Is Missing!, written by Harry G. Allard Jr. and illustrated by James Marshall. The Harper Hall trilogy by Anne McCaffrey.

How do I get published?

There is no single answer to this question—there are many paths to publication, and everyone's journey is different.

What are your hobbies?

Gardening, baking and sailing. I also love everything that has to do with birds.


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