Who or what made you want to become an illustrator?

An illustration teacher named Jack Martin at the Art Institute of Philadelphia was probably the one person who had the most impact on my decision. I'd watch him demonstrate an acrylic painting session before the class, his brush moving quickly from medium to paper as an image emerged. One particular session he inadvertently missed dipping his brush into the water cup, and instead dipped it into the cup of coffee at his side, and quickly quipping, "eh, it's okay... it's wet!" His openness, his approach, and his focus were what gave me the spark in considering illustration as a real career.

In my final year at the school, we were getting through our final projects to be graded. Between all the classes that I'd been focused on in making good progress, in my overconfidence, my ego allowed me to procrastinate doing my final painting for Jack's class the night before the final project was due. I knocked out the painting in a few hours and went to bed. In class the next day, I handed the painting over to Jack, informing him of my procrastination, and completing the painting the night before. He looked at the painting; his momentary silence causing me anxiety, before blurting out, "my God, this is what you should always be doing,"  THAT was it... his words solidifying what I knew to be my future... as an illustrator.

Was creativity part of your childhood?

I've been drawing since age two. My parents saw my early talent and sent me to an art studio for older kids, though I was under the normally accepted age. I learned traditional techniques in painting and drawing and spent countless hours alone in my room happily making paintings and drawings. 

Who or what have been some of your major artistic influences?

As a young child, Disney characters were my inspiration. Later on, the artists of Mad Magazine... particularly Mort Drucker and Jack Davis were most influential. As an adult, artists like Al Hirshfeld for his beautifully handled abbreviated line work, and Picasso for his brash approach to everything, opening the door for unbridled, uninhibited creativity. 

Which books from your own childhood really stand out?

One in particular was called, "Boy, Was I Mad," by Kathryn Hitte and illustrated by the now famous Mercer Meyer. Meyer's detailed drawings were handled in a vintage style, complete with plenty of ink line hatching. I spent countless hours perusing that book, intently studying each page in its illustrative glory! 

What piece of software or hardware could you not live without and why?

Adobe Illustrator has been my go-to app since the early 90s. I prefer the clean, sharp aspects of vector media over raster. In fact, I still approach illustration using only the click-and-drag mouse technique! 

Are you an author/illustrator?

Yes. In 2013 I was commissioned by a new author to illustrate her 5-book series. One of her requirements was for me to learn self-publishing in order to submit the final books for publication. After the series was complete and published, I looked back and said to myself, "I have stories to tell, and I can illustrate them!" Thus began my children's book career! By December of 2013, I produced my first self-published title: "Gramdma Stinks!"... a hilarious take on tolerance and unconditional love. Since then, I've published 13 picture books and 4 coloring books... with more in the works. 

When you are not drawing, how do you like to relax?

Painting imaginary landscapes in acrylic... alternating between a classical style and a modern expressive style full of fauvist color! I'm also obsessed with looking at the works of other artists and illustrators. Museum and gallery visits are high on my relaxation list, as well as perusing the web for the newest and best illustrator talents.  

What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?

Music has always played an important role in my life, mostly as a soundtrack to making art, but also the making of music itself. I'm a singer/songwriter/bass guitarist in a rock duo with a drummer. We've recorded several rock songs under the name Revulator, which can be found on any streaming service and YouTube.

If you weren’t an illustrator, what would you be doing?

Most likely writing. English was one of those natural subjects for me in school. Essays and reports came rather easily. I've written poetry ever since my teens, written song lyrics since my 20s,  short stories in my 40s, and children's books in my 50s. I have a novel I've been writing in my head for the past 3 years in which I've recently begun jotting down in a notebook. 

How do you overcome a creative block?

I've never had creative block... neither in making art, nor writing. I'm one of those people who constantly has a head full of ideas. There's always something to express, either way. 
 

If one finds themselves experiencing a creative block, I imagine looking at the fine works of others might help inspire a creative spark.