early summer days...

It’s been feeling a lot more like summer lately. I’ve been working on some new book ideas, so lots and lots of scanning sketchbook pages

Just for a change of scenery, I’ve been taking different routes to run errands lately and came upon the great old diner sign in Lyndhurst, NJ. Unfortunately the diner has been closed for some time. I do hope they will reopen and keep that amazing piece of pop culture history.

And lastly, there is this amazing lemon beverage I tried over at Watchung books. I am not one to drink sugary drinks but this really packed a punch on a warm day. And that packaging!!!!

morning routine

I’ve been working in my sketchbooks a lot lately. After making coffee, I sit down and write whatever ideas pop into my head. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the type of book I’d like to do next. I have a lot of ideas but it isn’t until I start sketching and loosely painting in gouache that characters form and I begin to go a different direction. I think scribbling concepts, bits of dialogue and notes lays the groundwork but the illustrations always seem to guide where I want to go. Trying not to put pressure on myself…writing takes time—and even though some ideas sound fun, if they don’t flow, it’s time to shelve for now and switch gears.