Jake Parker, the creator of Inktober and World Art Drop Day, has worked on everything from animated films to comic books to picture books.

In today’s episode we talk about Jake’s forthcoming picture book, Little Bot and Sparrow, and the many forms it took on it’s long road to publication.

We also discuss the difference between self publishing and traditional publishing, and one important key to succeeding in either market…

AWESOME LINKS ::

Jake Parker’s Website

Little Bot and Sparrow

Inktober

World Art Drop Day

SkyHeart Kickstarter

Society of Visual Storytelling

Music by Ryan Keith and Wes Cepin

Mark Pett is a former syndicated comics creator and self-proclaimed “Authorstrator” of 5 charming picture books, including his forthcoming title: This Is My Book!

In today’s interview, Mark reveals how creating a daily comic strip became his creative boot camp… And how this shaped him into the prolific picture book creator he is today.

AWESOME LINKS ::

Mark Pett’s Website

This is My Book! on Amazon (Shawna’s Amazon Affiliate Links)

Lizard From The Park on Amazon

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Music by Ryan Keith and Wes Cepin

In part one, Claire Keane (Disney, Penguin Random House), Jenn Ely (Laika, Google, Dreamworks), Brian McDonald (Pixar, Disney, Industrial Light & Magic) and I announced that we will be teaching at The Story Design Conference from September 28th – October 2nd, 2016* in the awe-inspiring city of Rome, Italy!

(*Note: The conference was moved from May to September.)

In celebration of our announcement, we decided to record a conversation about some of the big ideas we’ll be discussing during the conference.

What followed was a riveting discussion about art, fear and finding your calling…

In this second part you’ll hear us talk about:

• How to convey emotion through your work.
• What makes student work stand out.
• How to keep going when you feel defeated.
• What we’re looking forward to at The Story Design Conference!

AWESOME LINKS ::

Claire Keane

Jenn Ely

Brian McDonald

Brian’s ‘Invisible Ink’ Blog

Claire Keane on Paper Wings

Jenn Ely on The ArtCast

Brian McDonald on Paper Wings

‘Painting In The Dark’ by Adam Westbrook

Leo Matsuda

The second part of our conversation with Abbey Cleland :: Paper Wings #36

In conversation with Abbey Cleland :: Paper Wings #35

Kristyn Crow is the author of eight delightful picture books, including her soon-to-be released title: Hello, Hippo! Goodbye, Bird!

Kristyn is a genius with rhyme and wordplay, and in today’s interview she shares how literary devices such as rhythm,  musical quality, and refrains can make a picture book a joy to read.

We also discuss how conferences and workshops are a must for anyone who wants to be published…

And the brave chance she herself took at one such a conference!

AWESOME LINKS ::

Kristyn’s Website

Top 10 Things a Writer Should Do To Publish A Children’s Book

Hello, Hippo! Good-bye, Bird! On Amazon (Shawna’s Amazon Affiliate Link)

Zombelina On Amazon (Shawna’s Amazon Affiliate Link)

Music by Ryan Keith and Wes Cepin