Secret Sneak Peek

Hey all! So been working hard on a few projects, including this one for Simon and Schuster's new spring series due out in May 2007! This is book #3. I thought it would be cool for any of you curious folks out there to see the process, as this is the final art I've just sent in. I layered it within the design template for a "mechanical" that the art director/designer there has created, which they have designed for this series.

The type and graphic elements are added later on, but I thought I'd throw them together as sort of a "sloppy copy" to preview! Kara is the main character in this book, and she has some wicked pesky brothers who delight in redecorating her room in creepy crawlies (which were fun to draw). Will this ruin her chance for a sleepover, and most importantly, destroy the Sleepover Squad forever? You'll need to wait until September to find out!

I did this piece as a pencil sketch on white Bristol board, scanned and painted in Photoshop. fun stuff.

Sometimes the best encouragement can come from a lion.
Narnian quote: "You have listened to fears, Child," said Aslan. "Come, let me breathe on you. Forget them. Are you brave again?"

p.s. artwork updates to come

New blog, new book, and Bono?

Welcome! Just beginning this blog, and I am excited for its possibility! Hopefully this will be a space to update friends, family and colleagues on illustration projects (a.k.a what I am actually DOING all the time in my apartment in bunny slippers). Well, I'm just learning to navigate this new boat- the process, the balance of this new career and life, the world- and hopefully we will be learning together.

Ok, let's start!

2 things happened today:
I was revamping the front window at the bookstore I work at, Curious George in Harvard Square. Tiny plush Georges were spilling over my arms, when BONO...yes, Bono of U2 walked in with his publicist. "Ahh, Curious George" he declared, in accent, upon entering. And he was off to peruse...(didn't purchase anything, maybe he just needed his picture book fix like the rest of us). I pranced downstairs after he had smiled and said "goodbye" through Bono sunglasses, and I received a phone message from parents:

My first illustrated book hits stores today!! Sojourner Truth: Path to Glory It's small and simple, but published and ready and sitting in the hands of family in CT, and oh I wish I could see it. This is my first try and what a collaborative effort it was- special shout out the Denos clan. Hmm...I cannot believe I am the little kid dreaming this up with my rabbit in the backyard, but it's reality. It's happening and I'm gonna run with this dream as long as I can.

Cinnamon Lesson #1: Do not underestimate the power of creation within you.