Illustrator Kim Sponaugle's Picture Kitchen Studio

Fun book helps kids that are getting their first pair of Glasses!

2008-07-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

RANDY KAZANDY - Where Are Your Glasses?

New fun book for kids that are getting their first pair of glasses!

Written by Rhonda Fischer

Coming Winter 2008

Whim Publishing

About Randy

Randy Kazandy is an adorable little guy. Randy is funny, sometimes a clown, but a boy who needs to wear glasses. On Randy’s face they feel odd, unnatural, yes, a bit odd for this little fellow. He tries to ditch the glasses at ever turn, every idea that comes into his head. Will Randy love or hate his glasses in the end? This hilariously funny book written by Rhonda Fischer is a must buy for any child who needs or wears glasses! More information and reviews about Randy Kazandy please visit www.whimpublishing.com.

New book projects coming for Picture Kitchen Studio!

2008-07-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

The Little Crane
Written by Athen Wilson Hills

Here are some some sketches from The Little Crane. Based on Tibetan history, this wonderful Folk Tale tells the story of a young queen leading an army on behalf of her husband. Release date, Fall 2008 from Keene Publishing.

Just Released from Ithaca Press

2008-05-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

A Rat-romping Adventure!

written by Elisabeth Matulewicz

with illustrations by Kim Sponaugle

Benny and Marshmallow, two mischievious pet rats, leave the safety of their cage to have a daytime adventure after their owner, Sean, has mistakenly left their cage unlocked!

Purchase books on Amazon

View A Very Dragon Sketchbook

What's Cooking......

2008-05-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

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.

View A Very Dragon Sketch book

FRESH OUT OF THE OVEN!

2008-05-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

Coming this Fall!

(temporary cover)

The Gift of Love from Llumina Press

Christmas 2008

2008-04-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-01-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

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. The most effective children's book illustrations are those that can grab a hold of your 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! But placed in her heart was the desire to illustrate for kids. 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 well over a dozen and a half 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. Kim loves to interact with children and encourage them to pursue writing and illustrating their own wonderful stories. Contact her for more information.

"whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" - 1Corinthians 10:31

Line art from

Picture Kitchen studio

Books Coming Soon!!!

"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 Athen Wilson Halls, Keene Publishing, Winter 2008

"Randy Kazandy - Where Are Your Glasses?" series by Rhonda Fischer, Whim Publishing 2008

Contact Kim

about illustrating