Back from my first SCBWI Conference!

Me (totally awestruck) with Russ Cox!

 My goodness, where to begin? Maybe with one word, Wonderful!

I chose the word wonderful to sum up my very first SCBWI conference because it also contains the word wonder, and I truly was just awestruck and inspired by so many of the talented folks there. For many of my friends, near and far, they knew I was prepping for this and had a bit of nervous excitement going on... but as I drove down to Springfield last Friday it was like all the nerves left and I just became downright excited. All I really wanted out of my first conference was to soak it all in, be mindfully present, meet some talented people, see some great art, learn a few things, and (hopefully) sleep in. And man, it did not disappoint.

It is hard to summarize all that happened over the weekend - my best comparison would be art school. That great energy that comes from being with all sorts of creative individuals who share a love of art (and writing), specifically for children. I enjoyed many serendipitous meetings, friendly conversations, inspiring talks and fantastic workshops... plus met my "Conference Rock Star".

Me with Nicole Tadgell (doesn't 'she have a great smile)

My first workshop was with Nicole Tadgell. She is such a talented illustrator and lovely person. Nicole taught "Drawing On Emotion" and it was not only interesting and insightful but fun too! Isn't it a treat to meet someone you admire, especially when that person turns out to be even better than your expectations - that was Nicole, just a gem of a lady.
I also enjoyed a workshop by Sarah Brannen on creating compelling postcards. She had some great examples and shared her experiences with us, which certainly gave me a new perspective on my own mailings. My other favorites of the weekend were two workshops given by Carlyn Beccia. She is just an arty/techy/history phenom and quirky fun to boot. If you enjoy digital painting or want to try it out, she has a great digital painting book available, so look her up!

Keynote Speaker, Grace Lin

I must confess that I was super excited to meet many of these fine people - like 8-yr old running around Magic Kingdom, strung out on cotton candy and ice cream super excited. So... my personality (which has been kindly described as "bubbly") kicked into overdrive and become more of a "nuclear enthusiasm" (I talk really fast and at a higher pitch when I am uber-excited) and yes, I even began to stammer. This happened (most notably) when I met my Conference Rock Star, the talented Russ Cox. I was introduced to him through a couple of lovely gals that I met my first day at the conference (shout out to Robyn & Nina!) He was approachable, kind, and humble - all wrapped up into a very tall package of serious talent. That just about made my conference! I met another talented illustrator, Greg Matusic on my last day of the conference... just a few hours before leaving. Another fun happenstance since I was looking for the hotel gift shop and ended up sitting and chatting with him in the hotel lobby. He shared his perspective on returning to the conference (this was his second one) and then discussed our similar backgrounds in design and illustration. Of course meeting all these folks would not have been possible without the support of my wonderful husband who encouraged me to go and then played Mr Mom to our three active kids the entire weekend.

A final note and a recurring theme at the conference was simple yet true... you need to take risks, you need to persist and you really need to do what you love. Find your own voice and not give up. That is important to remember in art, as well as in our daily lives.

“You only lose energy when life becomes dull in your mind. Your mind gets bored and therefore tired of doing nothing . . . . Get interested in something! Get absolutely enthralled in something! Get out of yourself! Be somebody! Do something . . The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.” - Norman Vincent Peale

All shiny & new!

New website - www.lisamgriffin.com

Starting off this beautiful sunny morning with my delicious cup of Hawaiian Hazelnut coffee and.... my newly designed website! Yup, it feels pretty good to have that all completed with lots of new art, updated bio and book info as well as contact links. Check it out and feel free to link up with me on any of the social media that we share, the more the merrier!

Now I can start packing for the SCBWI conference! Hmmmm.... how many shoes to take? Maybe just enough to coordinate with my art. ;)

Have a great day,
Lisa

New looks!

Facebook Fan Page Timeline Art. c. Lisa M Griffin

I have been working at further branding myself and have come up with a new logo design, which I just updated on my FB fan page. If you aren't following along on Facebook,  follow the link and hit the "LIKE" button to do so... I have been updating my page with updates, WIPs and more.
Hard to believe that the New England SCBWI conference is less than 2 weeks away! My last batch of promotional materials are heading to the printer tomorrow - then I will be working on finishing  my website redesign before I leave. When there is a will, there is a way... even if "that way" translates into a tad less sleep than I would truly like. ;)
Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by.
Lisa

Prepping for my first Conference!

artwork copyright Lisa M.Griffin

I am running into the home stretch of preparations for NESCBWI 2013 Spring Conference, my first ever and boy the anticipation is really building. Just a few weeks left to get all my pieces in order, postcards printed and my poster design finalized, should be interesting to see how the weekend plays out. :)
Here in New Hampshire, spring has arrived... I am hoping that means "ole man winter" is officially on vacation. It has been lovely watching buds appear, hear birds sing through my open windows and (my absolute fave), listen to those wonderful little peepers at night.
Just waiting for my butterflies and dragonflies to appear....
Spring is so chock full of inspiration, isn't it?
Thanks for stopping by and happy creating,
Lisa

It's Good to be an Illustrator

On my desk - Lisa M. Griffin Illustration

Have you ever had one of those moments where the creative juices are just FLOWING... and you are completely and utterly focused on the brushes, paint and paper.... listening to some incredible tunes and just enjoying what you are working on at that moment in time?

I have had several of these moments lately... thanks to some wonderful illustration projects and  my favorite musical muse, DMB.

It's important to pause, take a deep breath and really savor those little moments. And recognize, that YES... everything that I have done to get me to this point has been absolutely worth it!
Have a great week,
Lisa

Namaste

c. lisa m griffin, illustration

Have a great, creative week!

Hedgie LOVE

illustration by Lisa M Griffin

I cannot get enough of these little critters... they are just so adorable and I had explore another creative landscape with them. Sometimes it is all about what makes you smile...

Have a great weekend!
Lisa

Birds Nest

Artwork by Lisa M Griffin

And another imagine that brings to mind the lovely sights, sweet sounds and soft scents of spring....

back to butterflies....

Black Swallowtail butterfly illustrated artwork by Lisa M Griffin

 If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies.  ~Author Unknown

Maybe it's the cold air, or the blanket of snow on the ground.... maybe it's just the simple fact that I adore butterflies. Whatever the calling, I have enjoyed drawing & painting butterflies again. How can you not? A butterfly is a tiny painted canvas that dances on air.It is SO important to be inspired in our craft, so I am sending out many positive thoughts/wishes for loads of creative inspiration this week AND the time to sit and just "play" with your art!
Thanks for popping by,
Lisa

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
And find your shoulder to light on,
To bring you luck, happiness and riches
Today, tomorrow and beyond.
~Irish Blessing

Happy New Year!

c. lisa m griffin watercolor & digital montage

Wishing all of you a wonderful, happy & creative 2013!

Laughter

watercolor illustration by Lisa M Griffin

Sometimes a fit of giggles, a burst of laughter or even a simple chuckle... is just enough.
Have a wonderful and creative day!