Deep Dives with Merfolx: A Splashing Interview with Paul D Kellam

Deep Dive with a Merman: 

Interview with Paul D Kellam

The illustrator of countless books, ranging many genres like The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash by Ashley Franklin and You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) by Taraji P. Henson to the Coral Keeper series by Robin Yardi, Paul D Kellam has made a SPLASH on the scene with as much energy and vibrancy as his artwork. 

But before we "dive in," Paul,  tell the reader a little about yourself, in your own words.

Hi I’m Paul (insert Jimmy Neutron Monkey)! 

I’m a full-time freelance artist based in Florida. I’ve drawn for as long as I can remember, my mom often reflects on how I crayon doodled on my nursery walls and even had the nerve to sign my name. I grew up loving all things animated, with ‘The Little Mermaid’ on constant repeat; but once I discovered ‘Avatar the Last Airbender’ I knew I wanted to work in the creative field. I practiced diligently, filling stacks of sketchbooks with ink and colored pencil before teaching myself to work digitally. 

At 16 I bought my first Bamboo Tablet to illustrate my first kids book, which was horrendous but a great learning experience. I later polished my skills in college, earning my Bachelors in Media Arts and Animation; but quickly found myself more at home with book illustrations.

Your work explodes with color, movement, "flow and rhythm," something I love and am inspired by! You and I have spoken a bit about it, but I would love to hear about your process and what inspires you as an illustrator?

My process is not always streamlined, but I always aim for my art to dance off the page through movement and color. My compositions typically use a lot of “S” and triangle shapes to help lead the eyes of the viewer; as well as gradients with focal points being the most saturated bits. I’m heavily inspired by nature, haute couture, and people that I cherish. A lot of the snarky expression I draw are basically a mirror of me with my younger sisters, haha.

Bursting with color, your books also brim with a range of beautiful, colorful, and diverse characters. What are some of your thoughts and feelings when it comes to representation and why do you think it is important?

Representation is beyond important, and I’m glad I’ve had ranging opportunities to depict various ethnicities and disabled folks as well! We have so many unique people in the world who feel invisible still to this day, and it’s amazing especially for children to feel seen in media, truly. It encourages hope and possibility; showing miraculous experiences are not limited to any one specific group.

I believe community is key to a healthy and fulfilling life, no matter what area of your life it appears in. I consider you a big part of my art community or mermaid pod, if you will. Your generous spirit is such a light and I know you've cheered me on when I needed that extra push. Can you speak a bit about community, how it has shaped you and why it is essential to the process?

I’m quite the hermit crab, so finding a sense of community outside of contained spaces like school or work life can be rather difficult. Social media thankfully allowed me to connect with many like-minded creators. Specifically in the ‘Mermay’ community I’ve befriended lots of brilliantly sweet and creative people, like yourself, whom I’ve truly appreciated having in my mer-pod! It’s been such a beautiful experience bonding with artist who’ve uplifted and inspired me with their different approaches to their own art and life. I’ve had many friends show me better creative tactics I hadn’t considered, and I’m glad I’ve been able to help others as well!

To see you occupy the spaces you do, in the way you do, with style, energy and sheer joyfulness, is revolutionary on so many levels. What would you say to younger Paul and how do you think he'd feel seeing you today?

Honestly one of the greatest parts of working in children’s illustration is rediscovering the warmth and exhilaration I felt when creating as a young artist. To Lil’ Paul I’d say continue to be you, and be so much louder and bolder about it too! The ability to create authentically is such a gift and no one else will do it like you. Your art can change the world for the better, for good, even! I think he’d be overjoyed to see all the lives our work has touched throughout our journey, it’s no-longer just little anime sketchbook doodles. Though, in classic Capricorn fashion he’d wonder what’s next, lol.

Though I know you and I are merpeople in our souls, if you were to sprout a tail right this second, what would it look like?

I imagine my natural tail color would be a sort of turquoise-y jade with gold flecks, but my scales would hue shift to varied jewel tones based off my moods. I just love colors so much! What would yours be?

Thank you so much, Paul, for joining us on the Official SCBWI Blog. I'm excited to see what the future holds for you! Your art has been such a joy to witness and I'm alway SAT for what you will share next! 

Check out more about Paul D Kellam, HERE and give this fabulous merperson a FOLLOW on IG! 

SCBWI Resources: The SCBWI YouTube

I'm back again, with more goodies provided for you, by SCBWI. 

This time let's chat about the SCBWI YouTube page!

There are many videos of panels, like the Writing from the Immigrant Experience and UNBanning Books, to interviews with Featured artists like Alex Howes, and Kerry McQuaide. Some of my favorite are the "Let's Eat..." series!

SCBWI has been a champion of sharing knowledge, and resources to help build community and the YouTube is one of the many ways to keep tabs on what is happening in the organization and in the publishing world!

Check out some of the videos below!

Writing from the Immigrant Experience - An Author Panel

UNBanning Books: A Panel Discussion

SCBWI Featured Illustrator: Alex Howes

Let’s Eat Dim Sum with X Fang!

Diving Deep: Exploring Your Depths to Tap into Your Mer-Magic: MerMay Entry #2

We're back with our second installment of the MerMay fun!

Today's entry:

Diving Deep: Exploring Your Depths to Tap into Your Mer-Magic

In an industry with so many creators, stories, genres, etc, it is essential that you find your voice—your song that will help guide you through the dark depths as you discover treasure (golden nuggets of connection), conquer krakens (imposter syndrome and burn out), and discover the stories from deep within.

I've always said that dance was my first language and as a dancer, I know how to communicate my emotions, thoughts and story through my body. That expression is so clear to me but when I stepped out onto the children's publishing "stage," I felt lost, and honestly, couldn't fathom how I would even begin to contribute to the massive ocean of publishing "creatures." When there are so many voices, how do you connect to your own authentic voice. Your siren song. I've always felt an overwhelming need to create but what did I have to offer? What do I have to say that wasn't already said by someone else?

A song I always go back to is "Move On" from Sunday in the Park with George, performed by Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin. A gorgeous duet between George Seurat and his muse/lover, Dot, it is a beautiful song about making your art and moving on. Making decisions and then, moving on. Loving, living, making mistakes, being scared. And moving on.

"Anything you do, Let it come from you, Then it will be new, Give us more to see..."

It is your job to create and not judge. It is your job to tell your story, because if it "comes from you, then it will be new." This has been an anthem for me and as I've pivoted throughout life, I think back to seventeen year old Justin who was embarking on his adventure and listened to this song ad nauseam and continues to when I need to be reminded of my voice. 

Here are some of the things I do to keep the spirit of creativity, learning, and play alive. These tips help me stay connected to my authentic self and allow me to swim with confidence as I explore the deep blue sea. 

1. Journaling

I try to journal every single day. 

Whether it is one question in my 5 Year Q&A book (I just finished it this year), my leather bound notebook (she's gorgeous and practical) or my current obsession, comic journaling, I am always trying to center my thoughts and feeling to ground myself. 

Check out Drewscape, who introduced me to his Diary Comics, HERE. He breaks it down and shows you an easy way to begin which now has been my favorite way of journaling when I don't want to write.

Yes...

I have a lot of feelings. 

And yes, they need a place to go. So into the journal they go. I document anything that stood out to me, or made me laugh, cry—feel alive. I frequently revisit my entries to remind myself of how rich, complex, beautiful and full of life—well—my life is. Whether I am dreaming of the future, reconciling the past or just appreciating the present, journaling is an essential way to keep tabs and tap into your voice.

Cause your life is magical, baby, no matter how you slice it. 

2. Solo Dates/ Art Outings
SO-LOW-DATES! I am such a fan of these. I love being by myself. As they say, "I am alone, not lonely." I love adventuring on my own, exploring new places, experiencing new things. I mean—how are you to know what your taste is, what you like and dislike, if you don't go out and discover it. I visit museums, galleries, bookshops, libraries. I go to the movies to see something new, sometimes something old. I am a huge theater goer! I try to see everything! Last year alone I saw every nominated Broadway show. First time ever!And I don't mind doing it myself. 

Don't be afraid to explore those uncharted waters; that deep blue expansiveness, the dark trench. Prioritize filling your cup.  You never know what you'll find. Once you find that courage, you will start to see a shift in your spirit and you may start to dive deeper internally as well. Art is a reflection of what it means to be human, so as a merperson, it will help you discover the humanity in you!

3. Build your Artistic Library 
This is a no brainer and I know if you're reading this, then I'm probably preaching to the choir but I try to read as much as I can. I also am a big advocate on finding those books that help you really grow into the person you wish to be. Find those books that you keep within arm's reach. Surround yourself with stories that resonate with you because like an echo in the ocean, sometimes we need something solid out there in the wilderness to have our voices reflected back at us.  Here are some of my book recommendations as an artist and part-time human/merman:

Life Lessons: Two Experts on Death and Dying Teach Us About the Mysteries of Life and Living by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler

Shoutout to my theater teacher and mentor, Joseph Farina, who introduced all of his students to this wonderful book. Broken down into a plethora of themes on life, we read this book in acting class before we dove into any theatrical work because Mr. Farina used to say "I must teach you how to live first, before I can teach you how to act." I revisit this book when I need to be reminded of how wonderful, complex and rich live is. As storytellers, we are tapping into what it means to live, to be human, to feel so we can help little humans discover it for themselves and understand how to navigate their big feelings.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Another Farina recommendation, this book has gotten me through some major rough patches as an artist, creator, and honestly, a "mer"person. Pressfield frames all things that keep you from your work as "Resistance" and this book is a guide to pushing pass all that to realize what you've been trying to achieve on the other side of the hurricane storm.

I always revisit this when I am starting a new process to remind myself of the literal war we sometimes face when pursuing anything we are passionate about—not just art. 

Highly recommended! Just writing this is reminding me that a reread is overdue.

Book Club, anyone? 

"Writing and Illustrating Children's Books For Publication: Two Perspectives" by Berthe Amoss & Eric Suben.

Recommended to me by my friend and another amazing mentor, Erica Rand Silverman, I keep this book on my art table whenever I need some keep navigating my creativity. Walking you from start to finish, this book has helped me mine, cultivate, and explore the little treasures of my life and my particular perspective in order to create and shape my voice and my work. It also has exercises at the end and throughout each chapter, guiding you through techniques and examples of ways to make your story come to life. 

I've rediscovered wonderful moments and perspectives of childhood thanks to this book. If you feel stuck and need a little mini workshop of your own, I recommend this book, hands down. 

Honorable Mention:

Picture This: How Pictures Work

by Molly Bang

Wonderbook (Revised and Expanded): The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction

by Jeff VanderMeer

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art

by Scott McCloud

Welp, kelp, we've come to the end of entry #2 but I hope this helped inspire and guide you a little closer to your personal magic. Remember you are not alone in this vast ocean of publishing, and that there are buoys to keep you a float when you get tired of swimming against the current. 

That's all for now! See you next Thursday for entry #3. Till then, just keep swimming!

Register NOW for Inside the Illustrator's Studio!

SCBWI University - Elevate Your Craft, Expand Your Career

"Guidance, information, and honest answers to vulnerable questions are the pillars of support that every creator needs during the publishing process. SCBWI University is that support: an invaluable resource for both writers and illustrators as they navigate their projects and their paths to publication.” 

Sara Sargent, Editorial Director, Penguin Random House

Inside the Illustrators Studio:

A new 3-part online course starts TODAY, May 12th, specifically for author/illustrators and illustrators! The series focuses on using thumbnails to build your story, visual character development, and the secrets to building a winning portfolio.

Register HERE!

Be Best Friends with Thumbnail Sketches with Marla Frazee

Tuesday, May 12, 2026: 1-2:30pm Pacific/ 4-5:30pm Eastern

Thumbnail sketches will be the foundation on which you build your story. They will be the map that leads you to your treasure. They will help you feel calm and happy. And they will keep you out of trouble! Please bring about a dozen pieces of 8.5” x 11” copier paper and a pencil to the session.

On Dastardly Rats, Cephalopods, and Other Characters Great and Small with Isabel Roxas

Tuesday, May 19, 2026: 1-2:30pm Pacific/ 4-5:30pm Eastern

Where do characters begin—and what do they want? SNACKS. Obviously. Author-illustrator Isabel Roxas shares a character-led approach to storytelling for children. Through drawing and guided exercises, we’ll explore how shape, gesture, and small visual decisions suggest a whole inner life, and what happens when they get hungry. Bring a handful of characters who’ve been living in your drawer (or quietly shelved). We’ll tease them out, set them in motion, and see what trouble they get into. You may find one or two already carrying a story.

The Good, The Bad, and the Anatomically Incorrect: What Makes (or Breaks) a Portfolio with Lauren Rille
Tuesday, May 26, 2026: 1-2:30pm Pacific/ 4-5:30pm Eastern

Discover the secrets to creating a portfolio that attracts the attention of agents, editors and art directors.

Embarking on Your Own Adventure: MerMay Entry #1

So as you might know...I love mermaids.

And I mean—I love mermaids, and every May, there is a celebration of mermaids through art and creativity called MerMay, where there are official prompts for each day in May. I've participated once upon a time, and every once in a while, I'll pop in on the party but this year, since this is my first May as the Official SCBWI Chief Blogger, I wanted to do MerMay in my own style. 

What I love about mermaids, and merfolk in general, is that everyone belongs—no matter who you are, what you look like and where you are from, much like children's publishing.

So this month, I want to "dive deep" and explore the depths of what it is to be a part of the kidlit community, through the lens of MERMAIDS! What it means to navigate the deep sea of resources, publication, story making and community building!

Let's dive in!

EMBARKING ON YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

The ocean is a vast place. As deep as it is wide. Brimming with stunning and incredible creatures, full of numerous possibilities. And you, my little merling, are amongst this tapestry of wonder. With a simple map in your hands, and the depths before you, you start flipping your fins. But in what direction? You don't really know. 

As a self-proclaimed merman myself, I knew I wanted to embark on this adventure to explore the "seven seas," but without a compass, a comprehensive map or prior knowledge/experience, I was a bit overwhelmed. Thankfully, I had the deep seated feeling that I had to take this journey so I followed the strongest current, and was on my merry way.

This audacity to take the dive resulted in me discovering resources out in the wild, which led me here, to SCBWI which in turn, introduced me to so many others spaces, humans (with legs) and endless possibilities. Joining the SCBWI community has been life-changing, and starting out as a solo merman, I now have a kaleidoscope of creators in this vast ocean we call children's publishing.  

When you join as a member to SCBWI, you gain access to loads of treasures. Highlighted in SCBWI monthly INSIGHT, SCWBI keeps you tapped in to the current of it all!

A great resource that I've found and have put in my personal grotto has been the Essential Guide to Publishing for Children. Updated yearly, it is full of "new and essential" articles that ranges from "maximizing your social media" and "creating book trailers" to "best practices in independent publishing, and grassroots promotion." Full of directories like The International Market Survey, and The Agents Directory, the Essential Guide is a great treasure map to lead you in the right direction. 

Another fin-tastic way to maximize your adventure and make some waves in the children's book space is through SCBWI's Awards and Grants! Built to help support "emerging authors, illustrators, and translators" who are both published and pre-published, members have access to a slew of amazing opportunities to help when your fins can't get you as far as and you need a boost. 

Also, have I mentioned that SCBWI offers discounts to Publisher's Weekly, so keep a look out for those specials throughout the year. Publisher's Weekly is a sure way to keep a thumb on the pulse of the industry and help you discover seas you've never even heard of. There is a lot to learn, to know and to experience so adding this to your grotto is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the cool, cool waters of all things publishing. 

Here are some other online resources I have used in the past:

- Writer’s Market: I still have my copy from many moons ago, but this is a great publication and partner when you begin to query and search for agents and publishers. Also, a great resource for information about the industry.

- The Official Manuscript Wishlist: A directory to make agents "more accessible" and "research more convenient." Used for query, this is a definitely a bookmark-able website for all those who will be seeking out agents and their wishlists.   

So as you embark on this journey, no matter where you are in it, there are always ways to engage with the kidlit community to further you on this incredible tidal wave of possibilities!

Alright, merfolk, that's all for today! See you next Thursday with the next installment to our MerMay celebration! Till then, keep flipping your fins!

xo Justin 

Crystal Kite Awards are NOW OPEN May 1- May 31

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Submissions for the 2026 Crystal Kite Awards are NOW OPEN, from May 1st to May 31st! 

Check out the 2025 winners of the Crystal Kite Awards!

Eligibility:

You must be a current member to nominate your book and at the time the award announcement is made. This award is open to SCBWI authors, illustrators, and translators.

Nominated books must be a PAL book first published within the previous calendar year.

This award is for PAL books; independently published books cannot be nominated.

For Guidelines, visit the Crystal Kite Awards page in SCBWI's Awards and Grants page!

Nominations/Submissions: May 1 through May 31, midnight PST.

Round 1 Voting: June 1 through June 22, midnight PST.

Final Round Voting: June 26 through July 17, midnight PST.

Winners announced: July 24, 2026.

Winners are announced in July in a press release and on the SCBWI website/social media. Winners receive a crystal, engraved kite award, a silver sticker for their winning book, and one winner will be chosen to present at the SCBWI Summer Conference.