Portrait

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Whoops, just found this blog post in my saved drafts – better to send it out late than never!:

Here’s a fanciful portrait I did of and for my parents for a Christmas gift!

Mim and Bot Portrait

It’s inspired by a number of their favorite fairy stories, including the Hobbit and the Chronicles of Narnia.

Lol sketches

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Bear Sketch Little Red Book

Just a little something I rediscovered in my little red sketchbook. I especially like those bears in the background:)

I’ve been working on a Facebook business page the last month, so have neglected my blog! I need to get better about posting the same content both places.

I’ve also been developing my Etsy shop, which is coming along swimmingly. As of today, five people have favorited my shop, and at least one of those I don’t even know! Celebrating the baby steps, always.

 

 

2016 Tomie dePaola Award Honorable Mention!

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Woohoo! I got an honorable mention in the 2016 Tomie dePaola Award through the SCBWI!! Check out the amazing winners and fellow honorable mentions at http://www.scbwi.org/2016-scbwi-tomie-depaola-winners/

Here’s my piece: Tomie DePaola Award 2015

More fun art to come. I’m a little unfocused today upon my return to illustrating post-holiday, and hijacked by the excitement of getting the honorable mention – and the personal note from Tomie that accompanied it. EEEK! It’s not like I grew up on his books or anything, or pored over his exquisite originals  in the Kerlan Collection while a student at the U of M. Not at all.

It is deeply affirming to have someone in the industry be like “Hey, you’re not wasting your time completely – here’s an honorable mention.” I’ve been referring to myself around the house as the honorable mention. Ha.

I’m also brainstorming my goals for my business for the coming year. I get so excited and write so much down and then get overwhelmed, because it’s hard to know where to start! Some of those goals/ideas include redeveloping my style to focus more on the line-work I love, revamping my color medium, adding cool products to my Etsy shop, approaching greeting card companies and educational publishers, exploring art fairs, etc. But what it all boils down to is, to quote the master Neil Gaiman, “Make Good Art.” Words to live by. Wish me luck!

Not to overload the bucket, but I also want to finish a polished young adult novel manuscript this year. (Rubs hands together maniacally)

 

 

 

Vivianne’s Wedding

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Here’s the first episode of this graphic story I’ve been working on. Enjoy!

https://vivianneswedding.wordpress.com/

Carmen Wood illustrator whimsical picture book art minneapolis

Despite popular opinion, it really is not me and my sister. I’ve borrowed some setting details, and Cami has a similar look to me because that is the easiest face/body type for me to draw, but other than that, very different people and a very different wedding. My sister, for example, when picking out a dress, knew exactly what looked good on her and what style she wanted. Then she walked into David’s Bridal, found it, tried it on, and bought it. Boom. A model of efficiency. Also not bubbly like Vivs.

It’s been fun telling a quiet story. Unfortunately, most of my male test readers reject it out of form – “Meh, picking out a dress?” – which bugs me, as interesting stories can be told around the most mundane subjects (although I personally find fashion GRIPPING). I guess my next story will be all action and explosions.

I’m hoping to have five episodes total for Vivianne’s Wedding, and to not take too long between them. I’ll keep you posted!