A Panel about Blogging and a Nostalgic Visit

Pratt Institute's Career Services hosted a panel on “Blogging as Branding,” and I had the privilege of being a part of this two hour presentation which included a feature on this very blog, as well as an opportunity to be back on Pratt's campus since wearing my cap and gown.

Attendance was high and the panelists included a broad range of disciplines from Architecture to Fashion, Illustration to Industrial Design. Aside from myself, panelists included Emily Baltz, editor and contributor of Core 77, a blog originally started by two Pratt I.D. students in 1995, Richard Sarrach from Pratt's own Architecture faculty and co-founder of core.form-ula, Chei Wei, also a Pratt a alum and Architecture faculty for his blog cwwang.com, Nathan Hartswick for blog.asgoodandbetter.com, and fashion designer, Eric Gaskins, for emperorsoldclothes.blogspot.com.

Each had his and her own view and purpose about "Why a blog?" and "What's next?"  I discussed its marketing potential and ways in which clients can see my creative process. Others use it as a way to voice their opinions in their respective industries as well as a forum for students to find an outlet of resources. In general, I believe we put ourselves out there in the the blog-o-sphere because in some sense, it's a way to challenge ourselves to grow, and in the process, be open to feedback, positive or negative.  As far as what the future holds, time can only tell where this format can lead with the lightning fast pace that is information technology.  I hope to continue to interest and enthrall consistent, quality content.

A really big thrill for me was a chance to tour the campus for the first time in many years. It's changed considerably since I graduated, particularly in its landscape of beautiful sculptures and brick pathways. I had a slice of pizza at the P.I. Shop, my old hangout, which looked shiny and new and even served Starbucks coffee.  I was a bit envious of the students and their precious time there.  I only remember it fondly.  It was a nostalgic rush which I hope to revisit again soon. Thank you to Pratt's Career Services for the opportunity and privilege!

I'm Blogging About Blogging at Pratt Institute!

I've been invited to be on a panel of bloggers at my Alma mater, Pratt Institute.  This means, I have to gear up and know what the heck I'm talking about.  I've been taking the day to prepare so I'll sound like a competent panelist tomorrow.  It doesn't guarantee Pratt students will get their money's worth...oh wait, they're going to read this tomorrow.

Here's a link to the panel.  See you there and I'll tell you all about it when I get back!

The Art of Providence

Aside from the privilege of being a part of the University of Rhode Island's children's illustration exhibit, it was an opportunity to finally explore Providence, a city that I've always been curious about visiting.  After all, RISD was the school I was almost going to go to, but at the time I had my heart set on being a successful fashion designer, and Pratt, being in New York, well, the rest is history.  Now, as a working illustrator and, ahem, aspiring writer, I found a concentration of creativity in the small, pristine city of Providence, RI.

Providence Art Club, Graveyard behind Cathedral of St. John, Episcopal (both Lovecraft and Poe were inspired by this graveyard), Fleur de Lys Studio (The Call of Cthulhu), Halsey House (served as the Ward house in The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, Lovecraft's only novel)

One interesting way to explore the city is to take a walking tour inspired by the works and life of H.P. Lovecraft, who was once a resident of the city.  I was accompanied by my husband and friends and we walked for hours around College Hill, strolling up and down some pretty steep hills and narrow streets. The tour lead us to uncover many wonderful things about the city, including its really old cemeteries (some headstones dated back Pre-Revolutionary War), graceful American architecture, beautiful libraries, and of course, the institutions of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design. We also stopped at the beautiful RISD Museum which housed an impressive collection of historical pieces and modern masterpieces in art and design.  I also highly recommend shopping at the museum's gallery, which includes works by RISD's alumnae and faculty. 

RISD Museum of Art, detail of one of my favorite etchings in their current exhibits by Pieter van der Hayden, a fun installation by Shih Chieh Huang, a room in the gallery which inspires me to create one like it in one of my living spaces by Paul Morrison, a Japanese monochrome print, a Degas

So go to Providence, even if you don't have an exhibit to attend like I did, because Providence is, itself, a work of art.

Imagination! The World of Children's Book Illustrators

All month long, the University of Rhode Island Providence Campus is showcasing a wonderful exhibit that I am proud to be a part of. It includes 15 published illustrators and work from RISD's Children's Illustration Certificate Program. It was also an opportunity to show off my latest published work, Groundhog Weather School (Putnam).

Last week was reception night and my first time in Providence. However, being the responsible blogger that I am (actually I didn't have the forethought to photograph the actual exhibit), I thought I'd marvel you with a few interior pieces from the show as well as the character sketches and layouts that are on display (the collection shows the creative progression of the book).

I also had the pleasure of chatting it up with fellow llustrators at the show, a few of whom I had met before and will be seeing again at the upcoming Annual Highlights Illustrator's Party, including Sharon Lane Holm, Nancy Cote, Jamison Odone and Mary Jane Begin.

Enjoy!

Happy September!

What a nice way to kick off the month! Starting today, the University of Rhode Island will be hosting an exhibit entitled: Imagination! The World of Children's Book Illustrators. Sounds so sparkly doesn't it? Well of course, because yours truly will be one of the guest artists and I'll be bringing along some of my books to sign and, ahem, sell. I'll be showing off my latest book, Groundhog Weather School (G.P. Putnam's Sons), which will be previewed at the exhibit throughout the month of September (the actual release date isn't until December of this year). Lucky for you, you can be the first to see it! Check out the link to see the other talented artists in exhibit.