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What do you do? How
did you get started? |
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I illustrate and
write children’s books. I didn’t go to art school. Actually I have an
economics degree and an MBA. I started to pursue my art after Lucy, my
second daughter was born by taking some classes at Mass Art in Boston. I put
together a portfolio and I joined SCBWI. I went to as many conferences as I
could. The organization is fabulous! I got some editors interested in my
work after sending out some promotional postcards. And that’s how it all
began! |
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What type of research did
you do before you got started? Did you have any background in this
work? |
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I went to the
bookstore and looked at as many books as I could on writing for children and
on the industry in general. I also joined the SCBWI and went to loads of
conferences. |
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How did you manage starting
your career financially (loans, pay cuts, savings)? |
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Luckily, I was in a
financial position to be able to pursue this career...my husband was, and
continues to be, extremely supportive. I’m so grateful for that. |
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How do you market yourself
and your business? |
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I have a website and
I send out promotional postcards as much as I can. Submitting new projects
to editors and art directors is also a form of promotion, even if they’re
ultimately rejected. |
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Describe your work setting. |
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I work in a studio
that’s in my house. It’s great when my children are in school, but when
they’re home, its tough...there are a lot of interruptions. I used to rent
space in Maynard at an artist coop, but it felt far away and I didn’t feel
like I was taking full advantage of it. Some days, I really miss it though. |
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What do you most enjoy
about your work? |
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I like to illustrate
more than I like to write. I love the creative process and all of the steps
involved in making a book. Also, I enjoy the tangible aspect of the craft. I
collaborate with two other author/illustrators regularly and I can’t imagine
working without them. |
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How do you achieve a
balance in your family and personal life? Is your family involved with
your work? |
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I struggle with the
balance every day. It’s the hardest part of my career. My three children are
young and I love being with them and being involved with their day-to-day
lives. But I also love making books. Having a supportive husband helps a
lot. Also, it’s important for me to remember that the situation will
never be perfect and will most likely be changing all the time. Keeping
an open mind and being flexible helps too. |
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What keeps you inspired? |
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1. My children
2. My collaborators, Mary and Marty
3. The excellent work of other author/illustrators
4. SCBWI conferences |
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What advice would you give
to others as they pursue their own creative goals? |
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It’s simple, really,
be tenacious and just “do the work”—a very well known agent said that to me
at a conference a few years back and I’ve never forgotten it. |
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What does success mean to
you? |
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Success is having my
kids be happy. With respect to my career, being paid for my art and seeing
my name on a book in a store or library feels very much like success. But
just feeling good and satisfied about the work that you’re doing each day is
a measure of success too. |
