illustrators | Welcome to Frog on a Dime

Illustration by Vicky Lorencen

Once upon a long time ago, I thought I wanted to be an author/illustrator. I took a lot of art classes in high school, alongside humanities and literature classes. But when it came time to declare a major in college, I opted for English. I don’t regret that decision. It has served me well.

If nothing else, my early art dabblings have given me an even deeper appreciation for the gorgeous work produced by professional illustrators. They are the reason I (and I suspect most of us) fell in love with children’s books in the first place.

Illustration by Vicky Lorencen

Soon, Frog on a Dime will be hosting two tip-top talented illustrators. I know I usually talk about writing here, but these artists are the music to our lyrics. Please come back and enjoy. I find their journeys, and their creativity, inspiring. I bet you will too.

In the meantime, here’s some of my refrigerator art from once upon a long time ago–circa high school, 10th grade.

Illustration by Vicky Lorencen

My life will be the best illustration of all my work. ~ Hans Christian Andersen

You may noticed that I love a good quote. (G’head. Quote me on that.) The SCBWI national conference in New York was a glistening “quote mine,” thanks to the line-up of stellar authors, illustrators and publishing leaders. What an irresistible opportunity to add to my quote collection.

Allow me to share some of my favorites with you:

“Reinvention is the dark chocolate in the writer’s life.” Author Jane Yolen

“Ultimately, the purpose of storytelling is to remind us of something ordinary or familiar.” Author and Illustrator Shaun Tan

“You may own a story’s copyright, but you do not own its meaning.” Author and Illustrator Mo Willems

“I have absolute faith that stories are essential to childhood and society as a whole.” Author Margaret Peterson Haddix

“Be a filter, not a spigot.” Author and Illustrator Mo Willems

“As writers we validate what it feels like to be a kid.” Editor Molly O’Neill, Katherine Tegan Books/HarperCollins
Oh, okay, here’s another from Mo Willems . . .

“Ideas are not animals to be trapped. Ideas are gardens. Some sprout and some are invasive weeds. You’re always planting, every day.” Mo Willems

Seriously? Alright. Just one “Mo” . . .

“Writing is reductive. Writing should be like a sale at the GAP–it should always be 20 percent off.”

Seems like a good place to stop.

Have a favorite quote? Please pass it along.

[A] quotation is a handy thing to have about, saving one the trouble of thinking for oneself, always a laborious business. – A.A. Milne

(Hey, wait a minute . . . )