Hot! Hot! Hot!

OMG! Am officially a published children's book illustrator! Pretty damn proud.  Woot!

Media Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A DRAGON CALLED WILBUR:

HOW A FIRE-BREATHING DRAGON MADE FRIENDS

Long ago in a land far away, in an age when people believed in magic, there lived A Dragon Called Wilbur. Now Wilbur was a very lonely dragon, because everyone was afraid of him. What could Wilbur possibly do to make friends? This lonely dragon believes that if he can alter his behaviour and convince his neighbours that he is not dangerous, he can become a valued part of the village. By doing this, Wilbur can make a big difference in his community. Hopefully, he will also make friends and will no longer be lonely. Can Wilbur convince everyone that dragons are not so scary after all? This uplifting children’s book sends a positive message about outsiders wanting to belong.

About the Author:

Bronwyn Heeney lives in Cranbourne North, Victoria, Australia, and is working on future books.

A DRAGON CALLED WILBUR: HOW A FIRE-BREATHING DRAGON MADE FRIENDS

(ISBN: 978-1-61204-803-1) is now available for $20 and can be ordered from Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com.

If you'd like to see more of the book's inside illustrations, click here

Bringing "Batmania" to Melbourne (for the kids)

Open House Melbourne is a not-for-profit association that runs annual events providing the public a  free and rare opportunity to discover a hidden wealth of architectural, engineering and historic buildings nestled around the city. Earlier this month they released a creative brief inviting designers and illustrators alike  to help design their 2012 Children's Program with fresh new ideas.

I couldn't help myself. The moment I looked over the brief my imagination ran wild and inspiration punched me in the face so hard my jaw still hurts!

Below is my response to the brief:

(Potential Front Cover, A5 full colour, with space around edges to include appropriate logos)

Brief character description and explanation. 

I like the idea that the title "Batman, the Busker and Freddie Square" kinda sounds similar to a title of a Harry Potter book, ie. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban", I dunno - there's a similar ring there somewhere... 

John Batman is a super significant historical figure in Melbourne's history. Rumor has it there was a time when Melbourne was almost called Batmania! (How cool! - Regardless if it's true or not). Anyway, I figure the name 'Batman' will generate attention anyway cos it conjures up the idea of Batman the Comic Book Hero and I think having the "ghost" character makes it all more interesting for kids. 

The Busker, had to be a chick cos then the characters would be too male heavy and every little girl that potentially picks up this program (if my idea is selected) is gonna think "she's pretty, I like her". 

Freddie Square, obviously named after Melbourne's Landmark Federation Square. He is the "new" to balance Batman's "old". He's small and and cute like Danger Mouse's side-kick Penfold, but not nearly as annoying and stupid, in fact he is to the contrary.   

Regardless of whether my idea gets picked up or not, I think this concept, illustration and execution is mighty fine and I'm damn proud. Defo (totes, fur shiz) a work for the folio.

D'oh! 2012 Paul Guest Drawing Prize... fail.

Below are the two unsuccessful entries I submitted into the 2012 Paul Guest Drawing Prize.

(to see illustrations larger, just click on the image)

Today I got "the letter", you know, the "form" letter that says "Thank you for your entry"... (blah blah blah)... "We had lots of entries this year"... (blah blah blah)... "all of a high quality"...(blah blah blah)... "Unfortunately this year you were unsuccessful in being selected"... oooouch! (that's the sound of being metaphorically punched in the guts. It's the sound of rejection.)

But hey, rejection happens and when you think about it, it's kinda nice that the competition judges sent a letter as courtesy. It's an answer and I have closure. I can appreciate that.....(there's no denying that the rejection still kinda stinks though.)

So back to my sad and unloved entries for 2012. Let's be honest. They're not great. They're not amazing. However I do think they're quirky and original concepts. Sadly these pieces just aren't screaming wicked mad talent! This girl Lucy is ammmaaaaaaazing! ... and that's cool. That's fair. (Ha! Just wait until I am famous!)

The last entry I did for Paul Guest  in 2010, I worked my arse off on that piece. I put my heart, soul and failing eye sight into that piece of work. Hours upon hours of meticulous pencil work... Tragically also unsuccessful in being selected *sigh*. So I guess I kinda decided to go complete 'opposite' in terms of effort this year. Instead, this year I submitted two blue biro pen illustrations I'd conceived subconsciously while talking on the phone! Yay Joe effort!

I'll enter the Paul Guest Drawing Prize again, and next time my entry will be selected, I'm feeling pretty confident on that.

Just a last wee footnote though, the piece I slaved over for the 2010 competition was eventually acquired by the Bendigo Historical Society annnnnnd is currently the most viewed illustration in my flickr account. So not all bad. Not bad at all.

Woot!