100 picture books.
That sounds big.
Illustrating 100 picture books sounds even bigger.
I feel like I should have started about 50 years ago, but here I am, and the only direction is forward.
Hello, I’m Cayleen, and I love learning. I especially love big projects and challenges. When the 2018/2019 winter came to visit and over-extended its stay (as winter always does here in Alberta), I set a goal in November to write 100 picture books by March.
And I won.
Then I realized, I wasn’t finished. Truly, my favourite part of picture books are the pictures, and I didn’t have any of those. Thus, I decided to learn about the art of picture book illustration.
In this blog, I invite you to join me on my journey.
You’ll need to know that the pictures and sketches on here won’t be perfect. I have always loved art, but my experience, up until now, is that of a dabbler. The picture book illustration art I share will be very much in the beginner category.
But I find that super exciting, because I love learning!
The fails. The wins. The frustrations. The wonder.
I like all of it.
And I’d like to share those experiences with you.
Next, about those stories.
They are mostly in the silly and ridiculous category. Goofy sounds, and a repetitive quality that invites those little listeners to chime right in at all the best parts. I love these ones.
A smaller part of these 100 stories lean towards the sensitive and sweet. Stories I hope invite thoughtfulness, care, and perseverance. I treasure these ones too.
And now you’re up to date. At the moment, I’m writing less as I’m learning to illustrate. I’m part of a wonderfully supportive writer’s group in my town. And I recently found the incredibly helpful 12×12 website and forum (and its illustrators group). I’m taking classes from SVSlearn.com and loving them. I’m a member of the SCWBI, but haven’t found a group to meet with that’s closer than 3 hours away yet. Oh, and last year, I went to the 2019 When Words Collide conference. So much fun!
Poke around. Make yourself at home.