pen in hand + curious people = happy me!
I’m happiest with a pen in my hand and a room full of curious people! Sharing what I’ve learned in the years as a professional artist is something I love. As a children’s book illustrator, character designer, and former Nelvana background painter, I help students see how a simple shape can become a character, and how a story becomes a picture.
character design 1
A college-level course that adapts to any classroom.
Currently teaching at Sheridan College in Canada
Whether your students work with industry-standard software or just a sketchbook and pencil, assignments can be tailored so everyone gets the same learning experience. All students need to bring is an open mind, a willingness to learn, and excitement about the process.
Student Work Exploring Character Poses
Student Work Exploring Face Expressions
Teaching Guides Drawn by Professor
Teaching Guides Drawn by Professor
What students walk away with:
Methods they can use in any creative design environment
Curiosity and excitement to explore different design options
Confidence in explaining the reasoning behind their design choices
A foundation of historical context to draw from, and the enthusiasm to keep building on it
A lasting desire to keep improving
workshops & masterclasses
A summertime or after school activity: the indoor field trip!
Intro to Character Design & Intro to Background Illustration for Children’s Books
Intro to Character Design & Intro to Background Illustration for Children’s Books
These sessions bring the heart of Character Design 1 into a condensed format, with an added introduction to children’s book illustration.
Professor using body language to explain character poses
Student Work - Learning Values
Student Work - Learning Values
Student Work - Final Color
What students walk away with:
Methods they can use in any creative design environment
An introduction to three creative fields they could pursue in the industry: background painting, children’s book illustration, and character design
A foundation to build on as they explore those paths
A lasting desire to keep improving
literary presentations
For the books I illustrate, I am happy to help bring stories to life with readings, live drawings, and activity worksheets. Sessions are designed for children, families, and educators, and can be tailored to your groups’ age and size. I love meeting young readers, families, and educators, and showing how a character begins with a few simple shapes.
past presentations
Presenter - Type Books Junction Halloween Story Time
Presenting "Frankie D. Vegan Vampire" Book 1
Presenter - Telling Tales 17th Annual Festival Event
Presenting "Frankie D. Vegan Vampire" Book 1
Presenter - Telling Tales Organization StoryMakers Events
Presenting "Frankie D. Vegan Vampire" Book 1
Locations:
@ Hillcrest Elementary School - Hamilton Wentworth District
@ Empowerment Squared
@ YMCA School Age Child Care - Chedoke
@ Empowerment Squared
@ YMCA School Age Child Care - Chedoke