Behind the Scenes

2008-02-23T22:15:00.000-08:00

MAI S KEMBLE- THE MOON AND THE NIGHT SWEEPER

www.maiskemble.blogspot.com.

Hello, this is the first time I have ever posted on this blog, but I thought since I had some exciting news, to go ahead and put it up here. First of all, I had my first set of signings at some elementary schools. First, University Park Elementary in Irvine, CA thanks to Librarian Janet Wykert- thank you! Second, Lowell Elementary in Belmont Shore/Long Beach, CA- thank you Nancy Wride for all your efforts, too! My third is being coordinated my Minerva Samayoa at Bret Harte Elementary in Long Beach, CA for their Read Across America on March 3rd. Totally exciting! Last but not least, I have an invitation to visit William Howard Taft High School on April 5th for their Passport to Reading event!! This event seems to be written about on every school-related website and I understand that Barnes and Noble is the distributor for the event as well.
Most exciting is I applied a while back to be the "Featured Artist" on the Society of Children Books Writers and Illlustrators and discovered by chance, that I was! Thank you everyone!!
I realized this is mainly for "Behind the Scenes" info but I guess what is going on at this point is PR work! Its making my book really become completely more comprehensive for me and I can finally feel more legitimately graduated from Cal State University, Long Beach. (thank you all of my teachers).
I have tons of links to post here- sorry if it takes up a lot of space... some are reviews, some are links to signings, and also to the SCBWI website.

http://www.scbwi.org/feat_artist.htm

Long Beach Schools: News Archives - Author and Illustrator Night a Hit at Lowell

http://www.lowellpta.net/news.html

http://www.nea.org/readacross/index.html

http://www.bestprices.com/cgi-bin/vlink/1601080131.html

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=7989473

http://www.target.com/Moon-Night-Sweeper-Mai-Kemble/dp/1601080131

http://www.forewordmagazine.com/reviews/search_reviews.aspx?Searchtype=ReviewerID&SearchCriteria=265

http://www.forewordmagazine.com/reviews/search_reviews.aspx?Searchtype=ReviewerID&SearchCriteria=265

http://notebook.webaroo.com/external?w=%201423&webaroourl=http%3A%2F%2Fdadtalk.typepad.com%2Fbook_buds_kidlit_reviews%2F2008%2F02%2Fthe-moon-and-th.html&webarootitle=Swept+away

2007-10-02T04:31:00.000-07:00

Quest for the Elfin Elixir
Book Release Party
Barnes & Noble
September 28th, 2007

Create Your Own

This is by far one of the most exciting events of my career so far. I had a blast reading my newest book in the Duncan Family Adventures. The cast from Theare on Main came in costume to mingle with the kids and autograph books with me. Grace, the children's manager treated me like a super star.

I especially loved having her take polaroid shots of me with the kids as they got books signed. It was an incredible way to kick off the fall!

THANK YOU DALLAS HIGHWAY!
Ami Blackford

2007-03-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

BARNES & NOBLE EVENT
Ami Blackford

What an exciting day! From the moment I walked in the door, I was graciously welcomed by the Barnes & Noble off Dallas Highway. Beth Riggs had my signing table up by the front door (talk about a great spot!) She was a wonderful host and made certain I got a peek at the display of my book in the children's department.

Words can't accruately describe my glee as I rounded the corner and came face to face with the Dragon Stone tower set up. It is the moment every author/illustrator dreams of.

Grace, the manager of the children's department stopped by my table to let me know she read my book and loved it. She is putting it on her Recommended Reading list. Everyone at the store really enjoyed all my props and I have been booked for the release of Book 2 in October 2007. They will be keeping my book in stock and are eager for the next installment.

I've also been booked May 2nd for a Barnes & Noble Media Specialist Reception. I will be introduced to all the altanta educators and have an opportunity to market my books.

Thank you to everyone who made this event such a success. I am looking forward to many more.

2007-01-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

Behind the Scenes of "Scared Silly":
Creating the Illustrations

Before the brush is set to paper, some preliminary sketches are completed. I consider the overall composition of the page. I also vary placement of characters until the page comes together.

Once the basic design of the page is set, I enlarge the drawing. Then I add further details to the scene. I also start to shade in the drawing.

At this point, I complete several color studies. In each one, I experiment with different uses of color. Then I feel confident to start the final painting with this sense of color in mind.

With all of this planning complete, I am ready to start the final watercolor painting. I pick up my brushes and start to paint. This is the painting featured in the book.

2006-11-22T11:59:00.000-08:00

| View Show | Create Your Own

Savannah Children's Book Festival
November 16 - 19th 2006
Quest for the Dragon Stone

Me and Lance hit the road early Thursday morning, and after checking into the Hilton DeSoto we headed over to DeRenne Middle for our first presentation of the weekend. The kids were great & really responded to my work.

Friday we did three Author Visits: 2 were at St.Andrews School : these kids were really interested in Book Production. I've been emailed by their teacher who said I've inspired some of them to become authors & illustrators! How cool is that. After a quick bite to eat, we headed to Blessed Sacrament. My Production Manager couldn't get the projector to run ( all my illustrations are programmed in Powerpoint for big crowds). As the Pricipal announced me, infront of 300 students, I gazed at Lance. He shrugged. No illustrations!

What is an author to do?

I remained calm and introduced myself - and by the time I was done the projector decided to play nice and the presenatation went off without a hitch. It was awesome! I loved every minute of it and so did the school. A gymnasium full of enthusiastic kids and applause can give a humble author quite an exhilirated rush.

Saturday I sold a book every three minutes. It was amazing! For all who live in this area, you must register and particiapte in the festival next year! I will go every year from now on. It was a memorable experience!

-Ami B.

2006-11-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

A Chair, A Fireplace and A Tea Cozy
Hi There:

i thought you might be interested in helping to spread the news of a truly unique and interesting new children's book publisher, called Red Cygnet Press. You can find out all about us by going to our web site: www.redcygnet.com and you can read a little bit about us below. Thanks!
**************************************************
New Small Independent Children’s Publisher Offers
First “Big Breaks” to Next Generation of America’s Most Talented Author-Illustrators
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October, 2006

“It’s kind of like American Idol for young children’s book illustrators,” explains Bruce Glassman, president and co-founder of Red Cygnet Press, a small, new, independent children’s book publishing company. Glassman says that Red Cygnet has come up with a unique concept for children’s publishing. The San Diego-based company has formed partnerships with America’s most respected art schools and fine arts departments so each school’s most talented graduate and undergraduate students can submit proposals for the opportunity to be published.

“It’s a win-win for both the students and for us,” says Joshua Gravin, the company’s vice-president and other founder. “Red Cygnet gets a highly motivated, exceptionally creative talent pool and the students get to begin their careers with a beautiful published book in their portfolios.”

In September 2006, the company published its first 8 titles, which will were created by students from prestigious schools, such as Atlanta College of Art, California Institute of the Arts, California State University, Long Beach, Corcoran College of Art & Design, Savannah College of Art & Design, School of Visual Arts, University of Georgia, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, Western Connecticut State University, and others. The books will be distributed nationally and internationally and will be available through all major wholesalers, retail channels, and at the Red Cygnet Press website (www.redcygnet.com).

Red Cygnet Press was the original idea of co-founder Bruce Glassman, who had previously been in children’s publishing for more than 20 years. “The idea had been brewing for quite a while,” Glassman says, “I had always wanted to create a company that could tap into something new-- underutilized resources—in this case, the talent pool of America’s best art schools.”

Glassman and Gravin got the company started by launching a highly targeted email and letter campaign to professors and administrators across the country. “We contacted more than 2,500 individuals in all 50 states,” Gravin explains, “and the response was overwhelming.” By the time their submission deadline arrived, Red Cygnet had more than 150 book proposals to review. And they only had 15 contracts to award. “The final decision-making was really tough,” Gravin says. “There were so many incredible submissions, we would have published most of them, if we could have.”

The concept of the company, and the opportunity it provides, seems to have struck a chord with art students everywhere. “The one thing you hear from almost all young illustrators is that they want to break into publishing but they have no idea how,” Glassman adds. “Through Red Cygnet Press, we’re saying to those people ‘Here it is. Here’s how.”

Professors and college/university administrators have been equally supportive of the company’s mission. The professors have welcomed an opportunity to have their students gain more recognition from the “outside world” as well as get a leg up before becoming professional artists. For the colleges and universities, the finished books provide wonderful examples of the talent and creativity that can be found in their art programs. “The books are also great P.R. tools,” Gravin says with a grin. “Every book that gets out there is basically a beautiful advertisement for a school.”

The two publishers plan to expand their program every year. Currently, 20 titles are planned for 2007 and 30 for 2008. “We’d love to do more, but we can only grow so fast,” Gravin says.

And what about the name? Glassman explains, “Well, a cygnet is a baby swan. When they’re first born, cygnets look kind of drab and unremarkable, like baby ducks. After they are nurtured, however, they grow into sleek, beautiful and graceful creatures. Our mission is to find the cygnets of today and help to turn them into the swans of tomorrow.”

For more information, go to www.redcygnet.com

2006-10-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

Quest for the Dragon Stone - First Author Visit
Brandon Hall School, Atlanta, Georgia
October 25, 2006
Ami Blackford

Here are photos from my wonderful Author Visit at Brandon Hall. The kids and teachers were fantastic! May every visit be so extraordinary:o)

Create Your Own!

2006-10-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

QUEST FOR THE DRAGON STONE PROMO : CHAPTER 1
By Ami and Lance Blackford

Click to hear Chapter 1 from my book.

It was fun working with my husband in our sound studio to make this for promotional purposes. The introduction and closing will be used in coordination with a Powerpoint presentation at my larger school visits.

Hope you enjoy it!
Ami B.

2006-10-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

FROM PRODUCTION TO PROMOTION
Debut Weekend - Quest for the Dragon Stone

You've created a polished manuscript. You've toiled over the drafting board, and created some fine pieces of illustration. You've even managed to get your work published! Now the time has come to clean up the studio, put on your best smile and return to the outside world.

It's time to promote your masterpiece.

This has been an amazing weekend for me and my book. To read and see the response from my audience has been nothing short of incredible! Kids ranging from age 3-18, both boys & girls LOVED Quest for the Dragon Stone. They were interested in how I created the artwork and really engaged me in some interesting conversations. I had fun things to stimulate them visually and tactile artifacts for them to touch.

If this is considered work - pinch me now, I am dreaming.
Please enjoy the slides from my Magbeology Sessions. Stay tuned - there will be more to come......

Ami Blackford
Creative Engineer
Society of Magbeology

Create Your Own!

2006-09-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

Justin Parpan (Gwango's Lonesome Trail)

Okay, so it’s been a busy couple of weeks-- the first batch of Red Cygnet books has finally arrived in stores, and like most of you, I’ve been doing some publicity stuff lately.

First off I finally finished my official website. It’s a collaborative site that I’m running with my ultra talented brother Josh Parpan. Check it out!

Secondly, yesterday morning my book, along with Red Cygnet Press received a plug on the illustration website Drawn! I want to thank my amigo from Texas, Jared Chapman for writing the article. Here’s the link!

For everyone whose books are now in stores, I want to wish you the best of luck. All that hard work is finally paying off, and things are starting to get interesting!

2006-09-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

Ami Blackford - Quest for the Dragon Stone

Thought I would post a little preview about how I created the illustrations in my book. They are an interesting blend of hand-crafted papers, digital photography, traditional illustrations painted in watercolors and colored pencil - and then all elements are collaged in Photoshop.

It is great fun to look around and realize - anything can be used as a medium. I believe it lends a richness to the work. Hope you enjoy!

2006-09-15T23:47:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's Kevin, the author/illustrator of the Earth Machine. I got some questions about how I go about creating illustrations for the Earth Machine, so I decided to put this little presentation together for everyone to see. I love learning new things, so I'd encourage everyone to post blogs about tips, techniques, or great products to try.
I primarily work on the computer, using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator software to color my drawings. Occasionally, I use watercolor paintings or photography in tandem with the computer.

Every page begins with a pencil drawing. I never start on the computer b/c I believe in hand drawing. Things I don't draw are rigid straightlines, like borders or architecture. For those lines, I use Adobe Illustrator.

After penciling, I hand ink the pages with various pens (pigment liners, quill, brush). I do this because I like the look of hand inking. By using hand inked lines with artificial Adobe Illustrator lines for buildings, I can create a contrast between the characters and their environment. When coloring in Photoshop, I use anywhere from three to eight layers.After scanning this into my computer and cleaning it up, this becomes the top layer- notice that the black lines float on top of all the colors on the pages.

Although the Earth Machine looks really colorful and blended with gradients, each page actually begins with only a few colors and I lay them down as flat colors (mostly). I do this to establish a general palette for each page. These base colors dictate all the other colors on the other layers. This flat color layer stays below the ink layer.

To create the color variations, I create a texture layer. This layer is above the flat color layer, but beneath the ink layer. I adjust this layer as an opaque transparency, so the the flats can show through, but you can still see the texture at the same time. This layer is where I include paintings, photos, and gradient coloring on Photoshop. A texture that every page has is a paper texture that I scanned and overlayed. By using the same texture on all pages, it gives the pages a sense of unity, despite having different color palettes.

These are separate paintings in watercolor of the planets. These go on top of all layers because the sun is the only light source, so no other part of this illustration should overlap it.

After all is said and done, we get a finished result! Feel free to email me any Photoshop or Illustrator questions or send me tips and suggestions of your own.

2006-09-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Justin Parpan (Gwango's Lonesome Trail)

In preparation for the release of Gwango’s Lonesome Trail I’ve created a banner for an official website I’m currently working on. I’ll keep everyone posted on the launch date!

Until then I wanted to post something on the evolution of one of the books illustrations.

It started with a desire to pay homage to one of my favorite photographs by Ansel Adams. His snapshot of the church house in Taos is really spectacular, and it seemed to perfectly fit a particular scene in the story where Gwango encounters an artificial dinosaur attraction in the middle of the desert.

Here’s a little sketch from my composition book.

And here’s the finished illustration.

2006-09-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

Erin Harris-- "Elephant on the Roof"

Hello fellow illustrators and everybody else out there!
Introducing "Elephant on the Roof"...

Last year I took a children's book illustration at SCAD at about the same time that Red Cygnet sent out their call for entries. It was also the same time that a couple of friends returned from Thailand with about 5,000 photos. I sat down to watch them in slideshow form, and after seeing photo number 3,497, I thought "Hmmm... maybe I'll do a story about Thailand".

(It took me a few tries before I painted a cover that I was happy with!)

In class, we developed our stories and illustrations over ten weeks. The final product was a "dummy book" of sketches and a few final pieces. I mailed it off in January then went off to take rainforest conservation courses in Central America. It was at an internet cafe in Belize that I recieved an email from Red Cygnet Press saying they were interested-- I was so excited, but also terrified because I wouldn't be able to work on it until I could get back to the U.S., and that meant I wouldn't be able to meet the first deadline.
It turns out Josh and Bruce were very understanding. They were easy to work with and were encouraging throughout the entire process. Every time I turned in work, they gave both positive and constructive feedback-- it's been such a learning process for me. I'm very thankful to everyone at Red Cygnet Press and can't wait to see everyone else's books out in print!

2006-09-08T01:25:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, it is I, Kevin Tong.
How are all the books going?
I like what I see and this blog is such a great idea. Sorry I didn't start posting immediately, but I got busy.
I want to take this moment to provide my testimonial for Red Cygnet Press. Here goes.

"Red Cygnet Press, as Told by an Illustration Student."
Being a illustration student is both wonderful and frightening. As a student, we learn about great artists, new techniques, and concepts that reshape our views of art. Simultaneously, we experience a growing fear.
Finding that first job.
Company after company stating that previous job experience is necessary. Hundreds of phone calls, resumes, and portfolio samples that seem to circulate in a desolate void somewhere. It all seems hopeless, but it doesn't have to be.
I came across the Red Cygnet Press Submission guidelines during such a time. An instructor gave them to my friend who passed them onto me. I couldn't believe the opportunity placed before me. A chance to write and illustrate my own children's book, one that would be widely distributed!
Children's subject matter had never been my forte, but I wanted to give it a shot. I was always fascinated with sequential illustration and telling stories and I already had a story in mind. When I mailed my materials to Red Cygnet Press, I felt the cold rock of self doubt rolling in my gullet. I didn't think I had much of a chance.
My submission was accepted and I felt that growing fear that I mentioned earlier diminish. What excites me the most about Red Cygnet Press is that they offer fresh new illustrators the chance to do something on their own from start to finish. The biggest surprise was how the founders, Joshua Gravin and Bruce Glassman, were very supportive of my ideas and let my imagination grow.
The whole time they offered helpful suggestions and feedback to aid in the development of my story and the illustrations. Their expectations were always generous. Joshua was always available to talk to and Bruce offered valuable help in the technical aspects of making a book. Thanks to Red Cygnet Press, I have learned so much about publishing, distribution, production requirements, and illustration.
Through Red Cygnet Press I have also made new friends and I have a book that I can call my own.

Kevin Tong, September 2006

2006-09-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

Rolandas Kiaulevicius
"Zoolidays"

The idea for the story "Zoolidays" was born few years ago when I was living with my host family -- Mariotti family. In that family I met Gini and Jack, who always took care of me like their real son, and their four wonderful children, who became my best friends and the "english teachers." So one day I was driving my host family's children and their two friends, Teddy and Julia, to the after school programs and they asked me to tell a story. I was happy to do it, because I loved making up the stories. So that day I told them a story about the animals who decorated each other and came up with their own holiday, called "Zoolidays." After I finished telling the story, Teddy looked at me and said that he would like to buy my book. And I responded to him: if you want to buy my book, then I guess I need to illustrate it. Therefore, the next day I started drawing sketches for my story. I believe the most exciting part of the whole illustration process was creating the characters, who were happy, silly, funny, enthusiastic and ready to change the world.

I was very lucky to meet a lot of people who supported me and helped me while I was creating the illustrations for "Zoolidays." Kay Fowler and Leslie Stewart were helping me with the story. Moreover, I have so many Lithuanian and American friends, who always believed in me and encouraged to go forward with my dreams.
Vladimir Shpitalnik, the best illustration professor, gave me the excellent advices for illustrations.

"Zoolidays" is my first book, which I take everywhere with me. I am really proud of this book, because it makes children and adults laugh, smile and discover the world of colors and imagination. The story of "Zoolidays" was told by Bruce Glassman, who magically turned the simple and unfinished text into deep and amazing story. Bruce gave a wonderful gift to my characters: a wonderful language.

2006-09-04T23:34:00.000-07:00

Here’s a little poster I created specifically for the sidebar portion of my illustration blog. I designed it with a teaser add for a summer blockbuster in mind. When I was a kid, I always loved those kinds of movie posters. They created a sense of awe and mystery, and hopefully that same feeling will help generate some excitement over the release of my book.

- Justin Parpan

2006-09-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

I really liked the idea of showing some of the process that went into producing these books. Enjoy a few images from 'The Monster in My Closet'

- Eric Klug

A preliminary sketch.

One of the sample images that landed me a contract with Red Cygnet.

The final cover.

2006-08-31T17:57:00.000-07:00

Ami Blackford
Quest for the Dragon Stone - A Duncan Family Adventure

Nothing has brought me more pleasure than watching my dream of writing & illustrating children's books come to fruition. I have always been a writer first - Ruth Duncan leapt from my mind and onto the page in the form of a short story.

It all began with Ruth

and the Relic Wheel.

(Here I experimented with drawing on real stone!)

Then- along came David to seal the deal.

(David was added to the book after a bit of market research concluded that boys would respond better if a male character was added. I am thrilled to have David with us - it wouldn't be the same without him!)

Hence-I am one happy author/illustrator to see my dream made real.

(This is only the beginning for me. The Duncan Family Adventures will hopefully have many pages ahead. Hats Off to Red Cygnet for seeking new talent....I know I'm not complaining!)

2006-08-31T16:29:00.000-07:00

Justin Parpan (Gwango's Lonesome Trail)

This blog will be an ongoing production diary by the authors and publishers at Red Cygnet Press—a brand new children’s publisher which gives young authors the chance to be published by the time they graduate college.

My own book, Gwango’s Lonesome Trail was one of twelve titles chosen. Getting my first book published has been a real thrill, and like all the other Red Cygnet authors and publishers, I can’t wait to start posting about my experiences.

Since we are the makers of children’s books, and most of us are illustrators, I thought a swell way to start things off would be to demonstrate, through pictures, what this blog is all about.

So without further adieux, I present Gwango!

In the winter of 2005 I drew the first image of Gwango.

A few months later, the story is written, along with the first completed illustration.

The summer of 2006, Gwango’s Lonesome Trail is published.

2006-08-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

Test--Aug 29, 2006