i ❤ moo

Next weekend, I will be attending Book Expo America in NYC, for duopress. We've been working on various printed promo material for months in anticipation of this event—which is a biggie, and about which I am hugely excited! I'll share more news and photos as the date approaches.

I personally had these business cards printed at moo, whose innovative options make my heart sing. The site is beautiful and user-friendly, and I couldn't be happier with the cards. Nice box, too.

I ❤ you, moo.

VOTE: Bar Code Designs!

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One of my first assignments as Art Director at duopress: make the bar codes on the back of the books more interesting. Will you help us decide?

Duopress publishes several series of books, so we may settle on one basic design for each series. A required element, the bar code takes up a lot of room on the back of a book... especially if the book is small! So, the size of the design matters. 

I like #4—the smaller truck—because it could work on a larger book, and we could use the back end of the truck (#2) all by itself on a smaller book.

Choose your favorite design using the poll below. We'll post the results on facebook. Make sure you become a fan of duopress, so you don't miss it!

Vote for your favorite bar code design!
	1. Skyscraper
	2. Rounded Rectangle
	3. Delivery Truck
	4. Truck
	5. Slightly Larger Truck
pollcode.com free polls

American Illustration 32

Hey, I made it into American Illustration's slide show!

The winning images are both from New York Baby: "New York babies are always in a hurry..." (the subway scene), and "New York babies love to learn the ABCs..."

In relation to other illustration competitions, American Illustration is the grittiest and is, therefore, my favorite. :o) 

A decade ago I got into the book, two years consecutively—AI 20 and 21. I was a bit sad at the time, which most definitely showed in my illustrations; hence, my inclusion. One great thing about pain for artists is that it often translates into exceptional work. I got happy soon after and couldn't get into AI anymore, but trust me, happiness was the better option.

How cool, to be recognized by AI for a children's book. It says a lot, I think, for duopress, the publisher. (Duopress, you have highly excellent taste!) 

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Altho my winning entries are quite tame, the slideshow as a whole is definitely rated PG-13, at the very least. Just f.y.i.

A.D. for Duopress

Okay, folks. You'd better sit down—this is a biggie. Have I got your attention? Are you settled? Good. (Clears throat, smooths skirt.)

It is with a great deal of pleasure that I make the following announcement:

I am the brand new ART DIRECTOR at DUOPRESS! (Big smile, bigger blush.)

Yes, it's true. After illustrating twelve books for duporess, my friend Mauricio Velázquez de León (who owns the joint) made me an offer I couldn't refuse. I will continue illustrating books for duo, and henceforth will also oversee the design of all duopress titles, which means working with a team of highly talented and super cool people. So. Much. Fun.

Isn't that great news? It made my day. Hope it brightened yours as well.

best always,

v

Doodle New York at The Met

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My first experience at The Metropolitan Museum of Art was a grad school field trip. The university I attended was relatively close to NYC—a short bus ride. My architecture and costume history professors, a classy bunch, often shuttled us to the city where we would either wander around looking up at historically significant buildings, or spend an afternoon in a museum. We made separate trips that year to the Guggenheim, the MoMA, and the American Museum of Natural History, among others. Each was marvelous in its own way, but The Met was my favorite. (A surprise picnic of wine, cheese, and baguette provided for the class by a particularly elegant silver-haired professor at The Cloisters may have swayed my opinion, but only slightly.)

When I quit school early to work, I moved to Manhattan, bought a Met membership, and used it every chance I got. I wandered, sketched, absorbed. Had coffee in the sunny cafe with art lovers from around the world, charmed by the din of clinking silverware and mix of languages. Once I wore a black satin dress to a Met soiree, an opening underscored by a string quartet who sat in the center of the entryway playing Vivaldi. But usually I was there on Sunday afternoons. I never ended the day without a making a solemn visit to the Rembrandt Room (holy ground), and window shopping at The Met Store. So you can see why I would get a little sentimental over this photo of Doodle New York, which I illustrated for Duopress, on display at The Met.

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Doodle New York (written by Puck, who shot the photo), a fun and clever high-end activity book, is the first in an ever-growing series; see a sample spread, below. Check out duopressbooks.com for more cities and places to doodle.
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finally available: 4 new books!

Last summer I made art for four new Duopress titles which, in recent days, finally became available in bookstores: Chicago Baby, Doodle Texas, Doodle Washington DC, and Beach Doodles.

Last spring, I'll admit, I was a little nervous about the work load. I lined up a bunch of interns to help, and decided to share one of the assignments—Beach Doodles (a SUPER cute book, written by Puck)—with my friend and former student, Paige Garrison.

I *painted* the illustrations for Chicago Baby (written by Jerome Pohlen—it's absolutely adorable), a process that was lots of fun, and quicker than my usual routine. The break from Photoshop was refreshing. Listening to Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash while inking Doodle Texas (also written by Jerome) was relaxing, and oh-so-very TEXAS. What's not to like, y'all? I've been pining for cowboy boots ever since.

Doodle Washington DC (written by the prolific and lovely Laura Krauss Mehlmed) is a very classy book and I'm proud to be a part of it. Meanwhile my son has discovered John Philip Sousa, his new favorite composer; between the marches and the red, white and blue book, I've never felt more American.

All of the work finished itself, despite my family's last-minute decision to MOVE a thousand miles in August. And at this moment Team Duopress is finishing up another work season, for which I illustrated FIVE books—not four—and this time, without sharing any assignments. It just never pays to worry. ☺
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Paige: I will send you a box of books as soon as I can get out of this studio. This week, I promise. Same for you, Elizabeth and Melissa (my wonderful interns). Be watching for packages from me!

mail me art

I have this amazing friend in the UK named Darren Di Lieto, who has devoted a large part of his life to the cause of illustration. Periodically, Darren (founder of Hire an Illustrator! and The Little Chimp Society) organizes an exhibition of work that is literally sent through the mail—the envelopes are the canvases. 

The event became so popular (i.e. so much work to organize) that, after some time off, the Mail Me Art exhibit is back in a new format: by invitation. I am super excited to be included in this year's show. 

'Mail Me Art: Short & Sweet' will be at The Framers Gallery in London from 30th July - 3rd August 2013. All proceeds will benefit charity.

My entry, seen above, is probably still somewhere between New York and London. Why the shoes? It's a secret for now, but I'll tell you soon enough. Meanwhile, join me in thinking happy thoughts of my 6" x 9" manilla envelope completing it's journey and arriving safely, and in time for the exhibit.

Read more, here.