Tuesday, October 20, 2009

National Gallery in Ottawa show

Got some exciting news today. Artwork from a book I illustrated (Let's Go, written by Lizann Flatt) will be on display in the National Gallery in Ottawa. http://www.bookcentre.ca/artauction/ I have to say I'm flattered to be in the company of these talented artists. You can even own a piece if you want to enter the auction! I'll be out in Ottawa around that time so I may even be able to drop in and take a look. And if you happen to go to the gallery in I'd love to hear what you think of the show.
Other than that I'm working on a new comic anthology with Cloudscape Comics. It is called Exploded View and is a science fiction comic book with about 25 artist/writers centered on the theme of Machines. It's a whole new area for me to be working in and I love the challenge. That will be out in the new year. I will keep you posted.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Book tour update

Just got news on the book tour and it looks like we won't be flying all over Canada. Instead it's off to Toronto for a book awards event then doing some school visits to nearby towns. Sounds just as much fun and a lot less strenuous.
I'm on a promotions blitz this week which is something I haven't done in awhile. Have to admit it's fun getting all creative with promo cards again. And now, more than ever, your promo has to be unique if it manages to make it to the AD's desk. Love to hear other people's stories about promotions they have done over the years.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

A whole bunch of news.

Well it's been ages so here goes. I've just started a fan club on facebook. There's a link here to join so come on and sign up! Right now I have no fans so it's a bit embarrassing. To make it even worse I can't find the fan page on facebook now that I've built it. I have to say facebook is sometimes totally non-intuitive. Anyone else have problems with that? Or maybe it's just me. :)
I've had two books out in the last year. One is called Great Teacher Projects and it was a lot of fun to do. I did most of it during my home exchange to Hawaii so there's probably some colours in there influenced by the palm trees and ocean. The second book, Slowpoke is coming out soon. I'm in the process of moving (selling and buying at the same time) so that really takes it out of you.
I've done a bunch of library visits and really enjoyed those. Love to hear from other illustrators or authors how they do theirs... I think the best thing about it is meeting the kids.
Word on the Street just happened this past weekend here in Vancouver. That was great getting out to see all the publishers and people in the business. Perfect sunny day for it too. I continue to be amazed that people know my name at all.
I'm on a promotion push these days, which is something I haven't done in ages. Just got a card printed which I'll pick up today. If anybody wants one just send me your street address and I'll put you on my list.
The book tour across Canada is coming up. I'll keep you posted when I hear more about that... 5 cities right now I think.