Meeting Tomie dePaola at 2011 NE SCBWI Conference

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The highlight of the 2011 NE SCBWI Conference for me was meeting Tomie dePaola, one of the greatest children's book illustrators and one that I admire. Tomie dePaola awarded me the 2011 Tomie dePaola Award this January. It was so exciting to finally meet him and have a chance to talk to him. Tomie was so generous with giving his advice and encouragement. He really made me feel that I'm on the right track and that the hard work that I put into my work will soon pay off. Moments like this make you slow down, take a moment and appreciate what you have accomplished. Plus, Tomie has a quirky sense of humor that I love in people. His hilarious stories made me and my fellow illustrators roar with laughter. It was a fun fun time at the conference. Thank you, Tomie!

Featured Interview in Local Newspaper

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Wicked Local Brookline - Digital Version

Thank you Steve Annear!

Character Design - Serious Explorer

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Process - first doodles and scribbles both in English and in Russian.

Character Design - Mischievous Fox

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Process - first doodles and scribbles both in English and in Russian.

Work Selected for 22nd Annual Children's Illustration Show at R.Michelson Galleries

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I'm very honored that my new work was selected at the NE SCBWI conference to be in the 22nd Annual Children's Illustration Show at R. Michelon Galleries. The annual exhibit showcases the works of renowned children's book illustrators. For an emerging illustrator, such as myself, it is truly a big deal to be exhibited alongside established illustrators and get a chance to meet them all and get inspired and encouraged.



My process in creating the illustration:

Face Studies

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Featured in Talking Writing: A Literary Magazine

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*http://talkingwriting.com/?p=17960

http://talkingwriting.com/?p=18009

Four of my works have been recently featured in Talking Writing: A Literary Magazine. It's an online magazine with great articles for writers about writing.

"Talking Writing is an online monthly literary magazine that supports writers and those interested in literature by encouraging creative discussion of the writing process.

Talking Writing features the work of poets, fiction and creative nonfiction writers, visual artists, and photographers. TW includes long reviews and personal essays, pieces that are often hard to place in print. We are committed to a new kind of magazine, one that’s dynamic, talky, inspiring, and not too dusty."