Illustrator Kim Sponaugle's Picture Kitchen Studio

Friday, May 9, 2008

What's Cooking......

New Book Coming in October 2008!

A Very Dragon Christmas

written by Terri Branson

illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

To get their stockings filled for Christmas,

three young dragons devise a way

to lure Santa Claus into their cave.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

FRESH OUT OF THE OVEN!

(temporary cover)

The Gift of Love from Llumina Press

Christmas 2008

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Tips

to help

you

find

the

right

artist

So let's say that you really don't know where to begin to find an artist to illustrate your childen's book. Whether you hire an artist directly or the publisher provides one for you, it's good to have a solid idea of the "feel" you are looking for. You can find several websites such as http://www.picturebook.com/ or http://www.childrensillustrator.com/ that can be very helpful. You can brouse through pages of artists, view their illustrations and build a file of what you like. This file can give the artist a good idea of the style and feel you are looking for. You can email some artists directly for information regarding a quote. Here is a list of things to remember:

1. Have a budget idea for your project even while you are asking for a quote.

2. Hire a professional or someone who has some experience in book illustration. - If you are new to book publishing, it's best to work with an experienced illustrator- ultimately, it can be less stressful and with the right match you will find it is worth every penny!

3. Contact authors the artist has worked with, if you can - this is a great way to see if it has been a good experience for them and will be for you.

4. A contract is important. Always request a contract, it protects and clarifies both the author and artists obligations to the project.

5. Be flexible, willing to negotiate. Most artists are fair folks and are willing to work with you if the price is reasonable if not there are many other fish in the sea!

6. Ask if the artist would be willing to sketch a main character. See if they are a match - many artists that are interested in your project will be willing to do this for you - for free.

7. Keep an open mind regarding creativity. The artist needs some "room" to illuminate your words, be patient, wonderful things can happen!

8. Share your ideas, but leave room for artistic license. There is a balance between the word and image and it's now time to leave your "baby" in the artist's capable hands.

9. Avoid calling the artist "my illustrator." Remember the book's completion is a team effort and to make your book the best it can be - there needs to be mutal respect.:)

10. Take your time when searching. Do not let passion for your book project to cause you to make hasty and "costly" decisions.

Enjoy watching it all come together!

Monday, January 21, 2008

Illustrator, Kim Sponaugle

Whether it's Pastels or watercolors....

Somethings Cooking at Picture Kitchen Studio!

Welcome to the "kitchen!" Picture Kitchen is the studio of Kim Sponaugle. She believes great illustration, like great home cooking, has something in common - they both get to the heart!

The right ingredients are necessary to create a children's book illustration that can touch the heart, teach, and communicate what the author wants to express. There are many wonderful children's books and the illustrations that are our favorites, are those that can grab a hold of the heart and mind. A good use of color, design and and well rendered characters are part of the recipe for a great book. But not just that, it needs life in the illustrations, expression, whimsey and delightful surprises. This is what Kim tries to serve up at Picture Kitchen Studio.

Picture Kitchen Studio

is always whipping up something special!

B i o g r a p h y

Born and raised a South Jersey girl, Kim Sponaugle is a graduate of The Art Institute of Philadelphia. Upon graduation, she was hired as an associate curriculum designer for Cook Publications in Elgin, IL. It was while she was designing children's products and hiring artists that she discovered that she really wanted to be at the drawing board.

A graphic designer, mural artist, t-shirt designer, along with working as a children's cartoon portrait artist are just a few of the hats Kim has worn! In 2001, she illustrated her first two picture books for Concordia Publishing entitled, "The Adventures of Beatrice - Beatrice Loses Her Doll" and "New Clothes" with long time friend and author Pam Halter. At the present, Kim has illustrated over 14 children's books and has had the experience of working with some wonderful publishers and authors.

Kim has taught K-8th grade art and has been part of an author/illustrator team at writer's conferences. She is available to come visit your elementary school and present Picture Kitchen Studio workshops and book readings. Contact her for more information.

Take a Peek at Books

currently in the

"Picture Kitchen Oven!"

Books Coming Soon!!!

Benny & Marshmellow - A Day of Mischief" by Elisabeth Ann Matulewicz, Ithaca Press
"Angel Eyes" by Dixie Phillips, Guardian Angel Publishing May 2008
"Stubby's Destiny" by Dixie Phillips, Guardian Angel Publishing Fall 2008
"The Gift Of Love" by Elisabeth Ann Matulewicz, Llumina Press, Winter 2008
"A Very Dragon Christmas" by Terri Branson, Dragonfly Publishing, Winter 2008
"The Little Crane" by Atheen, Keene Publishing, Winter 2008

Contact Kim

about illustrating

Your Book- Email
(My services are also available to Self-publishing Authors)

Meet the authors

Read interviews with authors

See latest releases and information

Print free coloring pages

Watch the new promo mini video for the book

"Grandma Kathy Has Cancer"

written by Colleen Buckley & illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

F r i e n d s a n d A s s o c i a t e s W e b s i t e s