Looking to take your writing skills to the next level? My writing course, Treasure Hunt Your Writing Style, with Creative Bug is now live!
Use my Magic Writing card deck and follow writing prompts paired with an “oddity” or found object to inspire your writing.
Whether you’re looking to learn new writing techniques for your journal, social media, or as the basis for a book idea, this class will introduce you to a plethora of techniques and genres to jumpstart your writing practice.
See Fay’s beautiful studio, and her beautiful illustration work! Hear about her experience working at Designer’s Guild and how she landed representation with Lilla Rogers Studio.
“You Do You-nicorn is a sweet, funny story about inclusivity and staying true to yourself. A gender-fluid child shows their friends that they can be and do whatever they want and feel like–whether it’s playing the digeridoo-nicorn, painting a baboon-icorn, or changing their name to Ruth-icorn! Remember: Only YOU know how to do you! And you can feel like your own unicorn by assembling a sparkly unicorn headband with pieces included at the end of the book.”
You Do You-nicornactually started out as a game concept.
I wanted to make a memory match game that would encourage kids to try new things: swimming, roller skating, playing the saxophone, and so on. (At the time, I also imagined it would feature unicorn characters.)
Over the next few months, though, words for a manuscript started appearing in my mind as I went for walks or exercised.
After allowing the words to form organically in my brain without writing anything down, I eventually felt compelled to write it all in one sitting, and that’s how the manuscript for You Do You-nicorn was born.
I like to hand-paint my illustrations with watercolor, gouache, and pencil crayon, and then edit in Photoshop.
Julie and Frances, my incredible editor and art director at Running Press, gave me tons of creative freedom, so the process of making the book was a blast and it just flew by!
Below: From sketch to painting to Final Art
Join Erin on September 30th at 1 PM EST for a virtual picture book panel, hosted by Books of Wonder in New York, where she’ll read a snippet of You Do You-nicorn and take questions from the audience.
Copies of You Do You-nicorn (with signed bookplates!) will be available for purchase at the end.
“Learn how to use drawing to soothe your soul with this beginner’s guide to drawing for relaxation.
So many drawing books focus on the result of your drawing, but this fresh approach looks first at the process of drawing as a means to de-stress and unwind.”
“Have you ever wondered what capitalism is? How about feminism, ecology, epidemiology or astronomy?
Well, this book will give you straightforward, easy-to-understand answers to all your troublesome-word questions WITHOUT going on and on for ages OR using even BIGGER words to explain them.”
Looking to take your writing skills to the next level? My writing course, Treasure Hunt Your Writing Style, with Creative Bug is now live!In this month-long class, use the Magic Writing card deck and follow writing prompts paired with an “oddity” or found object to inspire your writing. Whether you’re looking to learn new writing techniques for your journal, social media, or as the basis for a book idea, this class will introduce you to a plethora of techniques and genres to jumpstart your writing practice.
It is also the perfect stepping stone for my more in-depth writing courses on Make Art That Sells. Dive into the world of creating captivating stories for young readers with My Kid Book Pitch, or learn how to write stunning illustrated non-fiction books in My Arty Book Pitch. Both courses guide you through crafting and pitching your book proposal to publishers.
I’m holding a week-long lettering retreat in France hosted by UpTrek in the tranquil countryside of southern France, surrounded by the picturesque Occitanie region, April 29 – May 4, 2024.
It’s a dream come true for me—instructing a handful of creative people IRL, then chatting in the afternoon for an Ask the Agent Anything circle, in an incredibly picturesque setting featuring gourmet meals and dazzling day trips to medieval towns, vintage markets, and a vineyard.
This adventure originally sold out in one day but two spots opened up recently, so hurry—they will probably sell immediately!
Make sure to sign up for the wait list if you don’t grab one of these two spots.
This is going to an amazing trip. I get to hang out and teach a small group of artists my major passion: lettering.
Plus, let me advise you on your career! Read more here.
Each participant will receive an inspiring 25-card lettering deck.
Everyone is capable of enjoying and mastering lettering. If you can hold a pencil then I can teach you any number of techniques, tools and embellishments to find enjoyment in letter-making. Lettering is a beautiful way to enhance your illustration work and to increase income, but even if you’re not an illustrator, it’s a source of personal pleasure such as embellishing your journal entries or as a meditation technique.
Lettering has always been a huge part of my creative career, first as an illustrator, then author, then content creator. But mostly, I love the calming nature of letter-forming, the endless sources of font vintage inspiration, and the variety of materials one can use to create letterforms.
You’ll try out lettering techniques, relax in the garden and chat with new friends over wine, and explore charming villages, explore the beautiful surroundings, take day trips to nearby towns and landmarks, and make new friends.
Perfect for all levels; for those who simply want to try their hand at lettering or for those wishing to deepen their lettering technique and style.
For those who wish to glean insight from an agent and entrepreneur on creative business, illustration, and more.
Limited to 16 students
Questions about booking? The retreat is organized by the awesome folks at UpTrek. Take a look at the booking page and if you still have questions, you can reach out to them directly at contact@uptrek.com.
