Inspiration and advice on illustrating Middle Grade novels from Kelly Light

Over at Debbie Ridpath Ohi's wonderful Inkygirl site, this interview with Kelly Light had some great stuff, including this piece of Kelly's advice to illustrators:

"Stop wondering what they want. Stop looking at other people's work. Make the art that is YOU. The art that you were born to make.

and

Debbie: What advice do you have for those interested in illustrating middle grade novels?

Kelly: I think what I can say to those who wish to illustrate MG chapter books is - It's all about character. You are drawing for 7-11 year olds. These kids want to know the characters. This is the age when the characters are your friends. The characters help you get through some crazy changes in your life. They want to connect- SO be specific with the "WHO". WHO is the main character?... draw them so they feel real...like they could sit next to them at school. Who are the friends and the side kicks and the adults? They should all have something recognizable to the reader, just like in real life, no matter how unrealistic you may draw them. They should FEEL real. Also... bring THE FUNNY. This age loves to laugh. The illustrations in MG can really add humor and another layer to the text. I am a true believer in Laughter is the best medicine- and this age group wants to laugh their way into and through their tweens... Having some strong black and whites of the right age kids in your portfolio in REAL moments that happen in 4th grade- 5th grade. Braces. Awkwardness. Cliques start to form. Girls travel in packs. Bullying or standing up to it. School stress. Being bad at sports. Someone is an underdog. Science Fair explosions... There- I gave you some ideas!!

You can read the whole interview here. Thanks, Kelly and Debbie!

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

Ripple Blog Update: Great American Illustrator Month Starts Today

I recently posted about Kelly Light's blog, Ripple, which she started as a way to raise money to help animals affected by the Gulf oil fiasco. Kelly reports that the blog has so far raised more than $6,800.

The blog offers card-size original drawings donated by illustrators available for the price of a donation to one of two designated charities. Great American Illustrator Month on Ripple features the art of some exciting participants whose work will be available at designated times. Here's a schedule--and there are more to come including Dan Santat, Jarrett Krosoczka, Jeff Newman, Pascal Campion, Corey Godbey and Don Tate:

• Thursday July 1st Tom Warburton @ 7:00pm
• Friday July 2nd Janeen Mason @ 6:30pm; Susan Miller 7:00 pm
• Monday July 5th Aaron Zenz @ 6:30pm; Vanessa Brantley Newton @ 7:00pm 
• Wed July 7th Mo Willems @ 6:30 pm-8:30pm 4 cards available: 1@ each half hour.
• Friday July 9th Stephen Silver @ 7:30 pm
• Monday July 12th Stephen Marchesi @ 6:30pm
• Wed July 14th Mo Willems Strikes Back @ 6:30pm-8:00pm 4 cards: 1@ each half hour

Visit Ripple to see updated schedules and get the chance to purchase art from amazing illustrators for a great cause.

Through the Ripple Blog, Illustrators Are Raising Money for Animals in the Gulf

After seeing video of animals affected by the oil leak in the Gulf, illustrator Kelly Light just had to do something to help. "I was watching the footage of the oil spill and the animals and it undid me. I still get choked up," she says. "As artists (especially for kids) we draw so much inspiration from animals--and I couldn't take it. So I did what I do, I started drawing."

Soon, she says, her kidlit friends started chiming in, saying they would love to help. So about a week and half ago, Kelly started the Ripple blog. "I emailed, tweeted, and Facebooked about it, and the artists showed up--in force. It's been amazing."

Artist have donated cards for the blog, which are for sale for a $10 donation to your choice of two non-profits, The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies and The International Bird Rescue Research Center.

"For the most part, artists do not make a lot of money. I have had so many say that they can't donate financially--so they painted this, or drew that--and it's wonderful," Kelly says. "It's based on the idea that anyone can do something if it is a small act. As individuals maybe we can't make grand gestures--but together our small gestures can be grand!"

As of June 12th, they've raised more than $2000. You can buy a card simply by donating directly to one the of the non-profit organizations and sending Kelly the confirmation email. See the Ripple blog for details and to browse the art.