TeMika The Artist

www.zhibit.org/temikatheartist

2009-11-01T05:22:00.000-08:00

Here is a website I've set up if you'd like to view my work: www.zhibit.org/temikatheartist

www.zhibit.org/temikatheartist

2009-11-01T04:48:00.000-08:00

Here is a website I've set up if you'd like to view my work: www.zhibit.org/temikatheartist

Funny how things happen....

2009-06-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

Today did not go as planned at all....and I think that's good.

I had my day set out ahead of me.....make a few sales, go to an info session on how to get rich, go to a comedy club. But my car had other plans for me. And that is actually a good thing. I sit here on a Saturday night, FORCED to focus on my revisions to a story (picture book poem) I started last week and got stuck on. Thanks to Christine Taylor-Butler's great advice, I have moved forward and eliminated some of the mistakes that "beginning writer's" make. The story is much better as a result of some extra time and thought. I worked on revisions all week and now I think it's pretty close. I feel good about it.

And although I'm getting sleepy I think I'm going to work on my other story as well. I did some research to find out more about the character's cultural history (which is significant in the story). Now I just gotta keep plugging at it. I haven't worked on it alot this week, but I hope to do something this evening.

Here's to "plans going wrong".

Ask the editor: Do publishers have rules about POV?

2009-05-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/05/26/ask-the-editor-do-publishers-have-rules-about-pov/

Great article on Point of View

Caldecott Winners Commentary - 100 picture books by summer's end

2009-05-07T11:44:00.001-07:00

A question was posed to an audience I was a part of recently to find out if we were aware of some of the industry award recipients and the origin of the awards title. Unfortunately, I didn't know enough to answer the questions asked. So I decided to do some research.

My library made it easy for me. So I'm challenging myself, by the end of the summer, to have read 100 picture books. Most of these will be Caldecott, Newberry and Coretta Scott King Award winners. That will give me a good start on developing my sense of quality.

Well, I've already did 3 for today:

"Flotsam" by auth./ill., David Wiesner (Caldecott 2007) - I will comment on this in a sec....

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers" by auth./ill., Mordicai (Caldecott 2004)

"Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" by auth./ill. Mo Willems (Caldecott Honor 2003) -(I've previously read this one)

I just want to comment real quickly on "Flotsam". I can so see why this book won an award. When I first opened it, I didn't realize it until about the 2nd or 3rd page that I was just reading pictures (Like I did when I was two!). So I thought, "Ok, the words are coming soon....". But they never came. And thank goodness! The pictures were SOOOOOO strong, that words were unnecessary. At that moment, I understood what one of the speakers at the conference meant when she said that the pictures must hold the readers attention enough where words are not needed. The words are important, but IN A PICTURE BOOK, the pictures should be able to tell the story. This book sucessfully did that.

It was a joy to read it with my eyes. :)

Oh Portobelo....I miss it

2009-05-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

OK, so for some reason I am going through Portobelo withdrawls again. I could understand why I was last year after I returned but I guess with it almost being a year later it's on my mind heavily again. I just went online and looked at some sites that had pictures of the children there and saw some familiar faces.....I think I miss them the most....(though I also think about Dona Sesi's recipes and the advise she gave me at least once a week when I cook for mi familia.)

The book is complete, though we ran into some snags with production. No biggie....we'll be back on track soon. So I'll let you know how it progresses. I'm looking forward to getting the children their copy so they can actually see what they helped produce.

Patience patience patience.

So you want to write books for children?

2009-04-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Here are a few tips I picked up at the AACBWI conference. As I said, I'm a newbie in this game and have a lot to learn (I have to try not to tell people that....fake it until you make it right?) . But I got so much from the conference that I'll have to condense this down to key points for me:

1) YOU MUST TAKE TIME TO PERFECT YOUR CRAFT -

If you are an illustrator, draw all the time.....if you are a writer, write all the time. That means sketching, journaling, practicing finished pieces. That ALSO MEANS studying other works - classical and current to "LEARN THE LANGUAGE OF YOUR CRAFT". Learn what is considered quality and what is not.....know the reason why.

I know a lot of artists who don't want to take classes because they think it will ruin their unique voice or style.....I don't agree....I think you should always learn and always try to grow in what you do....your personal style will shine through that.

2) IN ORDER TO PORTRAY SOMETHING ACCURATELY YOU MUST KNOW IT INTIMATELY - DO YOUR RESEARCH!

Creative people sometimes think it has to all come from within, but sometimes that's not the case. Sometimes you may need to stretch outside of the world you know and learn a historical fact or about a place you know nothing about. It's ok that you don't know....it's not ok that you decide not to put the effort forward to learn and get it right.

3) KNOW THE BUSINESS

Although your job is to create, you still need to know the language and have some knowledge of what it takes to get your product to the buyer. Live in la-la land if you want, but cute ideas don't sell books. Analysis and marketing do. Don't get it twisted. It would be helpful if you become aware of other aspects related to contracts, production, book design, etc. Educate yourself and ask questions.

4) WRITING CHILDREN'S BOOKS ISN'T EASY

This goes back to knowing your craft. Just because children can read it doesn't mean it's so easy a caveman could do it! It just means you have targeted a different audience. You may have to use creative writing skills and go back to the technical things you learned in school in order to do it well. Sometimes it means going back to school. Don't be scared to do so.

Once you think you have something good, read it aloud. "Picture books are meant to be read aloud" as Sarah told us at the conference. She made a simple point but I think I have made that very mistake in the past. Unfortunately, an editor who reviewed my very first written work at another conference pointed out a blazing error in a group of 10 people....I was highly embarrased, but it this goes directly to Sarah's point. Read it aloud again and again.....then have someone else read it aloud. Have it critiqued by someone who is a pro. This excludes friends and family members (unless they are an editor). They love you no matter what you do....so they don't count when it comes to selling books.

5) BE REALISTIC WHEN IT COMES TO SALES

Ok. So this was a real eye-opener for me. Don't ask me why, but for some reason I thought that once I get published, I'll have this brand new career, a brand new life, and lot of money and free time to be my creative self. The thing that would make that happen is lots of sales, right? Well, let's be real.....

....mind-blowing sales are not the norm. Harry Potter and some of the other well-known titles just are not what everyone will see, just because they become a published author. Good Sales on a book may be 10,ooo to 12,000 in hardcover and 20,000 - 25,000 on paperback. When Sarah told us that I was like "oh...wow..." (in a depressed kind of way).

But then at that same moment I also felt a sense of relief. Now, I can be realistic and just do my best without the stress of saying, "I have to be the next Kadir Nelson" (since I'm most interested in the illustration right now). I can strive to be my best, but if I only get to the "good mark" then that's still ok. If I go beyond, that great.

What's even more important than the sales, is that I can help a little person see something in a book that I didn't see when I was growing up. I may spark something in them that moves them in a positive direction. That is really what is most important. When you take the "big-success" factor out of it, the part of being a positive influence rings even louder in my head. (now that's freedom)

AACBWI Conference

2009-04-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

All I can say is wow! What a blessing it was to attend this conference.

The first Annual AACBWI Conference was in Charlotte on April 25th and it was so informative. I got a lot of insight on the industry with regards to submissions, opportunities and maneuvering in a field that I am just starting to explore. The personal interaction I was able to have with everyone I met was invaluable. It is so nice to be around people who get excited about the same things as I do! Children, books, art....those are some of my favorite things in life. :)

The critique I received from Don Tate was great! Not to mean I'm in a "perfect place", but it gave me an idea of where I need to be going and how I can really improve on my work to get it ready for submission and success. His comments were really helpful.....I think everyone should have someone in the field give them a critique to help them along. We all have space to grow.

I commend the organizers on the work they did! They pulled off a difficult task very well and I think they should consider it a success. I look forward to attending and helping out next year!

2009-03-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

Colored pencil work

I said I wouldn't do it, but.....

2009-02-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

I decided to finally do a picture of Obama. I didn't want to do one only because it seemed like everyone else was doing it and I don't like to follow the crowd. But I did this for an exhibit that's going on in Atlanta.

On a side note, I'm really, really enjoying working with dry media again. I like the way it feels and the control I can have over it. It's great!

I drew this from a picture that I found of him online. The picture was in color, but I decided to improvise by making it black and white and darkening one side of it significantly to represent the different sides of him racially, as a politician and most importantly, as a human. I thought the picture represented the theme of the exhibit I entered it into very well.

It's amazing to me....

2008-10-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

I really amazes me how much support I have received from family, friends, co-workers, strangers and fellow artists in the past year. It REALLY amazes me because alot of support came from unexpected sources and people I would have never thought recognized me or would believe in me.

I am working through developing my confidence as an artist. I think more of that will come with time and effort and work on my part. It will require alot of physical work and self-introspection and examination, but it will REQUIRE WORK. It will also require me to believe in myself as much as other people do.

I just feel ridiculously blessed on this day. I recently read a comment online where someone said that the solution to your issue, whether it is financial, physical, emotional or spiritual, comes across your path every day, but you have to be aware enough to recognize it when you see it. Keep that in mind as you travel through your day contemplating the path on which you are traveling; consider it as you contemplate your goals and your dreams.....

Accept your blessings

Yippee....Book will be here by Christmas!

2008-10-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

New book with Wave Walton to be out by Christmas! Yeah!

:)

Portobelo Portobelo Portobelo!

2008-10-03T06:07:00.001-07:00

Oooo Oooo Oooo I love me some Portobelooooo! :)

My talented roommate made up the song! I thought it was great! (sorry for the rotated image...she's tall and I tried to fit her in the camera frame)

http://www.tallerportobelonorte.com/

Portobelo....what can I say. It's a beautiful country with beautiful people. I found a peace there that I'd never experienced before. More to come about my visit, but I'm limited on time right now. But if you have an opportunity to visit the country you should.

I will be completing my project soon that I started with the children in Portobelo and I hope that they will have their book(s) by the end of the year. Lots of work to do....lots of work to do. And I think I'm going back to the drawing board. The drawings I already did while I was there were ok. But I'm not satisfied with the overall look. I like the idea of mimicking the artistic style that the artists in the Taller (workshop in Spanish...pronounced "tie-yare"), but I think I need to start again.....luckily I haven't gotten to far. I like the story that the children came up with. But because this is indeed the internet, I don't want to give too much away about what we've done.....there will be more to come.

I'm so excited about it too!

Also attached here is a picture of the group I worked with.....I miss them and think about them often. Hopefully, my spanish will be EXCELLENTE when I see them again! :)

"Silly Lilly, Just Be You!"

2008-10-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems to have taken me forever to finish what I started but I am very happy I've finally completed these illustrations. Way too long....but let's not harp on that. All in the learning process, right?

My first illustrated book for The Creative Literacy Project is finally complete! I put the final touches on it and will be sending them in today. That's a load off my shoulders. Now I can move on to other projects. But I am pleased with how this one turned out. I'm pleased that it is going for a good cause as well and I look forward to seeing what the program directors will make happen with their ventures. I think it has lots of potential. But more importantly, I hope that what we are doing will really help children develop a life-long love for reading!

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The story is called "Silly Lilly, Just Be You!" It's about a little girl (around 5 or 6) who is going to her first day of school. She has her own style and lots of confidence in the beginning, but for some reason when she steps on the school bus and her confidence walks right out the door! Find out what happens as she learns that it is really ok to just be who she naturally is - Silly Lilly!
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The children who participate in The Creative Literacy Project (a non-profit program geared at helping children and adults in schools and hospitals become actively involved in reading and writing) will author the illustrated book they choose online and will receive hardcopies of their book. Although the images are the same, each book will be uniquely written and there are numerous stories to be told depending on the individuals involved.

For those of you who helped me attend Taller Portobelo in Panama (whether it was by contributing money, translating my proposal, writing recommendations, sending good energy & prayers or supporting my husband and I with the girls) to complete these projects for the program - I give you many thanks! More to come about what I experienced there and how it is influencing my artwork & life.....please stay posted!

One image left....

2008-09-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

My final image for the first story with The Creative Literacy Project is almost complete. I had to put it on hold temporarily to finish another project and to get some life things in order....and it's been sitting on my messy art table waiting for me to have the clarity of mind to revisit Lilly (the main character).

Generally, I am very pleased with how she looks throughout the book. This is my first project brought to full completion for a story (this was done before "The Dress-Up Attic" with the exception of one image). Thanks to my trip to Portobelo, Panama in June I was able to really focus and complete it with no worries. So now I have Lilly's last image waiting on me.....she's been waiting patiently.

But this week's goal is to finish that one picture and send it in for the project. Once that's complete, I will give my energy to the project with the Portobelo children. I really excited about that one but I think I want to reconsider the images I've already done.....I'm not certain of the composition, though I like the concept.....an artist's work is never done. :) Back to the drawing board!

Anywho, here's a first look at Lilly....she's a special little girl.

For More Info:

Taller Portobelo Norte - http://www.tallerportobelonorte.com/

The Creative Literacy Project - http://creativeliteracyproject.com/

It has begun....

2008-09-02T05:17:00.000-07:00

Well, much has happened in the past year that has finally gotten me to the point of completing illustrations for my first book. I recently started working with a self-published author and did illustrations for his book called "The Dress-Up Attic" written by Wave Walton.

I had reservations about working with a self-published author, primarily because I am investing time and work without a guarantee of profits up-front. But because I'm a budding illustrator, I was ok with that. I needed to go through the process. I needed to figure out how long it would actually take me to do each illustration and finally finish the book. Unfortunately, it took me longer than I even expected, but I pushed through and did not give up on myself. That is what has made me most proud in this project.

Wave has been patient and supportive through this process and I'm sure he will do well in the work he is trying to accomplish with his books. If you'd like to take a look at the author's website just click on this link:

http://www.dawufflepage.i8.com/waveman.html

(Main Page: http://www.dawufflepage.i8.com/)

In the next post I'd like to share some other great experiences related to my art from the past year....I'm in the beginning stages but I'm very excited about things to come!