tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58973056011851640252024-03-13T01:54:46.932-07:00Peggy Collins... kidlit author, illustrator and crafty mommaa space on the web for me to keep track of what I've bee doing, where I am going and who I admire in the kidlit/cancon/craft world. This includes other kid lit people AND people who make their own caramels. I love caramel. Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.comBlogger248125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-51102517907064408942015-07-20T08:25:00.001-07:002015-07-20T08:25:15.450-07:00Everything You Know About Copyright Is About To Change - Brad Holland<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kDoztLDF73I" width="459"></iframe>Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246416615521396292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-62699893949549860022015-03-02T20:20:00.001-08:002015-03-03T18:59:48.477-08:00OLA Book Launch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were Super excited to get to launch our latest book, HUNGRY FOR MATH, published by<a href="http://www.fitzhenry.ca/" target="_blank"> Fitzhenry and Whiteside</a> and written by the lovely ladies you see here -<a href="http://kariwinters.com/" target="_blank"> Kari-Lynn Winters</a> and<a href="https://lorisherrittfleming.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"> Lori Sherrit-Fleming.</a> </div>
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It was AMAZING! The line up - for US!?! <br />
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and still more, and Kari-Lynn in her TAM. (hint, there is a poem in the book where you get to find one)<br />
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A little nod to Me to We....<br />
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The view from the line up... (thanks Shawn for being our photographer!)<br />
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We're SO excited (did I say that already?)... and guess what? (well, I can't tell you yet. stay tuned).</div>
<br />Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246416615521396292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-24077735785023866212015-03-02T20:00:00.003-08:002015-03-02T20:00:25.604-08:00I am being interviewed by one thousand kids!!Next Tuesday I will be interviewed by <a href="http://writetogive.com/">http://writetogive.com/</a> about being an illustrator - and books - and school - and all things fun! I cannot wait. Special thanks to my Art Director at Scholastic who put me up to it. Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246416615521396292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-26311542131937491942014-04-06T20:00:00.001-07:002014-04-07T15:04:09.946-07:00Fancy Animal. attempt 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, this is my first try at this assignment in particular, however, I think I need to go back and work on the atmospheric lighting - which was the point at the outset, but I got carried away with the character instead.</div>
<br />Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246416615521396292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-65908661416961488372014-03-09T20:18:00.002-07:002014-03-09T20:18:38.305-07:00Sketchbook Assignment #2 - My Art history<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am taking an online course about art history for animation - and it is proving to be exciting and engaging - I only wish I had more time in amidst the deadlines, teaching and family responsibilities I have right at this moment. I have, however, been thinking deeply about my journey, and how I came to be a professional artist and educator.<br />
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For me, it begins with family. My mom is the first artist I ever knew, and she filled our house with stories, art and whimsy. We searched for gnomes in the snow and fairies in the summer. She wrote books. She tried briefly to get published and still makes art today. My Opa, aunts, uncles are ALL creative (now my cousins too). They make art, tell stories, sew, craft etc. This was the old world dutch side I grew up with.<br />
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On the other side, my dad's - I had a Grandma Monkey, and Grandpa Butch (who looked a bit like Winston Churchill), and my uncle - and I can distinctly remember the sounds and smells of that basement where we slept when we visited. The house was always busy, it was a typical Windsor, ON house, with an alleyway behind that had an entire life all it's own. My grandmother had a scratchy voice and the softest skin on her back, and earlobes that hung LOW because of the heavy earrings she wore in her youth (the very reason I wear none). There is a Halfway house named after these two, because they were constantly looking after people that were hard-done by in many ways. My dad and uncle both grew up to play professional football.<br />
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I was always good at art.<br />
I guess that is where it started - a recognition, a first award at school, pictures hanging in the hallway (back in the day when you had to be selected and not everyone got a spot), art enrichment. My son currently has a piece in a juried art show - and I can see in him, the same pride I felt my first time too.<br />
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I KNEW I wanted to be a children's illustrator and writer.<br />
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Then, I started summer classes at the local gallery. Every week, I descended the stairs to a dark, a bit dank and paint-splattered basement. Wheels whirring, the smell of tempera in the air and I was completely, and utterly hooked. I spent hours and hours in this place, creating, learning, sharing. We had shows and galas, and I won plaques and had pieces in the paper.<br />
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Art was also the thing that set me apart, and made some of my most awkward and painful years managable. I was hated at times, mocked, and dismissed. But through this gained empathy. Art was my light.<br />
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High school was amazing, incredible teachers and the opportunity for more exploration. A small-town school, with teachers who thought outside the box.<br />
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Sheridan College, Interpretice Illustration was my next stop - 3 years of BLISSFUL, HARD-ASS, WORK, CRITIQUE, FRIENDS and GROWTH. I cannot say enough about this.<br />
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During school and after, I tree planted, met hundreds of people and had an amazing time. I connected deeply with the environment, and spent hours and hours with myself. I also met my husband and traveled all over Canada and tree planted some more.<br />
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I got my first job on the ground floor of a magazine (then a newspaper) doing layout and illustration. It was interesting, due to the fact that I had SKIPPED almost all my college computers classes because i was an 'artist' who didn't need technology. I had done enough to get by, so I made up a portfolio at the library and got the job doing both. It's a good thing I was a good problem solver.<br />
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However, the lure of the big$$ treeplanting offered (and the fact that it is COMPLETELY opposite to sitting at a desk all day - which was killing me), we left again... for another season. My husband and I would buy a van after planting, drive it till we got somewhere, and get jobs till the next season rolled around.<br />
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In 2001, my mom sent me a link to a job at Loyalist College - a REAL graphic design job - we were pretty nomadic and I was working in a bakery in Calgary and doing some freelance work. I applied to appease her, knowing full well there was NO WAY I would get it. Well, they flew me back for an interview and I put together another portfolio on my own computer for the college - and I got it. I did that for 12 years and have recently started teaching drawing, sculpting and character design in the Animation Program at Loyalist College and I LOVE IT.<br />
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We regularly got visits from paper reps, and one day a rep from Fraser Papers (which is now Smart Papers) walked into my office and noticed a print of one of my paintings. He asked for a card, and a month later I had a GIANT gig illustrating a 3D paper zoo. I almost broke my hand on the ceiling when they told me what it was worth. This job won awards and started me on my next path - because I could afford to advertise, and felt like I COULD advertise something.<br />
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Starting with Scholastic (I had always said I wanted to have a book illustrated before my first child), I have illustrated over 20 books and 90+covers in the education market, and almost (10) trade picture books - two of which I wrote as well.<br />
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My kids, my family, my history seemingly point in one straight direction - but it took a lot of luck and hard work, and I am always working on that next journey of discovery and exploration - and the next thing I can be super proud of.<br />
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Oh, and my computer teacher can have the last laugh, because I am all digital these days - and teaching the stuff he taught us.<br />
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Not sure if I met the requirements here, it turned into a ramble...</div>
Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-41076931523487044602014-02-23T10:06:00.001-08:002014-02-23T10:11:16.546-08:00New York, New York.I am on my way home from the SCBWI New York conference. <div><br></div><div>I am so very tired, and so very inspired. </div><div><br></div><div>This whole weekend has been a whirlwind of information and networking, but if I had one word I could use to describe the entire thing, it would be relationships. </div><div><br></div><div>It was the highlight of the illustrators intensive, working on empathy in our stories and pictures, making that deep emotional connection. But it did not end there.</div><div><br></div><div>I used to live in the city, but I am a small town gal now, and I was soooo nervous about going to New York, even though I was among friends. I thought it would be cold, fast, impersonal... But I could not have been more wrong.</div><div><br></div><div>I LOVE New York. People look at you and make eye contact. Strangers always willing to help. Weddings in grand central station. People greeting, hugging, kissing, saying hello and goodbye, smiling... So much smiling. Grand central was amazing. I walked around by myself a few times and just watched... So many people sharing a small small space and it works.</div><div><br></div><div>Something else I noticed... New Yorkers are REALLY good at their jobs. All the service was wonderful, engaging, prompt and professional. There seems to be a real pride in doing a good job that permeates all, from the porters, hot dog vendors, servers... Everyone seems to enjoy what they do, even if they don't really. This is not something you see in Canada everywhere... When people don't like their jobs, most want you to know it.</div><div><br></div><div>Another thing, walking downtown, I hardly saw ANYONE texting or talking on their phones. When people were sitting together, they were not sitting around on phones, they were sitting and talking together... Maybe it is risky to text and walk in NY, no doubt it is, but it was so refreshing. I have been assured that it is not always like that, but as far as my take of it. This meant something to me. I loved it.</div><div><br></div><div>SCBWI is an incredible organization, they put on a awesome conference, with lots of chances to network, party and most of all, learn, hone and celebrate the craft of children's <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">books. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Spending the weekend meeting people I have known online for years, meeting new people and travelling with my friends has been amazing. The energy that exists in a room with over a thousand people that love kids books is... Incredible.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I met Tomie Depaola, Gordon Korman, Kelly light, E.B. Lewis, Roxie Monroe, I SAW Oliver Jeffers, Jon s. And so many other people on a start studded Friday night... </font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">If you haven't joined yet, you should.</span></div>Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-68287317647954966962014-02-11T19:47:00.001-08:002014-02-11T19:54:15.608-08:00Postcards for New York!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, I splurged, I am off to New York for the SCBWI conference, and I am so excited and nervous. My good friends at JB Printing printed these postcards for me, I wanted something a little different, hoping to stand out a bit, it's a pretty big crowd of super talented people at this conference and I'd like to meet an art director or two that digs my work... So here's hoping for an excellent time and opportunity for all!<br />
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Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-65988115361401273502014-01-15T19:18:00.000-08:002014-01-15T19:18:18.707-08:00The BEST thing about teaching is...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
That I get to give out assignments that I would have LOVED to do... and I get to do them. I love it so much, it is inspiring and fun - the assignment I gave this week was to create a character from How to Train Your Dragon - but not just ANY character, Themselves. Who would they be, where would they fit? Here is my rough go at it...<br />
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Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-68787330456396466932013-12-22T18:21:00.001-08:002013-12-23T20:40:27.888-08:00Happy holidays!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So, I am taking a break from Facebook for the holidays. There are lots of reasons for this, not the least of which is, I think I am addicted! I love it. I love looking in on everyone's successes, beautiful children, new works of art, commiserating with other mommas... but there is also a sad side... And to be truthful, I enjoy trying to help with that too... But I was doing it too much.<br />
It hit me when my daughter told me I should post something on Facebook. It hit me when my husband said I was spending more time with that screen than I was with him. It hit me when i was putting off playing a game with my kids while i updated my status to what we were doing...<br />
I have so much wonderful work to do, friends to keep up with, pins to share, pictures to share, comments to make..and the list goes on. But you know what? I have a family to do stuff with, a husband to spend time with, books to write and illustrate, apps to design and so much more. I need those hours back, I need to learn to control them. A moment, looking before I started working in the evenings turned into hours, and the constant chatter going on in the background made it really, really hard to concentrate fully. Last night I stayed off, mostly... And I got SOOO much done. Today I have stayed off... And I feel less anxious. Less busy. Less... Less... Because the downside to too much Facebook is that everyone else's life seems charmed and wonderful. That people had perfect houses and children, take wonderful trips to Disneyland and Mexico... And in those moments, I feel a teensy bit of envy, and I don't want that. I love Facebook... But we have to stop going steady. I am taking the holidays off to enjoy my kids, my family, my messy, teeny, fixer upper of a house that will be packed full of friends and their kids (who mostly, curiously enough, DON'T FB). Then, I hope, Facebook and I can have the odd coffee and talk like old friends, and it can be a little less of a teenage love affair.<br />
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Happy holidays my friends.</div>
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PS, because of this development, there is a good chance I will actually blog again...</div>
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Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-80974903354163647692013-11-05T20:05:00.002-08:002013-11-05T20:05:58.522-08:00Drawing at the Ballet Studio... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, what seems like forever ago, but was really only last year, I started talking to the lovely folks at the Quinte Ballet School about possible models for my classes. An option to actually come to the studio seemed to be the best one, and today I brought the 3rd year animation students. I think it was successful, the students did quite a bit of drawing. Here are some sketches of mine - looking forward to seeing more of theirs!<br />
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Ballerinas are incredible to watch - they go from average teenager, to art - beautiful lines, movement and power - so much power! Can't wait to take the next group in a couple of weeks.</div>
Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-54339771888568727572013-11-05T16:24:00.001-08:002013-11-05T16:24:14.575-08:00MOvember maquette<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was a 35 minute sculpt... Now I am going to build him in maya.. Minus the mustache! </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsUelbYpKQbGh5Fhz3oymbAXXoAWzA_d-KYI2_c62I3K-efTl0chli4DU56S3pbAWFrFoXEr5QaauXIsoZxnGuRrpd6wGQ54ECBK5nuE-Q4niB7LY8xih322CZcF3vJehLCZ3dDlSPSqi/s640/blogger-image-1591778446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsUelbYpKQbGh5Fhz3oymbAXXoAWzA_d-KYI2_c62I3K-efTl0chli4DU56S3pbAWFrFoXEr5QaauXIsoZxnGuRrpd6wGQ54ECBK5nuE-Q4niB7LY8xih322CZcF3vJehLCZ3dDlSPSqi/s640/blogger-image-1591778446.jpg"></a></div>Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-25155975323756708982013-11-04T20:52:00.001-08:002013-11-04T20:52:38.997-08:00BIRDMAN MUSTACHE THINGY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-14886479578109060532013-11-03T20:52:00.000-08:002013-11-03T20:52:17.487-08:00A giraffe in Disguise...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246416615521396292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-88200883841176487822013-11-02T21:05:00.000-07:002013-11-02T21:05:12.036-07:00the mustachioed armadillo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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having (of course) to join in with the month of Movember... I am a few minutes late... <br /><br /></div>
Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01246416615521396292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-70331667954452044932013-11-02T09:13:00.001-07:002013-11-02T09:13:33.582-07:00MOvember fun...Joining in the fun, here is a character I am sure I have posted before...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FncbNsH0xBIUS3vrDl3nlJzD2NNFqI1Xup0_jDQkPxkylh-klXPdKmsP1nR149kyxZUdC1IUad2hy05Q9RZuDUCDbzrbCPbtLq6RBP9Mmx1ipGWXFvUwOD3cpLm_ASe9IkC-D5z-B-x-/s640/blogger-image-502263263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FncbNsH0xBIUS3vrDl3nlJzD2NNFqI1Xup0_jDQkPxkylh-klXPdKmsP1nR149kyxZUdC1IUad2hy05Q9RZuDUCDbzrbCPbtLq6RBP9Mmx1ipGWXFvUwOD3cpLm_ASe9IkC-D5z-B-x-/s640/blogger-image-502263263.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOX4B1PUHpKzOGuoCjRZzxy7vZWFOGJBOinZi5rJ9LTuSBtsp2oqJSQyMLVyCbbjnnEzSx27lQTq3Svfqs0axsjVzZQN-AgFTzU6HIvY4kljOV68QxRJGmFDNNYjse1iwfpD8O_8OHj_rO/s640/blogger-image--2005211268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOX4B1PUHpKzOGuoCjRZzxy7vZWFOGJBOinZi5rJ9LTuSBtsp2oqJSQyMLVyCbbjnnEzSx27lQTq3Svfqs0axsjVzZQN-AgFTzU6HIvY4kljOV68QxRJGmFDNNYjse1iwfpD8O_8OHj_rO/s640/blogger-image--2005211268.jpg"></a></div>Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-20949809648707651892013-11-01T21:27:00.000-07:002013-11-01T21:27:48.728-07:00PiBoIdMo Begins (and reflections on taking chances)!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, in a flurry of wordplay, I allowed myself half an hour away from paying projects to jot down some ideas... and WHAMMO... I have a title for a story I have been sitting on, sitting with, and purcolating for a LONG time. Karen Li at Kids Can Press and I were talking about another book idea (sadly dying in the sales team trenches) and I was laughing about the state my family was in. Anyway, she said - you should write about that... and so, I have been, and thinking about all the ways to do it without being preachy, sarcastic or otherwise degrading to my family, (are you getting it might not be a 'feel good' story... lol?). Anyway, starting with an initial idea (that was ultimately lame), I let myself go... further, and further yet, into ridiculousness and past - and lo and behold - there it was. My TITLE. (and NO, I am NOT sharing it!)<br />
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As far as my illustration work goes, I have been facing a bit of a crisis... so much work (wonderful) and so much dissatisfaction about what I was producing. It was becoming, 'work'. This is not a reflection on my publishers (I LOVE THEM), but rather on ME... I wasn't pushing. I wasn't having fun, and I wasn't producing work I was really, really, REALLY proud of. You know, the kind of work that makes you want to sing from the rooftops? The kind you dream about, that makes it impossible to sleep till you at the very least, jot it down?<br />
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So, I decided to play with this next book (after all, my publisher told me I could)... and at first, i was afraid. TERRIFIED. What if they hated it? What if it made it to easy? What if... SO, I tried it. I played. I did the playful things I admire in other illustrators - and here is why...<br />
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At our SCBWI Montreal conference this past October, I spent some time with Laurent Linn (amazing guy and AD at S&S). I had a one on one portfolio critique, but I prepared 2 portfolios... one, filled with work I get paid to do. The other, filled with the kind of work I LONG to do, but end up shying away from for fear of not 'filling' the page, or 'proving' that I can draw. A simpler, playful, textured and 'hypothetical' style - less literal. He encouraged the 'longing' portfolio, to put it out there... and, so I am. I am working on a book - coming out in 2014 with Fitzhenry and Whiteside and I am having FUN. I am allowing myself the chance to explore the 'what if's?' and 'hmm's' that I regularly encourage with my students - after all, if I can't free myself up to explore the possibilities - what right do I have to push them to do the same?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a 'rough' spread for the F&W book (title on side for twitter)</td></tr>
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Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-17553612793824844642013-10-10T18:19:00.001-07:002013-10-13T21:02:38.262-07:00I'm a Chemical Engineer<div data-configid="0/5179933" style="width: 525px; height: 525px;" class="issuuembed"></div><script type="text/javascript" src="//e.issuu.com/embed.js" async="true"></script>
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Full disclosure, comic books were not really my 'thing'. My friend Melanie mentioned this project to me wondering if I knew anyone who could do it. I looked high and low and we could not match the style to someone who had the time to do it. I did not have the time at all, but as always I am up for a challenge and off we went. We are just about to start #2... and we are getting high accolades already - which is awesome.Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-68363830252750318322013-09-22T16:16:00.001-07:002013-09-23T18:50:01.433-07:00Watching time bandits and sketching away...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So I am dying to do some darker stuff... Some older books or covers or something... So working on a style that I've always had, and been wanting to do... While my kids are in the tub. This is done in procreate on my iPad in about 30 minutes. The sketch was done while I was doing some homework for my job, watching time bandits. I have the WORST job, lol!</div>
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Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-52223187807061413282013-09-15T18:41:00.001-07:002013-09-15T18:58:31.767-07:00Our boy is eight...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
He had a small request, a cake that depicted our literally whirlwind trip to Algonquin this summer. We were in there when the microburst hit, trees flying everywhere, landing on our canoe and stuff, but luckily not us or our kids. When we paddled out of the Barron canyon the next day, there was not a soul around, it was so quiet and beautiful I wept - maybe due to exhaustion - the night before we did not sleep a wink all night, there were snags everywhere and they creaked all night long so we took turns listening and watching... But we had the entire canyon to ourselves. Our kids, 3 and 7 loved every minute of it. Our eldest, Mowat, designed this map in photoshop to put on a water bottle, and I used it to print out icing... We mapped out our route and on the weekend we celebrated #8, with a camping theme, gorp goody bags, complete with bandaids and flashlights, a campfire and kids running around in the dark... Perfection. Oh, and no storm. Thank goodness.<br />
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Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-62504960323219916602013-09-08T21:07:00.000-07:002013-09-08T21:07:09.498-07:00Found a Treasure Trove of old pics...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeGIeMn24B5vLAomH3tiVPtWCd5kfBw_bWvyZyb7_fel0k82WZuFOxq01TxHT8jjt_FjlHcltWRHaRw0GMunwbGxVsAmQcTjEvD23eSQd1ZjengYvE8RLGtKevBxYGxPZrKbE5aQSHfz_/s1600/copyright2013peggycollins_flapper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeGIeMn24B5vLAomH3tiVPtWCd5kfBw_bWvyZyb7_fel0k82WZuFOxq01TxHT8jjt_FjlHcltWRHaRw0GMunwbGxVsAmQcTjEvD23eSQd1ZjengYvE8RLGtKevBxYGxPZrKbE5aQSHfz_/s320/copyright2013peggycollins_flapper.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
I found an old book of pictures from 30's to the 50's... so much inspiration, and I am looking to work in some different styles, to switch things up - and so, I did this little sketch as a character study for later... maybe I'll make her in 3D...<br /><br /></div>
Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-14651101072794218312013-08-26T21:23:00.000-07:002013-08-26T21:23:03.521-07:00Summer is almost over...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
and it is time to think about hibernating... well, not really. Here is a little piece of a bigger piece for a book that is coming out in May 2014... by Red Robin Books.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGS32pGpPckD3-oQiHOs_u6wktXWwjUflnulHTiGeqaYQ_PziGMyHZrs1AL8LQhsyqrndXhCbyE1Dkll9zkzjdxCBujj7MZoq8yPBVEb38U6dWwN7fJfSpFF_K7M2macZTf5gBTuW2BSu/s1600/clip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGS32pGpPckD3-oQiHOs_u6wktXWwjUflnulHTiGeqaYQ_PziGMyHZrs1AL8LQhsyqrndXhCbyE1Dkll9zkzjdxCBujj7MZoq8yPBVEb38U6dWwN7fJfSpFF_K7M2macZTf5gBTuW2BSu/s320/clip.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">copyright 2013 Peggy Collins</td></tr>
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Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-92161391129089432932013-07-10T19:58:00.001-07:002013-07-10T19:58:14.884-07:00The Children's Illustrators' Studio: MASH UP - Christine Tripp & Peggy Collins<a href="http://thechildrensillustratorstudio.blogspot.com/2013/07/mash-up-christine-tripp-peggy-collins.html?spref=bl">The Children's Illustrators' Studio: MASH UP - Christine Tripp & Peggy Collins</a>: S pecial thanks this week's participants, Christine and Peggy - for taking on the fourth round of the SCBWI Author/Illustrator MASH ...Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-245918742663741252013-06-04T06:11:00.001-07:002013-06-04T06:11:53.979-07:00Bears! Bears! Bears!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIe0ti8a55u9JzYML6yAFhiyitcmbOqVdL2wEMq8ObW1o3YKoTZNBZUgnmkAiK5vBCMc-kzWvkGWZNV6zlfs5wZZ4bwEcLsu7141AaY0NHmUddG8BXHtL6SUX434AEbDpZbX2jx1Q3yIUB/s640/blogger-image-725505483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIe0ti8a55u9JzYML6yAFhiyitcmbOqVdL2wEMq8ObW1o3YKoTZNBZUgnmkAiK5vBCMc-kzWvkGWZNV6zlfs5wZZ4bwEcLsu7141AaY0NHmUddG8BXHtL6SUX434AEbDpZbX2jx1Q3yIUB/s640/blogger-image-725505483.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've been working On some character design for a new book I'll be doing with red robin books, and I've gone through several renditions, to find the cutest bear I can... This little guy did not make the cut, but I still think he is super cute... However, the frontrunner is awfully cuddly too... But I can't share him, just yet. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-52665735382164667382013-05-11T19:33:00.002-07:002013-05-11T19:33:53.463-07:00Mother's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I do a lot of reflecting at this time of year, I am not sure why - though it probably has something to do with spring and all it brings. The lilacs are in the air and the kids are CRAZY. Maybe it's just that we need to adjust to each other again, and find our routine...<br />
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On the eve of this mother's day, I am not feeling particularly motherly. I had a wacko 7 year old and a very whiny 3 year old today without reprieve. I also did not get enough sleep this week, a product of lots of projects and a weird addiction to Mermaid World. Today I lost my cool - a few times. Today, for part of the day - I JUST WANTED TO BE ALONE. So while I reflect on what it is to be a mom, I need to take into account all the madness as well as the sweetness. It all ended in snuggles and cuddles and deep thoughts - and thank goodness for that, but in many ways today felt like a planting day (for those of you who have done this job - you understand!)<br />
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However, enough complaining - what I do WANT to talk about are the amazing new momma's in my life.... this past year some of my favourite people entered the world of motherhood. My littlest sister, who is amazing in so very many ways, had a little girl who is the most beautiful little bean I have ever seen (next to my own - but I am supposed to say that), and IS AN AMAZING MOMMA. She traveled from Lindsay back to KENYA with a 5 month old - all by herself... it is incredible to watch her as a mom. I knew she'd be awesome, but she is amazing. My cousin-in-law, who has had an incredible journey to motherhood - now has a beautiful baby boy that I cannot wait to meet. Then there is my long time friend, who had TWINS! After a long, difficult time she is a momma to two perfect babes, and is incredible to behold. These new mommas, and all those others I hold so dear - near and far, are my roots - some fresh and new, others solid and unwavering. My friends and family teach me so many things on a moment by moment basis it keeps my head spinning.<br />
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I come from a long line of strong, beautiful mommas... and most days I strive to live up to the expectations I have as a mom. Some days I rock it, other days - not so much. But I love my kids more than anything, and the feeling I get when I look at their sleeping, relaxed faces, sweaty sleeping hair - arms and legs all akimbo - their beauty and grace makes me well up, and I forget the insanity of the day, and look forward to a fresh start.</div>
Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5897305601185164025.post-18829173071022501812013-04-27T20:28:00.001-07:002013-04-27T20:28:40.934-07:00iPad artI've been exploring possibilities, and thinking of developing some app e books... Working in procreate here are some new pieces, created all on the iPad. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_W5fFTZ1UgySV6MUvw3mCmjKCLCVd9pr67ZwkiVWvvrBeRnnG0Oc539WXP2DssXklqSpKNAzZNX9Ktcz2VE3Ynt0aSGS_IVJlVM50D8Ht8GUPcG5dQmv5EltuO3h4YAolnHxbkROPgLBd/s640/blogger-image-271545545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_W5fFTZ1UgySV6MUvw3mCmjKCLCVd9pr67ZwkiVWvvrBeRnnG0Oc539WXP2DssXklqSpKNAzZNX9Ktcz2VE3Ynt0aSGS_IVJlVM50D8Ht8GUPcG5dQmv5EltuO3h4YAolnHxbkROPgLBd/s640/blogger-image-271545545.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQweQm7qsuYSrYUX0rxWIOrJzQt1xs31XQj02WuOC8c4U25sB5iFme3UPp4-7R_G2A4YrRyWncpJ-rUQ0XPw0_GNU1W0AWE2UAuG08A467w0Q0EuFHtSHSkIwadeqCkDw_G9wT-giAqXxg/s640/blogger-image-643574434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQweQm7qsuYSrYUX0rxWIOrJzQt1xs31XQj02WuOC8c4U25sB5iFme3UPp4-7R_G2A4YrRyWncpJ-rUQ0XPw0_GNU1W0AWE2UAuG08A467w0Q0EuFHtSHSkIwadeqCkDw_G9wT-giAqXxg/s640/blogger-image-643574434.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-QjDqiFDZaNXNZmHzUwjLybiyO2KU__rY0bicjnLBd-UBcnxu_Q_R_JG3whmELNGVKVb19NKaWglei8Uzm4jqNGR_qtP-b0U2haxyBqpYTtBNmGJmEqHiRpDKfhDINlBHMBPYDPGDZXU/s640/blogger-image-92102528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-QjDqiFDZaNXNZmHzUwjLybiyO2KU__rY0bicjnLBd-UBcnxu_Q_R_JG3whmELNGVKVb19NKaWglei8Uzm4jqNGR_qtP-b0U2haxyBqpYTtBNmGJmEqHiRpDKfhDINlBHMBPYDPGDZXU/s640/blogger-image-92102528.jpg" /></a></div>Peggy Collinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10615863349968070730noreply@blogger.com0