June 30, 2010
The iPad arrived two days ago and I have been exploring what is available. I was very excited to see the iPad version of Alice in Wonderland. Now that I have seen it I think it was a fun gimmick but the motion and interaction had little to do with moving the story forward.
I also checked out some of the Childrens books for iBook and again I was not impressed. The images are beautiful on the iPad screen and there is some novelty of turning the electronic pages, but it soon gets old.
I have however, enjoyed using the iBook reader. I am currently reading Thomas Pain’s Common Sense. I really like that the text can be selected and highlighted. I started reading it on a whim and have found it to be a very interesting read.
So far I have no complaints about the iPad. It really is fun to hold and use. It does take a bit of getting use to. It is such a pleasure to explore what it can do.
May 12, 2010
The Scott E Franson Store (Beta) is short for a store that sells my prints, works and needs lots of adjustments. After a peek at the store I would be open to any suggestions that you may have. Thank you for looking!
November 13, 2007
My life in children’s publishing has been in a confusing place for a while. One book is published and book number two has eluded me. I have one manuscript out to a publisher. When I sent it I felt really good about it but the longer the wait the less hope that I have that this book will be my second book. In addition, there are five book concepts that I like but still have major problems to solve. So here I am in the Valley of Publishing. It is hard to look forward and it is hard to tell how book number one is doing. So it is time for me to start climbing out of this valley.
November 5, 2007
I have heard some illustrators say that they show their work to children and other illustrators that never show their work to children. The picture book market is interesting because adults make the purchase and then children are the consumer. Who knows what will be successful and attract adults and is also “kid friendly”.
For myself I have discovered that a child can give helpful feed back but not in words. When I first show an illustration to a child (usually one of my children) I pay close attention to their immediate response. I watch their face and never explain the illustration. It needs to communicate on its own. I have found this to be good information.
If I start asking them questions, the comments are almost always nice because they know me and want to be kind. This information is less valuable.
October 1, 2007
I am pleased to announce that my favorite bow tie company, Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont, has licensed the Doodle Garden Bow Ties.
Stay Tuned for Availability
We are at the beginning of the process and I don’t know how long it will take but in the near future you can have your very own Doodle Garden Bow Tie (or long tie) exclusively from Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont.
September 27, 2007
As you may have noticed, I have been away for a while. I have finally returned and I have had an adventure. I had exploratory surgery and now look like I was involved in a magician’s accident. I am the proud owner of a 15 inch scar that follows along the bottom of my ribs to the sternum on my right side. The results of the surgery are all good for me. It is a relief to have it over with.
August 27, 2007
Un-brella is in 300 library systems according to World Cat. I just checked it this morning and it has made it to 300! It is fun to see which libraries it is in and to see that it is being checked out. If it is at a library near you go check it out! Have a great day one and all!
August 24, 2007
I have been spending most of my time lately working on a picture book project that I am sending off today.
Here is my sales line:
A delicious blend of color mixing and tragedy.
This is the time in the process that I think, that I have figured out all of the major problems in the book. It is a short lived experience because as soon as I drop it in the mail box, the doubts begin.
I hope this book makes it through the publishing gauntlet.
August 3, 2007
I just found these drawings in the deep dark corners of my hard drive today and thought I would share. I hope that you enjoy them.
The first two drawings are of my daughters. The has always loved to dress up and play mom with her dolls.
The following drawings are from a life drawing class. They are 15 minute poses. I took a lap top to class and had a great time.
I hope that you enjoy them.
The pencil drawing that was scanned into the computer and used as a template to create the line layer.
green layer
med brown layer
warm grey layer | This layer would be difficult to print traditionally because of the change in value.
