tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20591862261178668032024-03-13T07:27:23.314-04:00Claire Lordon DesignClaire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-83433213724416479312018-06-29T13:04:00.001-04:002018-06-29T13:11:43.850-04:00New Skillshare Class!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm excited to announce my first Skillshare Class. It's titled "<a href="https://skl.sh/2yw2wIT" target="_blank">How to Illustrate a Children's Picture Book Part One: Character Design</a>"<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xH5ybafK-NA/WzZlPFsh35I/AAAAAAAAN2s/NCvdG0lFlxUBCg-vSUBh-dnuNrxXTF4xQCLcBGAs/s1600/SkillshareCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xH5ybafK-NA/WzZlPFsh35I/AAAAAAAAN2s/NCvdG0lFlxUBCg-vSUBh-dnuNrxXTF4xQCLcBGAs/s640/SkillshareCover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong>Project Description</strong><br />
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By the end of the class, you will have two character designs.<br />
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<strong>Assignment</strong><br />
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This class will cover<br />
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<li>Brainstorming</li>
<li>Silhouettes </li>
<li>Making your character unique</li>
<li>Turnaround</li>
<li>Expressions</li>
<li>Creating a lineup</li>
<li>Color</li>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">To celebrate my launch I am giving you TWO FREE MONTHS! Use this link -></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="origin" href="https://skl.sh/2yw2wIT" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://skl.sh/2yw2wIT</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> I'm looking forward to seeing your work! </span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/ffb/1/16/263a.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /></span><br />
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-1670474176399524052018-03-20T18:13:00.000-04:002018-03-20T18:13:20.568-04:00Book Trailer!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Over at the Construction Site Book Trailer!</div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3PE11hQ1fdw/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3PE11hQ1fdw?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rolling onto shelves April 17, 2018.
Come to the construction site where there’s a whole lot of activity going on! With its irresistible rhyme, plus a fun counting element, this picture book will become every truck-loving toddler’s favorite.
Spend a day with mommy and daddy construction vehicles—bulldozers, front loaders, cement mixers, and more—as they encourage their little ones to push, dig, cut, dump, mix, and tip! With its catchy, songlike rhyming text, this fun read-aloud will delight parents and kids alike. At the end, children will love discovering what these hardworking trucks have been busy creating!
Words by Bill Wise. Illustrations by Claire Lordon.
Sterling Children's Books.
Learn more about Over at the Construction site at </span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sterlingpublishing.com%2F9781454922292%2F&event=video_description&redir_token=q1OqnOsugmgnON_tAA3sldI72Kp8MTUyMTY3MDM1N0AxNTIxNTgzOTU3&v=3PE11hQ1fdw" style="color: var(--yt-endpoint-visited-color, var(--yt-endpoint-color)); cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: var(--yt-formatted-string-endpoint_-_line-height); text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.sterlingpublishing.com/97...</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Amazon: </span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2F145492229X%2F&event=video_description&redir_token=q1OqnOsugmgnON_tAA3sldI72Kp8MTUyMTY3MDM1N0AxNTIxNTgzOTU3&v=3PE11hQ1fdw" style="color: var(--yt-endpoint-visited-color, var(--yt-endpoint-color)); cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: var(--yt-formatted-string-endpoint_-_line-height); text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.amazon.com/dp/145492229X/</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Indiebound: </span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiebound.org%2Fbook%2F9781454922292&event=video_description&redir_token=q1OqnOsugmgnON_tAA3sldI72Kp8MTUyMTY3MDM1N0AxNTIxNTgzOTU3&v=3PE11hQ1fdw" style="color: var(--yt-endpoint-visited-color, var(--yt-endpoint-color)); cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: var(--yt-formatted-string-endpoint_-_line-height); text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.indiebound.org/book/97814...</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Music by Kagan Breitanbach </span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kaganbreitenbach.com&event=video_description&redir_token=q1OqnOsugmgnON_tAA3sldI72Kp8MTUyMTY3MDM1N0AxNTIxNTgzOTU3&v=3PE11hQ1fdw" style="color: var(--yt-endpoint-visited-color, var(--yt-endpoint-color)); cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: var(--yt-formatted-string-endpoint_-_line-height); text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.kaganbreitenbach.com</a></div>
Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-20480774413921441382018-03-20T18:11:00.000-04:002018-03-28T19:53:13.290-04:00From Postcard to Picture Book!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This post is about how my promo postcard help to land me a picture book illustration job.<br />
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Promo postcards are postcards that illustrators use to promote their work. They are mailed to art directors and editors or passed out at a conference.<br />
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I usually aim to send out 3-4 postcard batches a year. For the longest time, I was wondering if the time and money were really worth it, but I know from personal experience that promo postcards really work. The following is my example.<br />
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I had the below postcard at the New England SCBWI conference a few years ago.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUiMYki5BZs/WrGDjmS6gjI/AAAAAAAANrY/CZlomC9gHIsZMxeDG0_CGzeRNY6RYyiWwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wUiMYki5BZs/WrGDjmS6gjI/AAAAAAAANrY/CZlomC9gHIsZMxeDG0_CGzeRNY6RYyiWwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9308.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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An art director from Sterling Children's Books picked it up. And a while later because of this postcard and my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1499802285/" target="_blank">Lorenzo, the Pizza-Loving Lobster Book</a>, I was offered to illustrate a picture book!<br />
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Images on postcards can help art directors see your strengths and your interests. My postcard has a cute construction scene, so when my current art director had a construction book that she needed an illustrator for she thought of me.<br />
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My new book that I illustrated is titled "<a href="https://www.sterlingpublishing.com/9781454922292/" target="_blank">Over at the Construction Site</a>". The words are by Bill Wise. I can't wait to show you all the cute construction vehicles I illustrated. (They're so cute!)<br />
The book rolls on to shelves April 17th, 2018!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BXXzyuxyt-4/WrGFOJpbH2I/AAAAAAAANrk/ZNxXJtd0up8mDFfcjSbdePEkiwndQssIwCLcBGAs/s1600/616XRmbjj5L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="398" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BXXzyuxyt-4/WrGFOJpbH2I/AAAAAAAANrk/ZNxXJtd0up8mDFfcjSbdePEkiwndQssIwCLcBGAs/s400/616XRmbjj5L.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-size: 16px;">You can pre-order the book here:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781454922292" style="color: #1ba4da; font-family: proxima-nova; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Indiebound</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-size: 16px;"> • </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/over-at-the-construction-site-bill-wise/1127084635" style="color: #1ba4da; font-family: proxima-nova; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-size: 16px;"> • </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/145492229X/" style="color: #1ba4da; font-family: proxima-nova; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
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Here are my top postcard tips:</h4>
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<li>On one side of the postcard, you want to put one art image. On the other side, you want to put your contact info and address of the recipient. Some people also like putting a smaller piece of art (usually a spot image) on this side of the postcard as well.</li>
<li>Try to find a place to put your name and contact info on the art/main side of the postcard. Art directors and editors like putting postcards on bulletin boards. If they don't have to turn over the postcard for your contact info you save them one step.</li>
<li>Ask friends or critique partners to review your postcard before printing. </li>
<li>I prefer matte paper over glossy paper because it's easier to write on this surface. You can always request a paper sample from your printer.</li>
<li>Always double check to make sure everything is spelled correctly.</li>
<li>Hand address the cards instead of printing them or using stickers for a personal touch.</li>
<li>Try to mail a new postcard to your mailing list 2-4 times per year</li>
<li>Create an address list for editors and art directors. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Writers-Illustrators-Market-2018/dp/1440352682/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522171568&sr=8-1&keywords=childrens+writers+illustrators+market" target="_blank">Children's Writers and Illustrators Market</a> books have addresses of editors and art directors. Conferences are also a great place to get addresses.</li>
<li>Put a reminder in your calendar to make and send postcards</li>
<li>Some of my favorite printers are <a href="https://www.moo.com/" target="_blank">Moo</a> and <a href="http://gotprint./">GotPrint.</a> Your local print shop can be a great place to get postcards too!</li>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-3543509594844845612016-09-05T10:58:00.000-04:002016-09-05T10:58:43.113-04:00Super Children's Book Boot Camp at the Highlight's Foundation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In July I attended the Super Children's Book Boot Camp at the Highlight's Foundation in Honesdale, PA.</div>
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Here are some photos and some highlights (had to make the joke) of my time at the workshop.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTtvllOlUBk/V8nWg8UeWJI/AAAAAAAAMzs/vKtfSeQWR4ojmQlIH7CJfKOC3V7oLGitgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTtvllOlUBk/V8nWg8UeWJI/AAAAAAAAMzs/vKtfSeQWR4ojmQlIH7CJfKOC3V7oLGitgCLcB/s640/IMG_2074.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our trip started with a tour of the Highlights building.</div>
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Then we had a tour of Boyds Mills Press.</div>
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This was my cute little cabin for the weekend. A whole cabin for myself! So cute!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc6CQCbJ18o/V8nWiCepRtI/AAAAAAAAMz4/2wRojkIM5qwWB7bWE0mhVlOvxosKsM2EACLcB/s1600/IMG_2100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc6CQCbJ18o/V8nWiCepRtI/AAAAAAAAMz4/2wRojkIM5qwWB7bWE0mhVlOvxosKsM2EACLcB/s640/IMG_2100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The dining hall/'barn' is absolutely beautiful.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcvqDoOaMj4/V8nWh2p4-ZI/AAAAAAAAMzw/lhtk2QUsgx8S6p_9gpz5dQvwmB79Z4PgACLcB/s1600/IMG_2102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcvqDoOaMj4/V8nWh2p4-ZI/AAAAAAAAMzw/lhtk2QUsgx8S6p_9gpz5dQvwmB79Z4PgACLcB/s640/IMG_2102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My manuscript and dummy actively being critiqued.</div>
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The weekend was focused primarily on honing our stories and dummies to present to an art director, editor, and agent.</div>
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There were 20 participants and we were divided into four groups with one faculty as our leader. The faculty for my workshop was Pat Cummings, Denise Fleming, Steve Light, and Floyd Cooper.</div>
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Floyd Cooper was my faculty mentor. In our groups read each others stories and dummies and gave feedback. We each had a good chunk of time each (which was wonderful!). We also had time to individually meet with the other faculty to show them our project as well as our portfolios or other work. This was all in preparation for making our presentation to the art director, editor, and agent the best it could be.</div>
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We also had mini workshops that covered different topics that were given by the faculty. I learned valuable information that I know is already helping me move forward with my career.</div>
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On Saturday the participants took turns presenting ourselves and our projects to the art director ( Patti Ann Harris), editor (Neal Porter), and agent (Marcia Wernick). My presentation went well and I received some helpful feedback.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btDwXxASTNA/V8nWiGQaymI/AAAAAAAAMz0/Zg-yEB8Fvq8SBK3ASggCVdSU82j6XhvaACLcB/s1600/IMG_2105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btDwXxASTNA/V8nWiGQaymI/AAAAAAAAMz0/Zg-yEB8Fvq8SBK3ASggCVdSU82j6XhvaACLcB/s640/IMG_2105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The food was very local, fresh, and SUPER tasty! If only I could eat here every day!</div>
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It was lovely to meet and mingle with each other during meals as well as our 'downtime' (when we could be working).</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cHGcKRfjrUM/V8nWi6653iI/AAAAAAAAM0A/yV9C-m0hLe0xeGb8LYZvygNiMhilZ3XrQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cHGcKRfjrUM/V8nWi6653iI/AAAAAAAAM0A/yV9C-m0hLe0xeGb8LYZvygNiMhilZ3XrQCLcB/s640/IMG_2108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our superstar faculty for the weekend: Pat Cummings, Steve Light, Floyd Cooper , and Pat Cummings.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Du_6cdX9IKc/V8nXTkZzxRI/AAAAAAAAM0I/frKwKxf_8CYvljeeYxlkx2WmqGS6WcNzgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2119v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Du_6cdX9IKc/V8nXTkZzxRI/AAAAAAAAM0I/frKwKxf_8CYvljeeYxlkx2WmqGS6WcNzgCLcB/s640/IMG_2119v2.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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We even had time for s'mores!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8Z_yGKFKEU/V8nWjnFehVI/AAAAAAAAM0E/D_sGgY9c0QQ723Eb6aWTWvqyMXCtP6YLQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f8Z_yGKFKEU/V8nWjnFehVI/AAAAAAAAM0E/D_sGgY9c0QQ723Eb6aWTWvqyMXCtP6YLQCLcB/s640/IMG_2150.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The beautiful lodge aka 'Barn'.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKFv8_yFu5U/V8nXo7ydBWI/AAAAAAAAM0U/O5h6181_Z7kBWy5RAAxJnZx7MJzZBo20gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKFv8_yFu5U/V8nXo7ydBWI/AAAAAAAAM0U/O5h6181_Z7kBWy5RAAxJnZx7MJzZBo20gCLcB/s640/IMG_2825.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I received this in the mail a few weeks after the workshop. I'm happy I met so many wonderful people (so many great friends!). It truly was a great weekend. I learned and grew so much!</div>
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Thank you Highlights! Thank you faculty! Thank you visiting professionals!</div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-51743640268073899592016-07-19T14:21:00.000-04:002016-07-19T14:25:55.253-04:00Create Comics Workshop at the Center for Cartooning Studies <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Earlier this summer I participated in the Create Comics workshop at the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction, Vermont.</div>
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It was a very intense week! We had lessons throughout the day while we also worked on our own 8 page comic. It was a wonderful workshop that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to advance their comic book/sequential storytelling skills.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rAt5ysfhXwc/V4zqpIINwyI/AAAAAAAAMwA/OP9D0kwL1PQ7X5Mab6GVLCzRbm8ZABWBwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rAt5ysfhXwc/V4zqpIINwyI/AAAAAAAAMwA/OP9D0kwL1PQ7X5Mab6GVLCzRbm8ZABWBwCLcB/s640/IMG_1944.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is my welcome folder. I was so excited!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xP4fRWQ_cLc/V4zqpBraxHI/AAAAAAAAMv8/7u5uFZtFJAYgTxRQkI_lghbMTvuhTL6pACLcB/s1600/IMG_1951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xP4fRWQ_cLc/V4zqpBraxHI/AAAAAAAAMv8/7u5uFZtFJAYgTxRQkI_lghbMTvuhTL6pACLcB/s640/IMG_1951.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first day we focused on storytelling and character designs.</div>
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Here are two of my main characters, Hugo the Malamute and Alta the llama.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTsQlrMlSkM/V4zqpMsU7dI/AAAAAAAAMv4/cZlTicATgugzr0xzfNDIPH70b_AdAMa1QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTsQlrMlSkM/V4zqpMsU7dI/AAAAAAAAMv4/cZlTicATgugzr0xzfNDIPH70b_AdAMa1QCLcB/s640/IMG_1965.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The rest of the week had a different theme each day. Some of the covered topics included narrative building, methods and techniques, self-publishing, comics history, and more!</div>
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The teachers were phenomenal! They were beyond amazing in their excitement,</div>
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knowledge, and willingness to help out each student.</div>
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Above is a photo of my messy desk while I frantically made my 8 page comic.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLmIrR_wj08/V4zqrFvIlmI/AAAAAAAAMwM/4PLL4QGA4RcI3c0BBAubE-4V_Qd3KdsowCLcB/s1600/IMG_1968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DLmIrR_wj08/V4zqrFvIlmI/AAAAAAAAMwM/4PLL4QGA4RcI3c0BBAubE-4V_Qd3KdsowCLcB/s640/IMG_1968.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The evenings had optional workshops too. One night I attended bookbinding. </div>
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I even learned how to make a perfect bound book - so cool!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq8wUq5kWHA/V4zqp7M9gAI/AAAAAAAAMwE/2Fqr1kIIkBc62Qcr0u5YZxtgcjOCj0u5gCLcB/s1600/IMG_1983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oq8wUq5kWHA/V4zqp7M9gAI/AAAAAAAAMwE/2Fqr1kIIkBc62Qcr0u5YZxtgcjOCj0u5gCLcB/s640/IMG_1983.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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During the day we also had different exercises to expand our knowledge and</div>
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take a break from what we were working on.</div>
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Here I am trying some watercolors for my comic.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bP8s7NlOoQ/V4zqrZy4HuI/AAAAAAAAMwU/m1ETMcuFJWQYVocYzPTQKpDDMOhqpO63QCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-18%2Bat%2B10.40.39%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bP8s7NlOoQ/V4zqrZy4HuI/AAAAAAAAMwU/m1ETMcuFJWQYVocYzPTQKpDDMOhqpO63QCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-18%2Bat%2B10.40.39%2BAM.png" width="636" /></a></div>
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I decided that I wanted to screen print the cover for my comic.</div>
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Here I am in action!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mi2WeB0_rZ0/V4zqrABqXqI/AAAAAAAAMwQ/nfzCk0c-E3MH6iAauovQmKo3TKxxT4olACLcB/s1600/IMG_1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mi2WeB0_rZ0/V4zqrABqXqI/AAAAAAAAMwQ/nfzCk0c-E3MH6iAauovQmKo3TKxxT4olACLcB/s640/IMG_1981.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then they went to the drying rack.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLMpZjYIpBs/V45u7UlBzEI/AAAAAAAAMwo/o7XehMgMVaEpixo7td7E-0Jo7zmfg-Z1gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLMpZjYIpBs/V45u7UlBzEI/AAAAAAAAMwo/o7XehMgMVaEpixo7td7E-0Jo7zmfg-Z1gCLcB/s640/IMG_2715.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then was printing and assembly time!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ch6Xn8HoyI/V4zqq_ex-0I/AAAAAAAAMwI/VAJXoHYu5t432Dq3GW5nMzmxl4dTA6p5ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ch6Xn8HoyI/V4zqq_ex-0I/AAAAAAAAMwI/VAJXoHYu5t432Dq3GW5nMzmxl4dTA6p5ACLcB/s640/IMG_1986.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After that I had a complete 8 page comic.</div>
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You can view the comic <a href="http://www.clairelordon.com/tahdah.html" target="_blank">here </a>and buy a copy in my Etsy store <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/453557270/comic-book-the-tah-dah-team-the-tag-dah" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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I learned so much throughout the week and am really happy with my final comic.</div>
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The teachers and classmates I had were so wonderful too!</div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-23460035967004272512016-06-13T10:48:00.000-04:002016-06-13T10:48:55.349-04:00From Manuscript to Storyboard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Please note this post originally appeared on <a href="http://literallylynnemarie.blogspot.com/2016/05/from-manuscript-to-storyboard-with.html#comment-form" target="_blank">Literally Lynne Marie's blog</a> on May 24, 2016.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Today I'm going to share my approach to storyboarding a picture book.</span><br />
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First I start off by looking at my manuscript. I read each couplet and bit of action then I decide how to best group passages together for what is going to be on each page. It's important during this process to think about page turns and not having too much text on one page or spread.</div>
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Here is an example from my book "Lorenzo, the Pizza-Loving Lobster" of how I looked at my manuscript and decided how to pace the book. </div>
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Note: This isn't the final version of the story or how the pacing for the pages turned out, but it was where I started.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWP6IOMPVnk/V17E_uVEqrI/AAAAAAAAMug/CTIQpX7g7hwHoBVS2S2ds6Ja1oLNxegJQCLcB/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWP6IOMPVnk/V17E_uVEqrI/AAAAAAAAMug/CTIQpX7g7hwHoBVS2S2ds6Ja1oLNxegJQCLcB/s640/1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then, I decide what size I would like my book to be. Do I want it long and horizontal? Or do I want it tall? I look at the story and figure out what the illustrated action needs. I look at various current published children's books to help give me an idea on what size I want my book to be. When I first started storyboarding picture books I would just choose a size and go with it. If during the process I realized I needed more horizontal or vertical space I would scrap my current storyboard and change it to a storyboard with the correct proportions.</div>
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After that it's time to work on preparing the storyboard. I have two storyboard templates, a taller more vertical version, and a more horizontal version.</div>
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I print out two (or three in case I make a mistake) of my chosen size onto 11"x17" paper.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oez98tztjeE/V17FBaZE6DI/AAAAAAAAMuw/s8Lzp38xAxEvMawL8Yqrko0EFbkgIOc5ACKgB/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oez98tztjeE/V17FBaZE6DI/AAAAAAAAMuw/s8Lzp38xAxEvMawL8Yqrko0EFbkgIOc5ACKgB/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Next I look at my text with the pagination notes and write underneath each spread what goes on each page. I make sure I use pencil in case I need to erase anything.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8PsZiLDz8Nc/V17FBVH_STI/AAAAAAAAMus/faE3Q6EqmYQL8N7RGaV-j1f6_z-M3VEKgCKgB/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8PsZiLDz8Nc/V17FBVH_STI/AAAAAAAAMus/faE3Q6EqmYQL8N7RGaV-j1f6_z-M3VEKgCKgB/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Then, I cut out the rectangles on one of the storyboards. These are what I draw on. I cut them out in case I need to move them around or replace them. I use a masking tape loop to stick them to my storyboard.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOR5b6BAsS4/V17FBammTZI/AAAAAAAAMuo/pPefamBf2yEUUq7n3Ke-QqsRULTkjPRYwCKgB/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOR5b6BAsS4/V17FBammTZI/AAAAAAAAMuo/pPefamBf2yEUUq7n3Ke-QqsRULTkjPRYwCKgB/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">After that it's drawing time. During this process I am very loose and am focusing on the big shapes and composition. It's important to be mindful of the gutter and page turns and where the text is placed. I also remember that I need to leave room for front matter (title, copyright, dedication, etc...) and end pages.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JSzic1tiF4/V17FCRhQ2aI/AAAAAAAAMvI/5hz55GUvjcMjOqKBA4SE6ajPycNmCZmDACKgB/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JSzic1tiF4/V17FCRhQ2aI/AAAAAAAAMvI/5hz55GUvjcMjOqKBA4SE6ajPycNmCZmDACKgB/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Usually the sketches help inform me of text changes, which can then change the storyboard. It can be a back and forth process until the text and storyboard tell the story in the best way possible.</div>
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At the end of the process I have a complete storyboard. I use the rough thumbnail sketches to tell me how to draw my initial black and white sketches for the book.</div>
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Here is an example of my second to final storyboard from "Lorenzo, the Pizza-Loving Lobster." Note that this is before I started using the cut outs of the pages. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I hope you find this helpful and insightful. Below you can download my storyboard templates. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">Click the images to make them larger, then right-click to download the image. The printables are optimized for tabloid (11" x 17") paper.</span></div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-47003026765365862412016-05-12T13:57:00.002-04:002016-05-12T13:57:39.106-04:00Lorenzo, the Pizza Loving-Lobster is Now Available! Also Some Interviews!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On May 3 2016 "Lorenzo, the Pizza-Loving Lobster" celebrated its book birthday. The book is now available for purchase online and in stores (check your local independent bookstore).<br />
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To celebrate this momentous occaision Rhodie, the stuffed animal lobster who was the inspiration for the story, and I celebrated with a pizza party.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3DVWR7QIfQ/VzTDixFXBtI/AAAAAAAAMtk/NUQlMDoRuxEiODru5tHmp4xYPwYwwSW-ACLcB/s1600/13119884_1007524549335331_5282875504796384352_o-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3DVWR7QIfQ/VzTDixFXBtI/AAAAAAAAMtk/NUQlMDoRuxEiODru5tHmp4xYPwYwwSW-ACLcB/s640/13119884_1007524549335331_5282875504796384352_o-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also have been interviewed on a few blogs. Here are the links:</div>
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<a href="http://www.kidlit411.com/2016/05/Kidlit411-Author-Illustrator-Claire-Lordon.html" target="_blank">KidLit411</a><br />
<a href="http://monicawellington.blogspot.com/2016/05/interview-with-authorillustrator-claire.html?utm_content=bufferc803a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">Monica Wellington's Blog</a><br />
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A big thanks to everyone for your support. It means so much to me.</div>
Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-50467676319121122682016-04-26T16:40:00.001-04:002016-04-26T16:40:20.850-04:00Win a Signed Copy of "Lorenzo, the Pizza-Loving Lobster"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div align="center"><a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/97c2" data-campaign="97c2" class="promosimple"></a><script type="text/javascript" src="https://promosimple.com/api/1.0/campaign/97c2/iframe-loader"></script></div>Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-79155315498139457242016-03-22T10:55:00.002-04:002016-03-22T10:55:14.017-04:00More Great Podcasts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have written about some of my favorite podcasts <a href="http://clairelordon.blogspot.com/2014/10/new-tool-and-more-new-podcasts.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://clairelordon.blogspot.com/2014/12/even-more-useful-tools-and-podcasts.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://clairelordon.blogspot.com/2014/08/some-of-my-favorite-podcasts-and-tools.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but as always new and exciting podcasts are being created (or I find out about them).<br />
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Some of my recent favorite podcasts include:<br />
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<b>The Best Book Ever This Week</b><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-best-book-ever-this-week/id1032712193?mt=2" target="_blank">iTunes link</a><br />
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This fun podcast is by Matthew Winner of the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-get-busy-podcast/id817756935?mt=2" target="_blank">Let's Get Busy Podcast.</a> Every week he receives books from publishers to review and he goes over a number of new books in the podcast and shares his favorite for the week. The podcast is short and simple, which is a refreshing listen between longer podcasts.</div>
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<b>Grown Ups Read Things They Wrote as Kids</b><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/grownups-read-things-they/id890900960?mt=2" target="_blank">iTunes link</a><br />
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This podcast is a reminder of storytelling and the mindset of children. Where else are you going to learn the rules for rock collecting? Or hear poems about skydivers who 'go splat'? While the pieces that are read can be a bit older and some are from the teenage years and NSFW the overall theme is storytelling from the eyes of the young. It's a very fun listen.</div>
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<b>Storybook Spotlight</b><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-storybook-spotlight/id924703860?mt=2" target="_blank">iTunes link</a><br />
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Storybook Spotlight is made by Karan Santhanam. In every episode she interviews an author or illustrator of a picture book. It's a nice, light hearted and insightful podcast on some of the best picture books.</div>
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<b>Stories Unbound</b><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-unbound/id1067519207?mt=2" target="_blank">iTunes link</a><br />
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This podcast is presented by the Oatley Academy of Visual Storytelling. Shawna JC Tenney is the host and interviews many people in the children's book industry. This is a very insightful podcast into the process for the creation of children's books. It is more informational than entertaining and worth listening to if you are a storyteller or in the children's book industry.</div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-26464250603580234472016-02-02T21:52:00.000-05:002016-02-02T21:52:24.768-05:00The Inspiration Behind 'Lorenzo, the Pizza-Loving Lobster'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm getting really excited because in three months my book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1499802285/" target="_blank">Lorenzo, the Pizza-Loving Lobster</a></i> will be released!<br />
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Many people have asked me how I got my inspiration for this unique idea - a pizza-loving lobster!<br />
The answer is a bit silly and has a story behind it.<br />
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It started when I was back in college and my boyfriend and I were at a gift shop that sells Rhode Island merchandise (we went to school in Rhode Island). My boyfriend noticed a cute lobster stuffed animal and said how much he liked it because it reminded him of a pet crawfish he had growing up.<br />
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When his birthday came around I decided to give him the stuffed animal lobster that he had admired months earlier. We chose the name "Rhodie" for the lobster stuffed animal because his backstory is that he is from Rhode Island. Somehow, one day when we were eating pizza we decided that Rhodie was Italian and loved pizza. It became a joke and I thought how ridiculous it was that a lobster loved pizza!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2lsVwNN64M/VrEkj3B5x5I/AAAAAAAAMpY/mSm2YXgIMVg/s1600/12650560_10154116099906549_2062464805_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v2lsVwNN64M/VrEkj3B5x5I/AAAAAAAAMpY/mSm2YXgIMVg/s400/12650560_10154116099906549_2062464805_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rhodie enjoying some good ol' Brooklyn pizza.</div>
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I thought this would make a great character in a children's book. After many revisions and many sketches later <i>Lorenzo, the Pizza-Loving Lobster </i>is now going to be an actual book!<br />
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I'm excited to say that Rhodie will be joining me when I have book signings and appearances. I want to show others, especially children, that ideas can come from anywhere - even a stuffed animal.</div>
Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-46596423226339197322015-12-22T13:51:00.002-05:002016-01-04T17:42:46.605-05:00My favorite picture books of 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There have been many wonderful picture books released in 2015.<br />
Here are some of my favorites in no particular order.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OjKrchCisio/Vor1WroSw4I/AAAAAAAAMm4/9tghTsUiMpY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-01-04%2Bat%2B5.40.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OjKrchCisio/Vor1WroSw4I/AAAAAAAAMm4/9tghTsUiMpY/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-01-04%2Bat%2B5.40.17%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Edmund Unravels</h3>
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This book is adorable and shows the importance of independence and travel as well as family. Edmund is a bouncy, rambunctious ball of yarn who travels the world. He becomes lonely though and realizes that in the end he misses his loved ones. The art in this book is colorful, bold, and dynamic.<br />
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To the Sea</h3>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1F2yfnVl8ms/VnRBdGEvmhI/AAAAAAAAMj4/QeQIQH51y9A/s1600/51dm0f95Y0L.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1F2yfnVl8ms/VnRBdGEvmhI/AAAAAAAAMj4/QeQIQH51y9A/s320/51dm0f95Y0L.jpg" width="248" /></a><br />
"To the Sea" is a great book about a boy named Tim who feels alone and just wants a friend. He meets a whale who is stranded on the land named Sam. The two become friends and Tim helps his whale friend return to the sea. The colors and compositions used in this book are absolutely incredible and set an adventurous tone.<br />
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Shark Detective</h3>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-avr_OQjCgEk/VnRB29Uh5hI/AAAAAAAAMkE/34oWxe5tiac/s1600/2847145_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCV_FnhKyJA/VnRCHs1hLrI/AAAAAAAAMkc/obGBXWTyv40/s1600/2847145_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCV_FnhKyJA/VnRCHs1hLrI/AAAAAAAAMkc/obGBXWTyv40/s320/2847145_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
This book is hilarious and so much fun. It's about a shark who wants to be a detective! Shark goes around searching for mysteries to solve and finally learns about a missing cat. In the end of this colorful story Shark solves multiple mysteries and makes a new friend. The fun and sketchy illustrations also pair harmoniously with the text.<br />
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Simon's New Bed</h3>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0ODIi1L_KU/VnRCJYFgIvI/AAAAAAAAMko/MIUbPliVrbQ/s1600/simons-new-bed-9781481430197_hr.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0ODIi1L_KU/VnRCJYFgIvI/AAAAAAAAMko/MIUbPliVrbQ/s320/simons-new-bed-9781481430197_hr.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I love dog books and this story is wonderful. It is about how Simon just wants to sleep in his new ultra cozy bed, but the cat in the house won't let him. The illustrations are so playful and the illustrator does an incredible job considering the story mostly takes place in one room.<br />
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Job Wanted</h3>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--szOqXHx1wM/VnRCSBIIkHI/AAAAAAAAMk0/aU_t5Oc55JM/s1600/bateman-job-wanted.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--szOqXHx1wM/VnRCSBIIkHI/AAAAAAAAMk0/aU_t5Oc55JM/s320/bateman-job-wanted.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
This is another heartwarming dog book. "Job Wanted" is about a dog who just wants a job on a farm. He tries different roles on the farm including being a cow, a chicken, and a horse. None of these roles quite fit though and in the end he finds the place where he truly belongs. I also love how the art is so soft and atmospheric.<br />
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I Love Dogs</h3>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4hQmOStdYA/VnRCZ6H0zvI/AAAAAAAAMlA/GE8Uwo2Cce0/s1600/61tTcAszVzL._SX258_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4hQmOStdYA/VnRCZ6H0zvI/AAAAAAAAMlA/GE8Uwo2Cce0/s320/61tTcAszVzL._SX258_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="248" /></a><br />
The text in this book is rhyming and is super catchy. It's a poem about one boy's love of every kind of dog. Every once in a while when I'm at the park and see many dogs I'll start saying some of the couplets in my mind. And although the text doesn't clearly state a story, the illustrator creates a narrative for the reader to follow. The many types of dogs are also illustrated with such character!<br />
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Lazy Dave</h3>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xlbQpCap-rI/VniQ1vjT-6I/AAAAAAAAMmQ/sc1wGUyvDCE/s1600/WceGgDUNlCA8RPHOz66AbHHs4RI12Vqg%252BOoBRGBrKx2plCphEkAr3aizNSRpuGHkIoDZcS4gLRs3LNNbucM2twmGAaG4Z8A79r0aGiZQPONQ5iDKyCBWtzAWMsmQ%252B7PK.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xlbQpCap-rI/VniQ1vjT-6I/AAAAAAAAMmQ/sc1wGUyvDCE/s400/WceGgDUNlCA8RPHOz66AbHHs4RI12Vqg%252BOoBRGBrKx2plCphEkAr3aizNSRpuGHkIoDZcS4gLRs3LNNbucM2twmGAaG4Z8A79r0aGiZQPONQ5iDKyCBWtzAWMsmQ%252B7PK.png" /></a><br />
Can you tell I like dog books? The white space is masterfully crafted in this book about a sleepwalking dog. Dave's owner Lily thinks Dave is the laziest dog ever. What she doesn't know is that Dave ends up saving the day all while he is sleeping! The illustrations are very delightful and a wonder to look at.<br />
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Robosauce</h3>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-laUTDTBWulU/VnRCg0IxuAI/AAAAAAAAMlM/pRd7Y04tn4A/s1600/Robosauce1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-laUTDTBWulU/VnRCg0IxuAI/AAAAAAAAMlM/pRd7Y04tn4A/s320/Robosauce1.jpg" width="273" /></a><br />
This book is so much fun! Who hasn't pretended to be a robot? This book about pretending and becoming a robot doesn't follow the usual story arc and knows it! There is even a fun paper transformation in the book as well. The flamboyant text pairs beautifully with the vibrant and animated illustrations.<br />
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Little Bird's Bad Word</h3>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aq5V-35BKHs/VnRCoKPQh3I/AAAAAAAAMlY/McJjxeAHqQQ/s1600/22718723.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aq5V-35BKHs/VnRCoKPQh3I/AAAAAAAAMlY/McJjxeAHqQQ/s320/22718723.jpg" width="257" /></a><br />
Little Bird learned a bad word from his dad and thinks it is so much fun to say. BLARK! He starts telling all his friends his new favorite word but his friends shy away from him. Little Bird is left all alone wondering what has gone wrong. By the end of the story all the friendships have been restored and Little Bird learns the power of words. The illustrations are lovely and I love the colors, characters, and compositions.<br />
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Vegetables in Underwear</h3>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMUz7FAoNWs/VnRC6bO_HfI/AAAAAAAAMlk/k-Fv0dQzvHM/s1600/vegetables-in-underwear.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oMUz7FAoNWs/VnRC6bO_HfI/AAAAAAAAMlk/k-Fv0dQzvHM/s320/vegetables-in-underwear.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Who couldn't love cute vegetables in underwear? This book is a celebration of all the different types of underwear. Many different adorable vegetables don the undergarments in this simple, but well designed book.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Goodnight Already </h3>
(technically released December 2014)<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjSxkcCDaHw/VnRDI4PsOjI/AAAAAAAAMlw/kDTRdv9esM8/s1600/y648.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjSxkcCDaHw/VnRDI4PsOjI/AAAAAAAAMlw/kDTRdv9esM8/s320/y648.png" width="263" /></a><br />
Goodnight Already is a fun friendship story about two friends who are total opposites. Bear just wants to sleep while Duck just wants to do fun activities with him. The two friends go back and forth trying to state their case. The ending is just as fun and hilarious as the rest of the story. The artwork is so joyful and the colors and textures used really add to the story.<br />
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Beyond the Pond</h3>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95V0E7zfGq8/VnRDQsWiPhI/AAAAAAAAMl8/V8k2P7nyfWE/s1600/51F1gTWhbAL._SX408_BO1_204_203_200_large.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-95V0E7zfGq8/VnRDQsWiPhI/AAAAAAAAMl8/V8k2P7nyfWE/s320/51F1gTWhbAL._SX408_BO1_204_203_200_large.jpeg" width="262" /></a><br />
In Beyond the Pond a boy and his dog decide to discover what lies below the surface of the pond in the backyard. The two go on an adventure and discover a new world, and make it back home with a new perspective. It is gloriously illustrated. I particularly love the underwater scenes because they really capture the atmosphere of being underwater.<br />
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What are your favorite picture books of 2015? Let me know in the comments below.<br />
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-24522045056666222132015-12-02T11:35:00.000-05:002015-12-02T11:35:29.002-05:00Little Red's Adventure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This year for the <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/2016-tomie-depaola-award-prompt/" target="_blank">Tomie dePaola Award</a> the prompt was a passage from <i>Little Red Riding Hood.</i><br />
Last year <a href="http://clairelordon.blogspot.com/2014/12/blins-journey-illustration-created-for.html" target="_blank">I was a semi-finalist for this award</a> so I was very excited for this prompt.<br />
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I was taking a screen printing class and thought it would be fun to make this piece as a screen print.<br />
Here are some photos of the process.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6wrN65HdwI/Vl8cI4vtGhI/AAAAAAAAMiE/qPf4BwIe0js/s1600/IMG_8422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6wrN65HdwI/Vl8cI4vtGhI/AAAAAAAAMiE/qPf4BwIe0js/s320/IMG_8422.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ay6ihUW3IOQ/Vl8cI0YvJOI/AAAAAAAAMiA/AnfVikyCn-o/s1600/IMG_8592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ay6ihUW3IOQ/Vl8cI0YvJOI/AAAAAAAAMiA/AnfVikyCn-o/s320/IMG_8592.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1iqix6jk1ss/VjeK6CFCvjI/AAAAAAAAMgE/N8IaH9AaZb4/s1600/IMG_8596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1iqix6jk1ss/VjeK6CFCvjI/AAAAAAAAMgE/N8IaH9AaZb4/s320/IMG_8596.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Below is the final print!</div>
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It is a very limited edition and two are available for purchase in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/258968890/little-red-screen-print-art-print-little?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxFsMp7jszQ/Vl8cjVCr67I/AAAAAAAAMiY/AcSGEDsDgEw/s1600/IMG_7208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GxFsMp7jszQ/Vl8cjVCr67I/AAAAAAAAMiY/AcSGEDsDgEw/s640/IMG_7208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Did you submit for this award?</div>
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Share a link to your entry below.</div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-28391988237433063282015-11-02T14:46:00.000-05:002015-11-11T13:14:20.245-05:00Screen Printing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have been taking a screen printing class the last month or so and have been loving it! I thought it would be fun to show my process and some other projects I have been working on (besides the pizza rat in the <a href="http://clairelordon.blogspot.com/2015/10/hi-again.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>).</div>
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This is by no means a full tutorial. I know I am missing some critical and key steps and things to consider when screen printing. This is more like a guide to help those who are unaware how screen printing works to get a general idea.</div>
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Please excuse that these photos were taken from different projects, but show the overall process.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MzcaPH-ydg/VjeK7ufoK9I/AAAAAAAAMgM/w_xHD5JAJlY/s1600/IMG_8702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MzcaPH-ydg/VjeK7ufoK9I/AAAAAAAAMgM/w_xHD5JAJlY/s640/IMG_8702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step one: Create a black design on see-through vellum or acetate.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjpG3uFykqM/VjeK6ipkfYI/AAAAAAAAMgA/S9Ek9Uc5pEg/s1600/IMG_8699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjpG3uFykqM/VjeK6ipkfYI/AAAAAAAAMgA/S9Ek9Uc5pEg/s400/IMG_8699.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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My design had two colors so I was making sure my second layer lined up with the first one below it. </div>
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I need a second screen to make the second color.</div>
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My full design also did not fit onto my screen so I did it in sections.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9Qe6Jb-q8U/VjeK8DdvJSI/AAAAAAAAMgU/4WEN1Oz95_I/s1600/IMG_8703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9Qe6Jb-q8U/VjeK8DdvJSI/AAAAAAAAMgU/4WEN1Oz95_I/s640/IMG_8703.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step two: Create your screen, which is like a fancy stencil.</div>
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This process includes coating a screen and exposing it to a light source with your design, </div>
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which hardens the coating on the screen except where the design was. </div>
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Then the screen is washed (see photo below) and the design washes out </div>
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because it was not hardened by the light.</div>
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Also tape the edges so no ink goes through where the screen was not coated.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyD-kggzmbI/VjeNo7oPc9I/AAAAAAAAMg4/flNlhE7NJAo/s1600/IMG_8332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyD-kggzmbI/VjeNo7oPc9I/AAAAAAAAMg4/flNlhE7NJAo/s320/IMG_8332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This photo is actually of me cleaning an empty screen, but you get the idea.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZByMDxycls/VjeK7WH2W7I/AAAAAAAAMgQ/BYL66n6BiGM/s1600/IMG_8701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZByMDxycls/VjeK7WH2W7I/AAAAAAAAMgQ/BYL66n6BiGM/s640/IMG_8701.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Step three: Preparing your surface. This might be paper or fabric or any flat material.</div>
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Usually you'll need to cut the paper to be the size you want, or iron your fabric and have it stick to a board using sticky stuff (I'm not exactly sure what it is though).</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSkgWD_liOU/VjeK5PA5kGI/AAAAAAAAMfk/Es_k3Bn9inY/s1600/IMG_8591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSkgWD_liOU/VjeK5PA5kGI/AAAAAAAAMfk/Es_k3Bn9inY/s400/IMG_8591.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Step four: Mix your color and get it to the right consistency.</div>
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Step 5 (not shown): Align and register your paper or fabric so that the prints are consistent.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sk0TeNi04Dw/VjeK5j1sEoI/AAAAAAAAMfo/1sJ7LANVmic/s1600/IMG_8592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sk0TeNi04Dw/VjeK5j1sEoI/AAAAAAAAMfo/1sJ7LANVmic/s400/IMG_8592.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Step six: Flood the screen with ink before printing.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iqix6jk1ss/VjeK6CFCvjI/AAAAAAAAMf0/1gFe547CKzw/s1600/IMG_8596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iqix6jk1ss/VjeK6CFCvjI/AAAAAAAAMf0/1gFe547CKzw/s640/IMG_8596.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step Seven: Use a squeegee to pull the ink across the screen.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6FZbuMWARg/VjeK9pMLyTI/AAAAAAAAMgo/QOuu4aIBfFI/s1600/IMG_8705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6FZbuMWARg/VjeK9pMLyTI/AAAAAAAAMgo/QOuu4aIBfFI/s640/IMG_8705.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Step Eight: Put the print on the drying rack to dry. </div>
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Repeat pulling the ink across the screen on paper or fabric until you are </div>
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finished with that color or screen.</div>
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Then make sure to clean the work surface and screen thoroughly.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbWrM5jMFWQ/VjeK9W4vvyI/AAAAAAAAMgk/FThnTtm-x6Q/s1600/IMG_8706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbWrM5jMFWQ/VjeK9W4vvyI/AAAAAAAAMgk/FThnTtm-x6Q/s640/IMG_8706.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Step Nine: Eagerly wait until you can return to the printshop to continue printing!</div>
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(Or if you're lucky and have enough time continue printing once the ink is dry.)</div>
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The above tea towels will be available for sale in <a href="http://www.clairelordondesign.etsy.com/" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a> soon. Stay tuned!</div>
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For a more complete guide to screen printing visit this awesome blog:</div>
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<a href="http://www.printcutsew.com/549/screen-printing-101-part-1-getting-started/">http://www.printcutsew.com/549/screen-printing-101-part-1-getting-started/</a></div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-42698258907695952282015-10-23T13:56:00.000-04:002015-10-23T13:56:00.233-04:00Book Cover Reveal!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm so excited to share the cover of my upcoming book <i>Lorenzo, the Pizza-Loving Lobster</i>!</div>
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The photo is of the proofs I received - it looks fantastic!</div>
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Lorenzo is excited to meet you in May 2016.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kZfp3I5qYl0/Vip0KQiNfzI/AAAAAAAAMfE/wBrIXzxVDlM/s1600/11029639_899489203472200_7775477016726158441_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kZfp3I5qYl0/Vip0KQiNfzI/AAAAAAAAMfE/wBrIXzxVDlM/s640/11029639_899489203472200_7775477016726158441_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-70830196079235741402015-10-12T13:58:00.000-04:002015-11-09T18:40:18.640-05:00Hi Again!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi Blog Followers,<br />
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So much has happened since my last blog post. I plan on being more active on here.<br />
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I'm proud to say that I have finished my book <i>Lorenzo, the Pizza-Loving Lobster</i>. It will be released in summer 2016 through Little Bee Books! I'm so excited! More news about <i>Lorenzo's</i> book release will be coming soon.<br />
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I also have been working on more children's books ideas and illustrations.<br />
Here are two of my latest pieces.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqvisjQT4ao/VhvwuM9UvDI/AAAAAAAAMeA/q1p_bEkXuvM/s1600/Bento5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqvisjQT4ao/VhvwuM9UvDI/AAAAAAAAMeA/q1p_bEkXuvM/s640/Bento5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Recently I added more cards to my Etsy shop. I had so much fun expanding my "punny" Christmas card collection. I hope they make you laugh!<br />
To view them please visit my Etsy shop url is <a href="http://www.clairelordondesign.etsy.com/">www.clairelordondesign.etsy.com</a><br />
Here are some of the cards:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTGK84ZTYTo/Vhvu_D_Q8qI/AAAAAAAAMdU/EpKVOcqaOMQ/s1600/il_fullxfull.845162037_jbf5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eTGK84ZTYTo/Vhvu_D_Q8qI/AAAAAAAAMdU/EpKVOcqaOMQ/s640/il_fullxfull.845162037_jbf5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZEDea8JVMk/Vhvu-4C-y5I/AAAAAAAAMdQ/653QQUPMHa0/s1600/il_fullxfull.845190805_cwpj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZEDea8JVMk/Vhvu-4C-y5I/AAAAAAAAMdQ/653QQUPMHa0/s640/il_fullxfull.845190805_cwpj.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Currently I also am taking a screen printing class, which I'm really enjoying. I have always wanted to take screen printing. Below is my first project - Pizza Rat!</div>
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My first color was pink</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QIkw9qhRQKk/VhvwFgrzbyI/AAAAAAAAMds/mfdL1oVl5Zs/s1600/IMG_8329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QIkw9qhRQKk/VhvwFgrzbyI/AAAAAAAAMds/mfdL1oVl5Zs/s320/IMG_8329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My second color was a transparent yellow. The orange is created from the overlapping of the pink and the transparent yellow.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mCH8QrIDqw/VhvwFm5zFLI/AAAAAAAAMdw/jHqq_DXebzw/s1600/IMG_8335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4mCH8QrIDqw/VhvwFm5zFLI/AAAAAAAAMdw/jHqq_DXebzw/s400/IMG_8335.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The final image with the third color of maroon. </div>
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This is one happy rat!</div>
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I also have been busy with the Inktober challenge. Inktober was created by <a href="http://mrjakeparker.com/inktober" target="_blank">Jake Parker</a>, as a challenge for artists to create any piece of artwork every day in October using ink. It could be a pen, ink wash, or anything ink related. This has been a great exercise for me since I work mostly digitally. Here are a few selected images below. To see more please visit my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/clairelordondesign" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> or <a href="https://instagram.com/clairelordondesign/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</div>
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More artwork and updates coming soon!</div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-69589265757685370152015-05-12T16:34:00.000-04:002015-05-12T16:34:02.681-04:00I Have A Book Deal!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm so excited <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I can share my good news. I have my first book deal!! My debut picture book, that I also wrote, will be out summer 2016! The book is titled "Lorenzo the Pizza-Loving Lobster" and will be published through Little Bee Books.</span><br />
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-38404343242739973242015-04-13T09:50:00.001-04:002015-04-13T09:50:34.034-04:00Even More Great Tools!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi friends!<br />
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I wanted to share some more great information and tools that I have found helpful for my work.<br />
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The first tool I'd like to share is <a href="https://coffitivity.com/" target="_blank">Cofftivity</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://secretaresse.blog.nl/files/2014/08/coffitivityLogoVertical.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://secretaresse.blog.nl/files/2014/08/coffitivityLogoVertical.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://static.tumblr.com/e0379092655478c86d1afe5cb6be483e/bkfa16r/Nykmw5wa0/tumblr_static_coffee_image_tumblr_fixed_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.tumblr.com/e0379092655478c86d1afe5cb6be483e/bkfa16r/Nykmw5wa0/tumblr_static_coffee_image_tumblr_fixed_.jpg" height="264" width="640" /></a></div>
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Coffivitity brings the sounds and ambience of a local coffee shop wherever you are. It is a quiet hum of changing noise that makes you feel like you're in a coffee shop. This is great to listen to while you work because it gives you some background noise without being distracting.</div>
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This small amount of ambient noise is great because ambient noise has been scientifically proven to help with the creative process. You can read more on the <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/21/how-the-hum-of-a-coffee-shop-can-boost-creativity/?_r=0" target="_blank">New York Times Blog</a>.</div>
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Another great tool I use is <a href="https://about.twitter.com/products/tweetdeck" target="_blank">Tweetdeck</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/fr/7/7e/Tweetdeck-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/fr/7/7e/Tweetdeck-Logo.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://g.twimg.com/about/products/tweetdeck/modal/modal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://g.twimg.com/about/products/tweetdeck/modal/modal1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tweetdeck is an downloadable application for your computer that helps organize everything on Twitter. You can make your own columns based on your feed, specific hashtags, your notifications, activity, messages, and more. The application is customizable and makes using Twitter feel less overwhelming.</div>
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One reason I use Tweetdeck is for the <a href="https://twitter.com/kidlitart" target="_blank">weekly #kidlitart chats</a>. They occur every Thursday at 9PM EST with a new topic every week. More information about the history of the chats can be found <a href="http://kidlitart.blogspot.com/p/what-is-kidlitart.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://debbieohi.squarespace.com/storage/mentees/2010-post-images/kidlitart%20icon.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291581790101" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://debbieohi.squarespace.com/storage/mentees/2010-post-images/kidlitart%20icon.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1291581790101" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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To join in the chat check out the <a href="https://twitter.com/kidlitart" target="_blank">official Twitter account</a> for the weekly topic. Just use the hashtag #kidlitart in all your posts to join in on the conversation. I have found these chats very useful. Topics have included promotional materials, websites, conferences, color, and more! It's a great way to connect with other people in the Kid Lit industry.</div>
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The last tool I want to share today is called <a href="https://justgetflux.com/" target="_blank">f.lux</a>. While it is not necessarily for art and design, I can see how this tool would be especially helpful for writers.</div>
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<a href="https://justgetflux.com/flux-icon-big.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://justgetflux.com/flux-icon-big.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://justgetflux.com/flux-shot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://justgetflux.com/flux-shot.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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f.lux has your computer follow a more natural light pattern. During the times when the sun is down, or partially down, the program changes your computer to emit less blue light. This is to replicate the natural light pattern of the sun and regulate your melatonin levels, which is supposed to help with sleep.</div>
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Some of you might be wondering if you create digital art that this will mess up your color. While this can be the case, you can turn off the program for any specific application. If I am working in Photoshop late at night I can turn f.lux off for just Photoshop so my color is true. Whenever I click on any other application the orange glow will return.</div>
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I have found using f.lux has helped me feel less awake and have less strain on my eyes late at night. While I can't say it will work for you it's worth a try.</div>
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I hope you find these tools helpful! If you have any great tools to share please feel free to leave a comment.</div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-62925079859557321902015-02-11T14:38:00.000-05:002015-02-11T15:09:21.073-05:00SCBWI New York Conference 2015 Recap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This past weekend I attended the <a href="https://www.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">SCBWI</a> (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators) New York 2015 conference. It was a great experience and I want to share some highlights.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_3HTJmwYIE/VNujNk6GloI/AAAAAAAAMM4/mHm2JU-4RGU/s1600/IMG_5353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_3HTJmwYIE/VNujNk6GloI/AAAAAAAAMM4/mHm2JU-4RGU/s1600/IMG_5353.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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My portfolio, postcards, and notebook ready for the conference!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_BFOXGANVs/VNujN31rXWI/AAAAAAAAMM0/n6fz_quIMqw/s1600/IMG_5354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_BFOXGANVs/VNujN31rXWI/AAAAAAAAMM0/n6fz_quIMqw/s1600/IMG_5354.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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My name tag. I added my Twitter picture and name to help people recognize me.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSz5PUOF1Us/VNujN_H0tcI/AAAAAAAAMMw/V8k-Fw8HYaM/s1600/IMG_5355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSz5PUOF1Us/VNujN_H0tcI/AAAAAAAAMMw/V8k-Fw8HYaM/s1600/IMG_5355.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let's get this conference started!</div>
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I started my conference with the optional Illustrator Intensive on Friday. It was an informative day filled with lectures, an in-class assignment, panels with publishers and editors, and meeting other fellow illustrators. This also was when illustrators dropped off portfolios for the SCBWI Portfolio Award. Art directors, agents, and publishers to looked at our work too.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJYgcLyW2M8/VNujOrVSuhI/AAAAAAAAMNA/7cImIQcFJlI/s1600/IMG_5357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJYgcLyW2M8/VNujOrVSuhI/AAAAAAAAMNA/7cImIQcFJlI/s1600/IMG_5357.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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At the end of the Illustrator Intensive there was a raffle and I won 'Louise Loves Art' by Kelly Light. I had been wanting this book for a while. I tweeted the author/illustrator that I won and she happened to be in the hotel. We met up and she signed my book. I couldn't be happier!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9mUKtFQTNc/VNujQUpcR_I/AAAAAAAAMNQ/6W1chn6WiHM/s1600/IMG_5361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9mUKtFQTNc/VNujQUpcR_I/AAAAAAAAMNQ/6W1chn6WiHM/s1600/IMG_5361.JPG" height="401" width="640" /></a></div>
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The industry portfolio review ended Friday evening. </div>
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Most people stayed around to look at other portfolios before leaving with their work.</div>
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It was so great to see such a wide range of techniques and incredible talent.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RMjWoSa331I/VNujS0kSWRI/AAAAAAAAMNs/LkHtQo6galI/s1600/IMG_5364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RMjWoSa331I/VNujS0kSWRI/AAAAAAAAMNs/LkHtQo6galI/s1600/IMG_5364.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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My awesome SCBWI folder. It had important handouts and my schedule.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KM1Ckcq4hEc/VNujTaoA67I/AAAAAAAAMN4/2UXNQ_RLtp4/s1600/IMG_5375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KM1Ckcq4hEc/VNujTaoA67I/AAAAAAAAMN4/2UXNQ_RLtp4/s1600/IMG_5375.JPG" height="340" width="640" /></a></div>
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Saturday the conference really began. It was a mixture of inspiring lectures from authors and illustrators, panels with agents, publishers and editors, workshops, and more!<br />
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Some of the topics of the workshops I went to were "Creating Picture Book Art" and "Developing Your Illustration Style and Career Path."I took many notes and learned much that will help me. <br />
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I also met some wonderful writers and illustrators. There was an informal art browse where illustrators could show their portfolio again. The evening ended with a social that included a mashed potato bar in martini glasses with various toppings!<br />
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The above photo shows the largest conference room with 1200 attendees listening to one of the lectures.<br />
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Sunday started with the announcement of awards. </div>
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I'm so happy that my talented friend Mika Song won the SCBWI Portfolio Award! </div>
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Check out her wonderful website <a href="http://mikamood.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Sunday also included more panels, lectures, and keynotes. The final keynote was from Kwame Alexander who had just won the Newbery Award. His speech and all the others were incredible and were each so unique!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSoFpBsNH58/VNujRufbRNI/AAAAAAAAMNg/E5f2HDQw20w/s1600/IMG_5374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSoFpBsNH58/VNujRufbRNI/AAAAAAAAMNg/E5f2HDQw20w/s1600/IMG_5374.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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At the conference there was a bookstore where books from presenting authors and illustrators could be bought. There was an autograph party as well, where these books could be signed.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYsFndoSDOY/VNujS_T7blI/AAAAAAAAMNo/tBqi7FqKbpk/s1600/IMG_5403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYsFndoSDOY/VNujS_T7blI/AAAAAAAAMNo/tBqi7FqKbpk/s1600/IMG_5403.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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My postcard collection from the various illustrators! Such talent!</div>
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The overall conference was great and I left feeling very inspired! I'm so happy to have connected with so many other writers and illustrators and have the opportunity to show my work. I also learned much from the various events.</div>
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<b>Top Takeaways and Tips:</b></div>
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<li>If you can afford it and have the time take the Illustrator Intensive. It's a great way to hone your skills and get your work in front of so many people in the industry (through the Friday portfolio review).</li>
<li>Talk to the people next to you while waiting for a lecture to start. It's a good way to connect with people and make new friends. </li>
<li>Ask questions during the workshops. It is helpful to think of with questions before the workshop starts too.</li>
<li>Have a business card or postcard ready to share. Also make sure you order and carry enough! I ran out of postcards during the Saturday art browse.</li>
<li>Dress in layers! The hallways were really warm, but the conference rooms were very cold.</li>
<li>If you are participating in the Saturday art browse stand next to your portfolio. People love talking to the artist and you never know who you'll meet.</li>
<li>There is a food court in Grand Central and you don't even have to leave the building. It's great for those cold New York City days! They also have a great variety of options.</li>
<li>Bring cash to buy books. The bookstore offered a discount if you bought your items with cash instead of a credit card.</li>
<li>Connect and use social media. I met some of my social media friends in real life and people recognized me and my work from Tweeting, Instagramming, etc...</li>
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SCBWI did a great job of putting together a streamlined and informative conference. Bravo!</div>
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A more detailed list of events, workshops, panels, photos, and more can be found on the <a href="http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/?m=0" target="_blank">Official SCBWI Conference Blog</a>.</div>
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I hope I can go to more SCBWI conferences in the future. I really enjoyed the New Jersey conference last June. Maybe I'll try the Los Angeles conference?</div>
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Did you attend the conference? What was your favorite part?</div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-30805092990224543572015-01-15T17:57:00.000-05:002015-01-15T17:57:28.766-05:00Review of Moleskine's Smart Notebook<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For Christmas I received a wonderful gift! I received a special Moleskine called Moleskine's Smart Notebook. It is connected with Adobe Creative Cloud and turns your sketches into editable SVG files! I had no idea that such a product existed! All you need is your notebook, a smartphone with the Moleskine Creative Cloud Connected app, and an Adobe account.<br />
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The process is pretty simple. <br />
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I decided to make some Valentine's designs with my first test of this cool notebook.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JWT8jhwnns/VLg5rqNvN8I/AAAAAAAAMKI/FzOtftTBbZM/s1600/IMG_4915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JWT8jhwnns/VLg5rqNvN8I/AAAAAAAAMKI/FzOtftTBbZM/s1600/IMG_4915.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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The beautiful notebook has a fun cover with wavy lines and the Adobe Creative Cloud logo.</div>
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The paper inside is nice and not too thick, which is my usual complaint with Moleskines.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnYT9GbW-k8/VLg5rfNiv7I/AAAAAAAAMKA/VWKSFLozyPA/s1600/IMG_5023.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnYT9GbW-k8/VLg5rfNiv7I/AAAAAAAAMKA/VWKSFLozyPA/s1600/IMG_5023.PNG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">You start with a sketch within the squares in the journal </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">(black and white line art works best, no shading). </span></div>
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The next step in the process is to take the picture in some good light.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ2mW9Q7_hY/VLg8WJIEARI/AAAAAAAAMLE/waW-9a0-7fw/s1600/IMG_5136.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ2mW9Q7_hY/VLg8WJIEARI/AAAAAAAAMLE/waW-9a0-7fw/s1600/IMG_5136.PNG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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The app then notices the squares on the notebook paper and crops the image accordingly.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7epfrbjexPs/VLg5rmBlQLI/AAAAAAAAMKE/uLLiRHxvNjw/s1600/IMG_5024.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7epfrbjexPs/VLg5rmBlQLI/AAAAAAAAMKE/uLLiRHxvNjw/s1600/IMG_5024.PNG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, even though all my designs were in that box the image was cropped even more.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhS1W5qLrqU/VLg5sffizHI/AAAAAAAAMKQ/TIcufqWMPrE/s1600/IMG_5026.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhS1W5qLrqU/VLg5sffizHI/AAAAAAAAMKQ/TIcufqWMPrE/s1600/IMG_5026.PNG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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The image is then converted to black and white.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tP42UktjZSk/VLg5sD0a1GI/AAAAAAAAMKM/LTeFP80BOJg/s1600/IMG_5028.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tP42UktjZSk/VLg5sD0a1GI/AAAAAAAAMKM/LTeFP80BOJg/s1600/IMG_5028.PNG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Then you can send it to the Creative Cloud.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb10Hh_kIbk/VLg5oclhIFI/AAAAAAAAMJ4/T8iz_8UeZXI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-04%2Bat%2B9.15.32%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb10Hh_kIbk/VLg5oclhIFI/AAAAAAAAMJ4/T8iz_8UeZXI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-04%2Bat%2B9.15.32%2BAM.png" height="403" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are my designs on the Creative Cloud website. It saves the original photo and the SVG file. </div>
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From here you can download the files.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8I5dkyChSMQ/VLg5tLfoWtI/AAAAAAAAMKo/UEzDkz9Fets/s1600/IMG_5030.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8I5dkyChSMQ/VLg5tLfoWtI/AAAAAAAAMKo/UEzDkz9Fets/s1600/IMG_5030.PNG" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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I was worried this page wouldn't convert to a SVG due to the smudges/pencil lines </div>
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(I was experimenting with different pens), but it converted just fine! It ignored the smudges.</div>
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A complaint I have of the process is that it converts my sketches not as smooth as I'd like it. </div>
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I should probably also work on making my linework more smooth, now that I know it accentuates jagged lines.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pIOkP8sm-as/VLhFAcSrGPI/AAAAAAAAMLo/ijN0keyT_FM/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-15%2Bat%2B5.53.36%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pIOkP8sm-as/VLhFAcSrGPI/AAAAAAAAMLo/ijN0keyT_FM/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-15%2Bat%2B5.53.36%2BPM.png" height="174" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Original Sketch</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWE3wvtsYzY/VLg_cI96MHI/AAAAAAAAMLU/xhQ5m4c0T28/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-15%2Bat%2B5.28.27%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWE3wvtsYzY/VLg_cI96MHI/AAAAAAAAMLU/xhQ5m4c0T28/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-15%2Bat%2B5.28.27%2BPM.png" height="172" width="320" /></a></div>
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The converted SVG file.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v2jjE_CWy9U/VLg_b5go-rI/AAAAAAAAMLQ/J9eQw26ZpvY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-15%2Bat%2B5.29.30%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v2jjE_CWy9U/VLg_b5go-rI/AAAAAAAAMLQ/J9eQw26ZpvY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-01-15%2Bat%2B5.29.30%2BPM.png" height="183" width="320" /></a></div>
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I took the pencil smoothing tool in Illustrator and fixed it though.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYR9G7hQcCg/VLg5uVvE45I/AAAAAAAAMK4/JNpRtA42-S4/s1600/IMG_5041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYR9G7hQcCg/VLg5uVvE45I/AAAAAAAAMK4/JNpRtA42-S4/s1600/IMG_5041.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here I am working on a Valentine's design using graphics from this process.</div>
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Overall, I think the Moleskine Smart Notebook is a great product. </div>
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The pros are: </div>
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<li>Great way to bring my sketches into more of my designs. </li>
<li>Makes my designs look less "digital". </li>
<li>Overall smooth process</li>
<li>I can edit my sketches</li>
<li>A great way to design on the go </li>
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The cons are: </div>
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<li>Some of the shape conversions are a bit jagged and not as smooth as I'd like. </li>
<li>The image is cropped too much. Staying inside the squares isn't enough. This makes the drawing area in the notebook even smaller.</li>
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I'm really excited to use this notebook! I think it will help me make some great patterns and hand lettering that I can edit in Illustrator.</div>
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Do you have a Moleskine Smart Notebook? What do you think of it? Let me know in the comments.</div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-23575175780423994282014-12-15T16:02:00.000-05:002014-12-15T16:02:10.447-05:00BLIN's Journey - Illustration created for Tomie dePaola Award<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm excited to show the piece I created for the SCBWI <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/2014-tomie-depaola-semi-finalists/" target="_blank">Tomie dePaola Award</a>. I was one of fifteen artists chosen as a semi-finalist. For our final piece we were given a piece of text and told to illustrate it however we would like. The text was very open-ended.</div>
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Below I show my process.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYowJbpQl_4/VI9J1b9C20I/AAAAAAAAMI4/O9W2C3TASGk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-15%2Bat%2B3.50.49%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYowJbpQl_4/VI9J1b9C20I/AAAAAAAAMI4/O9W2C3TASGk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-15%2Bat%2B3.50.49%2BPM.png" height="400" width="313" /></a></div>
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I started by brainstorming different compositions.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9OhyVqTv35w/VI9J2NrvExI/AAAAAAAAMJI/qaXc6Jh8JCI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-15%2Bat%2B3.51.09%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9OhyVqTv35w/VI9J2NrvExI/AAAAAAAAMJI/qaXc6Jh8JCI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-15%2Bat%2B3.51.09%2BPM.png" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I refined the composition I chose.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuDiZy4fKCA/VI9J19T2lmI/AAAAAAAAMJA/oWoulVceoec/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-15%2Bat%2B3.50.58%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuDiZy4fKCA/VI9J19T2lmI/AAAAAAAAMJA/oWoulVceoec/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-15%2Bat%2B3.50.58%2BPM.png" height="508" width="640" /></a></div>
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After that I did a few color studies.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-abj2qFKZ9Xw/VI9J0nOrDSI/AAAAAAAAMIs/swttJJYeMY8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-11%2Bat%2B1.03.31%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-abj2qFKZ9Xw/VI9J0nOrDSI/AAAAAAAAMIs/swttJJYeMY8/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-11%2Bat%2B1.03.31%2BPM.png" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
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I blocked in the basic shapes.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbx2FSfHrVE/VI9J1LXJlEI/AAAAAAAAMIw/RtYk2ADLVzU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-14%2Bat%2B1.21.16%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbx2FSfHrVE/VI9J1LXJlEI/AAAAAAAAMIw/RtYk2ADLVzU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-11-14%2Bat%2B1.21.16%2BPM.png" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
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I added the details and text.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6oDIVuKCG4/VI9KSjofx7I/AAAAAAAAMJU/wvDwFYtDoiI/s1600/Blin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6oDIVuKCG4/VI9KSjofx7I/AAAAAAAAMJU/wvDwFYtDoiI/s1600/Blin.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, I added textures to the different objects. Finished!</div>
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Tomie is going to announce the winner later this month. I'm really pleased with my piece and hope he picks me!</div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-51818382091397892812014-12-09T15:26:00.001-05:002014-12-09T15:26:51.193-05:00Even more useful tools and podcasts!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have even more useful tools and podcasts I'd like to share with you!<br />
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Tools and Resources:<br />
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<a href="http://thenuschool.com/how-much/#/start" target="_blank">nuSchool </a>- Form to help you price your work.<br />
I have used this tool to help me price my work for clients. I have found it to be accurate and very helpful.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3hAq2n87qY/VIdWWmMdI9I/AAAAAAAAMH4/Nu2Cytt4lNc/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-09%2Bat%2B3.06.38%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3hAq2n87qY/VIdWWmMdI9I/AAAAAAAAMH4/Nu2Cytt4lNc/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-09%2Bat%2B3.06.38%2BPM.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.kidlit411.com/" target="_blank">KidLit411</a> - A resource for everything children's book related</div>
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The creators of KidLit411 have taken so many resources about children's books and have put them on one website. It is a great website that covers everything from contests, to tips, to marketing, and social media. Think of it as like a home base for kidlit.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGJsa1FDkUM/VIdXfkNlYyI/AAAAAAAAMIE/qiRIs_Bbyfk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-09%2Bat%2B3.10.11%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGJsa1FDkUM/VIdXfkNlYyI/AAAAAAAAMIE/qiRIs_Bbyfk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-09%2Bat%2B3.10.11%2BPM.png" height="152" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA-iu9bp3mT9JgsUGCFIzZA" target="_blank">Will Terry's YouTube Channel</a></div>
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Will Terry is a successful children's book illustrator (he also has worked in other markets). His YouTube channel has some great information for freelance illustrators. He also is a teacher so he explains things very well. I find it a useful tool to listen to while I work. I have learned quite a few things from his videos.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfThpHTv2Qs/VIdYMxkZdDI/AAAAAAAAMIM/gwmNW66om5Y/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-09%2Bat%2B3.13.37%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfThpHTv2Qs/VIdYMxkZdDI/AAAAAAAAMIM/gwmNW66om5Y/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-12-09%2Bat%2B3.13.37%2BPM.png" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
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Podcasts:</div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/concept-art-illustration-chris/id282618693?mt=2" target="_blank">Concept Art & Illustration: Chris Oatley's Artcast</a></div>
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Chris Oatley is a former Disney animation artist. He shares wonderful interviews and tips through his podcast and on <a href="http://chrisoatley.com/" target="_blank">his website</a>. He also shares great storytelling advice.</div>
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<a href="http://a2.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Music/v4/b2/8f/88/b28f883e-4d7a-d35e-fdbf-6a1e84a3d5db/cover170x170.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://a2.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Music/v4/b2/8f/88/b28f883e-4d7a-d35e-fdbf-6a1e84a3d5db/cover170x170.jpeg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-68873859388938331592014-12-03T17:15:00.000-05:002014-12-04T12:57:38.034-05:00Completed PiBoIdMo, More useful tools and another neat podcast!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm excited to announce that I have completed PiBoIdMo (Picture Book Idea Month). During the month of November I came up with one picture book idea every day. Some ideas were bad, and some ideas were great! I'm going to expand on some of my new ideas to create more books.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ab76h4h0Jso/VH99g69w0pI/AAAAAAAAMHo/Bf5UisEFEv8/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ab76h4h0Jso/VH99g69w0pI/AAAAAAAAMHo/Bf5UisEFEv8/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have a few fun, useful tools that I want to share.</div>
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<a href="http://thestorymatic.com/collections/frontpage/products/the-storymatic-classic" target="_blank">The Storymatic</a> is a fun brainstorming tool I use for helping to create stories and illustrations. You pick one card that is a subject, then two cards that are situation based. Then you combine the cards together to create one story - it's really fun! I've gotten some great ideas from using this tool.</div>
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<a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.writersstore.com/system/0003/9770/the-storymatic_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.writersstore.com/system/0003/9770/the-storymatic_medium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://gumroad.com/kyletwebster" target="_blank">Kyle T Webster Photoshop Brushes</a>. These photoshop brushes are absolutely amazing. They are so fun to use. These brushes have also increased my productivity and can help make digital art look very traditional. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/FDhgsJxvCvH-RWW5BZfELEGvzvuJwW83hY-9fLBhp7aENGTYAOAv9Z5bKhjIfYPQ5_Bqb3lHbkahI4dpu2oKJf0KSax42cs38UT-lW-vuhLh7TJOgbDLzlHUPQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/FDhgsJxvCvH-RWW5BZfELEGvzvuJwW83hY-9fLBhp7aENGTYAOAv9Z5bKhjIfYPQ5_Bqb3lHbkahI4dpu2oKJf0KSax42cs38UT-lW-vuhLh7TJOgbDLzlHUPQ" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I also have another favorite podcast to share:</span></div>
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<a href="http://picturebooking.com/" target="_blank">The Picturebooking Podcast</a> is a great, fun, and informative podcast about everything picture book related. Nick Patton, the host of the podcast, is an author-illustrator and brings a unique view to the podcast. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/picturebooking-podcast-creating/id886090064" target="_blank">iTunes link here.</a><br />
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<a href="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10384018_736013533127298_3017872596586005162_n.jpg?oh=4437a82370555daa32f24f56288e0669&oe=551BC19C" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10384018_736013533127298_3017872596586005162_n.jpg?oh=4437a82370555daa32f24f56288e0669&oe=551BC19C" width="320" /></a></div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-34800942131640666642014-11-06T14:12:00.000-05:002014-12-03T16:25:24.397-05:00Licensing Deal with Create Ur Plate!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi Everyone!<br />
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I've been super busy lately working on all exciting things!<br />
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One of my recent licensing deals includes <a href="https://createurplate.com/featured-artists/claire-lordon" target="_blank">Create Ur Plate</a>. It is a site where you can buy reusable decals for plates - perfect for parties!<br />
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<a href="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1381386_524272250989094_1299513132_n.jpg?oh=ef92356ef27c19f6c4523b3ecabd419c&oe=54ADB38C" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1381386_524272250989094_1299513132_n.jpg?oh=ef92356ef27c19f6c4523b3ecabd419c&oe=54ADB38C" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://createurplate.com/media/wysiwyg/CUP_Site_Home_Sliders_01_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://createurplate.com/media/wysiwyg/CUP_Site_Home_Sliders_01_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Below are just a few of some of my designs. </div>
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Most designs are customizable with the ability to change photos or text.</div>
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More designs coming soon!</div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-13416870621976957852014-11-04T10:42:00.000-05:002014-11-04T10:45:43.021-05:00Licensing Deal with Felt!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am recently licensed with <a href="http://www.feltapp.com/" target="_blank">Felt</a>! Felt is an app for your iPad where you can handwrite a card using your tablet and the card will be sent to your recipient on beautiful Mohawk paper.</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/388496_434027953349295_1294721057_n.png?oh=b7d2f2484f3194508f39e30b81c7e3c8&oe=54E1DA10&__gda__=1423728833_74907f071a39a93e99a4210758fb52ca" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/388496_434027953349295_1294721057_n.png?oh=b7d2f2484f3194508f39e30b81c7e3c8&oe=54E1DA10&__gda__=1423728833_74907f071a39a93e99a4210758fb52ca" /></a></div>
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Here is a sample - your handwriting on the inside and on the envelope.</div>
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<a href="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/v/t1.0-9/942628_457916210960469_2089701788_n.jpg?oh=3cbff05d0b93fb7074f73621ead23f33&oe=54F5AA3A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/v/t1.0-9/942628_457916210960469_2089701788_n.jpg?oh=3cbff05d0b93fb7074f73621ead23f33&oe=54F5AA3A" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of my designs - many more coming soon!</div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059186226117866803.post-41801048242716779252014-10-31T10:45:00.000-04:002014-11-03T11:44:37.643-05:00PiBoIdMo - Picture Book Idea Month!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just signed up for Picture Book Idea Month (or PiBoIdMo for short).<br />
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<a href="https://taralazar.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/piboidmo2014officialparticipant.jpg?w=490&h=489" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://taralazar.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/piboidmo2014officialparticipant.jpg?w=490&h=489" width="400" /></a></div>
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PiBoIdMo is where you brainstorm an idea for a picture book every day for 30 days in November. </div>
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All the information is found on <a href="http://taralazar.com/2014/10/25/piboidmo-2014-registration-sign-up-here/" target="_blank">Tara Lazar's Blog</a> .</div>
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The challenge is really easy and is based on the honor system. It is completely free and there are wonderful prizes and daily guest bloggers from amazing people in the picture book industry.</div>
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Registration closes November 7th 2014 - so sign up today!</div>
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I'm excited to brainstorm new ideas for more picture books! I hope you will join me!</div>
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If you listen to Katie Davis' podcast (<a href="http://clairelordon.blogspot.com/2014/08/some-of-my-favorite-podcasts-and-tools.html" target="_blank">previously mentioned here</a>) on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bbab-201-how-to-get-ideas/id385806629?i=321447308&mt=2" target="_blank">10/31/2014 (episode 201)</a> you can hear an interview about how PiBoIdMo got started. You can check out Katie's blog post about this podcast episode <a href="http://katiedavis.com/201" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Claire Lordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783389710740359021noreply@blogger.com0