Glasses Photo Series: Publishing Folk

Sophie Blackall, Illustrator

Neil Swaab, Mr Wiggles

Martha Mihalick, Greenwillow Books

Amy Ryan, HarperCollins

Colleen AF Venable, First Second

Laura Lee Gulledge, Page by Paige

Marcellus Hall, Illustrator/Musician

Susan Van Metre, Publisher

Grace Lacovara, The Book Nook

Tamar Brazis, Executive Editor

Fiona Robinson, Author/Illustrator

Jonathan Beckerman, Photographer

Pete, Author

Kate Moloney, Co-Author, Tim Gunn's Guide to Style

For more glasses photos go to. http://www.flickr.com/photos/chadwbecks/sets/72157601288796722/

Dan Santat breaks down . . . his compositions

I just came across Dan Santat's blog about how he breaks down . . . his compositions. It's an amazing insight into how he works and is worth a read.

"Recently, a friend of mine asked me to give my two cents on how I compose a page for book illustration. I don't really consider myself an expert on art, design or composition but I figured I'd share my philosophies on the matter for those who may feel they can be a helpful start in illustrating for picture books.

First of all, I should discuss my influences. I learned everything by imitation. I think, for anyone who has started in art you begin by copying those things that interest you and you improve by repetition. For me, I grew up drawing Garfield and VINCENT from the old Disney movie "The Black Hole" (Don't ask) When it came to children's books my infatuation was with the work of William Joyce..."—DAN SANTAT

http://dantat.typepad.com/dantat/2010/10/notes-on-composition.html

MORE PHOTOS WIMPY KID MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY BALLOON

Earlier this summer Jeff Kinney and his trusted team ( Charles Kochman, Jason Wells and myself ) took a trip to the Macy's Studios just over the Hudson river in New Jersey. Here they make all the floats and balloons that are seen in the parade Thanksgiving morning. It was like visiting Santa's workshop.

Jeff Kinney and team arrive at the Macy's Studio in New Jersey

Who knew the balloons started out as clay sculptures?
This was the first time Jeff was seeing his creation, Greg Heffley in 3D

Jeff works on the design of Greg's mouth

The original drawing by Jeff Kinney for the balloon. ( Below )

Macy's drawing of Greg in 3D

Sculpting tools

First a 3D clay sculpture is made.

Jennifer Palmer awaits Jeff's carving instructions

A figure is added to show scale

Charles Kochman lends his keen eye to the process

On Press for Diary of a Wimpy Kid : The Ugly Truth

On Press for Diary of a Wimpy Kid : The Ugly Truth

Earlier this Summer I took my annual trip out to Hagerstown, Maryland to color correct the cover for Diary of a Wimpy Kid : The Ugly Truth. My job make sure the Purple prints correctly on 5 million copies. No pressure.

The Purple Equation

Paper for 5 Million copies

Debossing template for cover effects

Yellow ink on press

Blue Ink

Red Ink

Paper waiting to be made into covers

I made this video last year for DOG DAYS. Basically the video would be the same this year so just imagine purple instead of yellow. Way easier than me making another video. Thanks for helping out.