Do you take commissions?
I am not taking commissions at this time.
I'm looking for an artist to illustrate my book cover. Are you available?
Please e-mail me to discuss the project.
I'm interested in hiring you as a storyboard artist/character designer for an animated project. Are you interested?
Please e-mail me to discuss the project.
Can I hire you to illustrate my graphic novel/picture book/etc.?
Please e-mail my agent with details about the project.
I'm taking a class and one of my assignments is to interview an artist. Can I interview you?
I'm sorry, but I do not do interviews for class assignments. If you're writing a report or presentation on a working artist and would like to use me as a subject, you can use my website as a resource. Go to my media kit page to find my bio, awards and honors, and interviews where I talk about my life and work. You can also check out essays and articles I have written, or my blog. Alternatively, your school is welcome to invite me to speak to your class. Talk to your teacher or librarian if you would like to request me as a speaker.
I have an idea for an animated show. Can you animate it?
Sorry, I'm not an animator by trade. If you're looking to animate a show idea, your best bet is to 1) reach out to an independent animation studio or production company that has the resources to produce an animated series, or 2) pitch directly to larger animation studios. You can find helpful information on the business side of animation by watching Eric Calderon's YouTube series Surviving Animation.
How do I find an illustrator to illustrate my project?
Social media has become a popular way to keep up with artists. A newer app, Cara, is designed specifically for artists. You can also try Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, or Bluesky (check out #kidlitart).
Portfolio networks like DeviantArt, Behance, ArtStation, and Carbonmade are also great places to look for illustrators.
Another great way to connect with artists is to attend markets and pop culture conventions. There are a wide assortment of conventions all over the world. Many of them host artist alleys where you will find artists displaying and selling their work. Visit FanCons.Com to find conventions near you. Local markets and festivals are also a great place to find and support artists.
I want to be a published author. Can you introduce me to agents or editors?
Sorry, I can't. If you're an illustrator looking for a literary agent, you can check out the Literary Agents for Illustrators Directory for information on querying.
How do I become an illustrator? or My spouse/friend/loved one wants to be an illustrator. How do they get started?
The first place I'd start is getting familiar with the wide world of illustration markets. Where do you want to see your illustrations? Children's books? Novel covers? Magazines? Animation? Video games? Product packaging? Greeting cards? Tabletop game cards?
Once you have a focus, research the industry. Find the companies that hire for the work you want to do and the artists that are already doing that work. Learn the norms of the industry, the caliber of work that gets hired, and how to develop your skill.
Here are a few online resources to help you learn more about art industries and how to find work:
Some artists who share helpful information:
You might need to take classes to improve your craft. Here are a few online schools:
I'm an aspiring writer/illustrator. Can you mentor me?
I am not offering mentorship at this time, but there may be other mentorship programs available for you to check out. I've provided a few links below.