Today’s post comes from the mind (and pencil) of illustrator Mike Ciccotello.
Inspiring minds wanna know!
Mike is an aspiring children’s book illustrator. He received a BFA with a concentration in painting from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. He has 13 years experience working as a motion graphic designer at CNN and Fox Business Network. Mike is currently the Art and Design Director at Telos Corporation. He is a contributing member of AllTheWonders.com and a member of SCBWI. You can see more of Mike’s art online at Ciccotello.com.
He’s also on Facebook, Twitter @Ciccotello & Instagram @Ciccotello.
Mike is giving away this original art! YES! THIS!!! (Scroll up!)
Leave a comment below to enter. One comment per person, please.
This prize will be given away at the conclusion of PiBoIdMo. You will be eligible for this prize if:
- You have registered for PiBoIdMo.
- You have commented ONCE ONLY on today’s post.
- You have completed the PiBoIdMo challenge.
Good luck, everyone!
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) 
378 comments
Comments feed for this article
October 30, 2015 at 8:08 am
Louann Brown
Thanks Mike, what a terrific prize! You make me want to get out my colored pencils again!
October 30, 2015 at 2:48 pm
ciccotello
Thank YOU! Get out those colored pencils. Coloring is fun!
October 30, 2015 at 8:09 am
Tina L. Wheeler
This artwork is so original! I love it!
October 30, 2015 at 2:48 pm
ciccotello
Thanks 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 8:11 am
chrisynthia
Love your work! Thanks for sharing it with us.
October 30, 2015 at 2:51 pm
ciccotello
No problem 🙂 Thank you!
October 30, 2015 at 8:12 am
Monique
Thank you Mike. Love the colors and illustration.
October 30, 2015 at 3:01 pm
ciccotello
Thank you!
October 30, 2015 at 8:14 am
Jane Heitman Healy
So many lightbulbs, so many ideas! Let’s catch them this month! Thanks, Mike and Tara!
October 30, 2015 at 2:51 pm
ciccotello
We need a net! 😉
October 30, 2015 at 8:15 am
lindamartinandersen
Wishing you much success in your illustrating career. You can do it!
Thanks for offering this great gift, Mike. Your drawing caused me to think of Indian Pipes. If you’re not familiar with this plant, see here https://uswildflowers.com/detail.php?SName=Monotropa%20uniflora
October 30, 2015 at 2:54 pm
ciccotello
I am not familiar with them – thanks for sharing. Very interesting plant… getting ideas… ok gotta run.
October 30, 2015 at 8:16 am
Lori Dubbin
Very inspiring art, Mike! I hope to be just like your tree sitting thinker and come up with many different ideas this month, especially an energy saving idea!
October 30, 2015 at 2:56 pm
ciccotello
I like that. A Tree Thinker. Cool! Best of luck!
October 30, 2015 at 8:17 am
Beth Gallagher
What a fantastic illustration!!! You captured PiBoIdMo perfectly. 😉
October 30, 2015 at 2:56 pm
ciccotello
Thanks, Beth! 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 8:21 am
Jan Hoffman
May our ideas flourish in energy saving abundance, too! Let’s go!
October 30, 2015 at 2:57 pm
ciccotello
😀 1…2…3… GO! Good luck!
October 30, 2015 at 8:22 am
Deb O'Brien
That’s exactly where I want to be when I’m brainstorming. Away from it all with just my pencil and sketchbook.
October 30, 2015 at 3:00 pm
ciccotello
Don’t forget the pencil sharpener… or at least some sand paper… maybe a rock. 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 8:24 am
Jane Higgins Norton
Very nice illustration! 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 3:00 pm
ciccotello
Thanks!
October 30, 2015 at 8:26 am
Tony Williams
Thanks Mike, what a terrific prize! I can’t wait to get out my colored pencils!
October 30, 2015 at 3:01 pm
ciccotello
Thank you! Best of luck!
October 30, 2015 at 8:26 am
Sharon Langley
What a great new chapter in your artistic career. Congratulations
October 30, 2015 at 3:02 pm
ciccotello
Thanks, Sharon. It’s an exciting start to a new chapter for sure!
October 30, 2015 at 8:27 am
Sue Poduska
Gorgeous! Thanks, Mike!
October 30, 2015 at 3:03 pm
ciccotello
Thank you. 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 8:28 am
Darlene
Beautiful illustration and such talent!
October 30, 2015 at 3:03 pm
ciccotello
Thank you so much. 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 8:28 am
Shelly Hawley-Yan
Nice! I love all the different types if lightbulbs!
October 30, 2015 at 3:06 pm
ciccotello
Thanks! Now if I could only find that 40 watt…
October 30, 2015 at 8:31 am
Jim Chaize
Yes, ideas are just floating in the air. Nicely done Mike.
October 30, 2015 at 3:07 pm
ciccotello
Thanks. I can’t tell if we need a net or a slingshot. Hmmmm
October 30, 2015 at 8:36 am
Anita Banks
Very cute!
October 30, 2015 at 3:07 pm
ciccotello
Thanks!
October 30, 2015 at 8:38 am
Lee Walker-Brockman
Such incredible talent! Your coffee cups are masterpieces. I especially love the nerdy chick 😉
October 30, 2015 at 3:12 pm
ciccotello
Why thank you very much! 🙂 More Coffee Cup Doodles will be coming soon!
October 30, 2015 at 8:39 am
Mary Worley
Love it! Makes me want to write a story to go with it. We have a lightbulb geek in the family who could tell me all about the different types, too.
October 30, 2015 at 3:13 pm
ciccotello
Thanks! Sounds like you have an idea for PiBoIdMo 😀
October 30, 2015 at 8:41 am
Buffy Silverman
Love this modern take on the lightbulb idea!
October 30, 2015 at 3:14 pm
ciccotello
Thanks! Why stop at just one light bulb? PiBoIdMo is going to light up the whole creative universe!
October 30, 2015 at 8:42 am
vickireinhardt2014
Oh, I love your illustration! All those ideas floating every which way… I feel like this a lot and if I don’t catch them, they might get away!
October 30, 2015 at 3:16 pm
ciccotello
Thank you! Catch as many as you can and don’t let go!
October 30, 2015 at 8:44 am
wfedan
Cool illustration! Love the textures too 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 3:17 pm
ciccotello
Thanks! The textures are just as fun as the subject 😉
October 30, 2015 at 8:46 am
slowpony
Love your illustration!
October 30, 2015 at 3:18 pm
ciccotello
Thank you! 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 8:52 am
kirsticall
The colors are so vivid in this piece, Mike. Thanks for sharing.
October 30, 2015 at 3:20 pm
ciccotello
Thanks! They are kind of like translucent orange flavored floating jello bulbs. 😀
October 30, 2015 at 8:54 am
sunroksus
Hi Mike, I love your illustration so much It inspired me to write this for you:
“Light-ning fast
And quick as a wink
Hiwatty knew that
He could think
And flash ideas
In every size
To Mike’s attention
And win a prize.”
Enjoy!
October 30, 2015 at 3:22 pm
ciccotello
THAT IS AMAZING! I’m beaming right now! 😀
October 30, 2015 at 8:56 am
Sharon J Wilson
Wonderful illustration. Thanks.
October 30, 2015 at 3:23 pm
ciccotello
Thank you!
October 30, 2015 at 8:56 am
gweddle
Clever illustration! Ideas surround us, and we each have our own tale to tell.
October 30, 2015 at 3:26 pm
ciccotello
Thanks. By the end of November we’re each gonna to have 30 tales to tell. That’s a lot of tales.
October 30, 2015 at 8:56 am
Kate Knaus
Coffee cup doodles are amazing!!
October 30, 2015 at 3:27 pm
ciccotello
Thank you!!! More Coffee Cup Doodles are coming soon!
October 30, 2015 at 8:58 am
rgstones
I remember Mike’s name from seeing his art in the hallway at the NJSCBWI conference. So talented!
October 30, 2015 at 3:27 pm
ciccotello
Thank you so much!! 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 8:59 am
Susan Cabael
Ideas come in all shapes & sizes! I have a student who makes that face every day in class. 😄
October 30, 2015 at 3:31 pm
ciccotello
I love when kids make that face. 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 9:01 am
writerjodimoore
Fantastic artwork – here and on your website. 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration! Hugs!
October 30, 2015 at 3:31 pm
ciccotello
Thank you so much! No problem. Happy to help. 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 9:01 am
Juliana Lee
Look at all those light bulbs (including LEDs…kudos)! Hope to be as inspired next month!
October 30, 2015 at 3:35 pm
ciccotello
Thank you. Best of luck in November! 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 9:06 am
pathaap
Hmm, think, think, think . . . and then the lightbulbs go off in her head!
October 30, 2015 at 3:36 pm
ciccotello
Exactly! All of the ideas are there. We just need to pay attention… and keep up.
October 30, 2015 at 9:12 am
Nadia A.
Looks like one of those moments in a writer’s life where you have bright ideas floating around, but have a hard time chosing which one to pursue. Great depiction Mike!
October 30, 2015 at 3:39 pm
ciccotello
Write all of them down and choose later. Thank you! 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 9:13 am
Ashley Bohmer
Wow!–Your work is amazing! 😎
October 30, 2015 at 3:39 pm
ciccotello
Thank you! 😀
October 30, 2015 at 9:15 am
Jeanine Potter Lovell
Too many choices??? Best of luck , Mike, in your illustrating career!
October 30, 2015 at 3:42 pm
ciccotello
There are sooo many choices. Let’s write all of them down and see what develops. Thanks!
October 30, 2015 at 9:15 am
Val McCammon
Ideas, like light bulbs, come in all shapes and sizes. Terrific, Mike!
October 30, 2015 at 3:42 pm
ciccotello
Thank you! 😀
October 30, 2015 at 9:15 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
Beautiful!
October 30, 2015 at 3:45 pm
ciccotello
Thanks!
October 30, 2015 at 9:19 am
andreesantini
Wow, I love this illustration, thanks for sharing.
October 30, 2015 at 3:46 pm
ciccotello
Thank you!
October 30, 2015 at 9:20 am
Nancy Churnin
So many ideas, which ones will we see and which ones will get written down? Thank you, Mike, for the reminder that inspiration is all around us. The hard job is choosing which light to write by.
October 30, 2015 at 3:56 pm
ciccotello
Thanks! Um… Nancy, there’s an idea behind you. QUICK! GET IT!
October 30, 2015 at 9:20 am
hmmmmm
I love those scissors in that Financial Forest animation!
October 30, 2015 at 3:58 pm
ciccotello
Thanks, hmmmmm! That was really fun to create. The direction was, “We want an animation about cutting up credit cards.” I tried to take it a little further 😉
October 30, 2015 at 9:21 am
alexiamandoni
Amazing artwork! The light bulb art would be great in a writer’s office! 😉
October 30, 2015 at 3:59 pm
ciccotello
Thank you! Best of luck!!!!!
October 30, 2015 at 9:24 am
Linda Baie
Wonderfully inspiring art for the writer, Mike, all those ‘lightbulbs’ of ideas. Thank you!
October 30, 2015 at 4:00 pm
ciccotello
Thanks! Let’s hope none of them are hooked up to a clapper. “Clap On” “Clap Off”
October 30, 2015 at 9:25 am
Brianna Zamborsky
Lightbulb bugs replace lightning bugs once in dystopian picture book. Yikes!
October 30, 2015 at 4:00 pm
ciccotello
That could be cool.
October 30, 2015 at 9:25 am
lindaschueler
Cool! Lots of ideas floating around…
October 30, 2015 at 4:01 pm
ciccotello
Sooo many ideas!
October 30, 2015 at 9:33 am
Janice Milusich
I just subscribed to all the wonders- looks like a great site! Thanks for the idea
October 30, 2015 at 4:02 pm
ciccotello
Thank you for subscribing, Janice! All The Wonders appreciates it VERY MUCH!
October 30, 2015 at 9:36 am
Robyn Campbell
I’m trying to pull those ideas from the air around you, Mike. 🙂 Love your art. 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 4:03 pm
ciccotello
Awesome! Thanks, Robyn!
October 30, 2015 at 9:40 am
Alice Fulgione
Great illustration,Mike!
October 30, 2015 at 4:03 pm
ciccotello
Thank you!
October 30, 2015 at 9:40 am
Teresa Robeson
Going to follow Mike on Instagram now! Love his work!
October 30, 2015 at 4:04 pm
ciccotello
Thank you for the complement and for following. Much appreciated!
October 30, 2015 at 9:42 am
Brenda Huante
Thank you for sharing your fun artwork with us.
Brenda Huante
October 30, 2015 at 9:27 pm
ciccotello
No Problem. Thanks for thinking it’s fun!
October 30, 2015 at 9:42 am
Thornton Blease
Awesome illustration – I love the character’s expressive eyes!
October 30, 2015 at 9:27 pm
ciccotello
Thank you!
October 30, 2015 at 9:43 am
danielledufayet
Really enjoyed your website -especially the coffee cup doodles! 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 9:28 pm
ciccotello
Thank you SO much! 😀
October 30, 2015 at 9:43 am
Debbie Austin
Wonderful illustration! I think there are more than 30 ideas floating around, too. Thanks, Mike, for your visual inspiration!
October 30, 2015 at 9:28 pm
ciccotello
Yes there are. Why stop at 30? 😉
October 30, 2015 at 9:43 am
Polly Renner
Now Following:>
October 30, 2015 at 9:29 pm
ciccotello
Thank you!
October 30, 2015 at 9:43 am
Lois Wickstrom
Can he write his way out of this one?
October 30, 2015 at 9:29 pm
ciccotello
Only time will tell. 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 9:45 am
Michelle Cusolito
I love the movement of the swirls.
October 30, 2015 at 9:29 pm
ciccotello
Thanks!
October 30, 2015 at 9:46 am
Joan Swanson
I love your use of the different kinds of light bulbs as different ideas. What a wonderful concept!
October 30, 2015 at 9:30 pm
ciccotello
Thanks!
October 30, 2015 at 9:50 am
Laura K Zimmermann
What a fun illustration…the details, child’s expression, and colors are wonderful.
October 30, 2015 at 9:50 am
bleakx
I’ve got a wall for that.
October 30, 2015 at 9:50 am
Michelle Heidenrich Barnes
Man! Love everything about this artwork!
October 30, 2015 at 9:34 pm
ciccotello
Thanks! 😀
October 30, 2015 at 9:52 am
ducks33
Loved the light bulbs!
October 30, 2015 at 9:54 am
Dina
I appreciate the fact that this features a non gender specific “character.” Actually, this makes me think of him/her as a general idea rather than a specific character.
October 30, 2015 at 9:44 pm
ciccotello
I love that idea – very cool!
October 30, 2015 at 9:55 am
ammwrite3
Time to grab a light bulb and make it glow!
October 30, 2015 at 9:46 pm
ciccotello
Grab 30 of ’em! (Unless the are hot… then use an oven mitt)
October 30, 2015 at 9:55 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Love the light bulbs and swirly waves!
October 30, 2015 at 9:57 am
beckylevine
Gorgeous!
October 30, 2015 at 10:02 am
Debra Katz
Very clever.
October 30, 2015 at 10:02 am
Ann Kelley
Awesome illustration! I really like the different light bulb designs. The longer I look at your illustration, the more I read about your picture’s story.
October 30, 2015 at 9:45 pm
ciccotello
This is great – I started to wonder if it was a story or a story about writing a story… or a story about making a grocery list… 😀
October 31, 2015 at 9:10 am
Ann Kelley
Haha – grocery list but I think definitely a story is conjuring. Oh the places the mind can go…
October 30, 2015 at 10:03 am
katmaz2012
What an inspiration! Thank you.
October 30, 2015 at 10:07 am
Barbara Cairns
Loved your illustration, Mike! Hoping to win.:-)
October 30, 2015 at 9:47 pm
ciccotello
Thank you! Good luck 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 10:09 am
authordeb
Mike’s style reminds me of the illustrations in all the adult coloring books that are becoming so popular. Any chance he’s going to publish one? I’m loving the opportunity to learn about the work of artists and authors that are new to me.
October 30, 2015 at 9:36 pm
ciccotello
I would absolutely LOVE to do an adult coloring book. Maybe one will be in my future. 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 10:12 am
rjgomez08
Wonderful illustration. I love the detail, especially all the variety in the lightbulb shapes and sizes!
October 30, 2015 at 9:37 pm
ciccotello
Thanks. It was really fun to create!
October 30, 2015 at 10:13 am
Stephen S. Martin
Wonderful – time to pull out the pencils and Moleskine and do some doodling.
October 30, 2015 at 9:37 pm
ciccotello
Do it!!! Best of luck!
October 30, 2015 at 10:15 am
Pam Miller
Mike, I’m immediately drawn to your illustrations of children. You’ve captured their energetic spirits. A pleasure to view your work, especially the murals.
October 30, 2015 at 9:38 pm
ciccotello
Thanks so much for checking out my work. I really appreciate it! Best of luck with PiBoIdMo!
October 30, 2015 at 10:15 am
Joan Waites
Nice work-good luck launching your career!
October 30, 2015 at 10:25 am
ptnozell
Lovely visual reminder to consider all ideas – both new & old, like the many types of bulbs you show. Thanks, Mike!
October 30, 2015 at 9:40 pm
ciccotello
I didn’t think of it that way. That’s a great interpretation!
October 30, 2015 at 10:29 am
Santiago Casares
Ideas come in all forms and shapes…
October 30, 2015 at 10:31 am
Lisa Honeycutt
commenting! Thanks for the brainstorm.
October 30, 2015 at 9:48 pm
ciccotello
Replying. No Problem!
October 30, 2015 at 10:40 am
Elizabeth Brown
Thank you for your post. It is so helpful!
October 30, 2015 at 10:41 am
yetteejo
I love the look on his face.
October 30, 2015 at 10:48 am
Vicky Wirkkala
What a brilliant piece. So imaginative!
October 30, 2015 at 10:50 am
Angela Turner
Beautiful artwork! Thank you for sharing with us.
October 30, 2015 at 10:52 am
theresastales
Beautiful job, I can write, sew and quilt but I can’t draw. Awesome
October 30, 2015 at 9:41 pm
ciccotello
You’re probably awesome at drawing too. 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 10:58 am
JEN Garrett
I need art like that for my Story Flat (I live in the USA, but “story apartment” just doesn’t the same ring to it.)
October 30, 2015 at 9:41 pm
ciccotello
Sounds like the beginning of a story….
October 30, 2015 at 11:00 am
Teresa Daffern
Your illustrations are so very evocative. I loved looking at your blog. Thanks for sharing.
October 30, 2015 at 9:42 pm
ciccotello
Thank you for looking into my work. Greatly appreciated!
October 30, 2015 at 11:01 am
Pia Garneau
Awesome art!
October 30, 2015 at 11:16 am
vijikc
Love it!
October 30, 2015 at 11:34 am
Sandy Powell
Beautiful colors and textures on your work of art. My eyes are smiling this morning. Thanks!
October 30, 2015 at 9:43 pm
ciccotello
Wonderful! Thank you. 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 11:36 am
Judy Cox
Cute illustration. Best wishes to you as you pursue your dreams!
October 30, 2015 at 11:37 am
Carolyn
Love the ideas bubbling up! Here’s to snatching the great ones!
October 30, 2015 at 11:40 am
Rebecca E. Guzinski
Hmmm…floating light bulbs! I need to catch one of those to spark a new writing idea for PiBoIdMo.
October 30, 2015 at 11:41 am
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
Best of luck to All the Wonders.
October 30, 2015 at 9:50 pm
ciccotello
Thanks! All the Wonders really appreciates it! I’ll let the team know 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 11:45 am
Carinn Michele
Love it!
October 30, 2015 at 11:45 am
Chris Regier (@cmregier)
I love that there are MORE than 30 idea bulbs. Way to think positive!
October 30, 2015 at 9:51 pm
ciccotello
Stay positive and keep those idea bulbs lit!
October 30, 2015 at 11:47 am
colleenrkosinski
Go, Rutgers! What year did you graduate?
October 30, 2015 at 9:54 pm
ciccotello
Waaaaaaay back in 97 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 12:05 pm
Leanne Shirtliffe
If you add a few bite marks to the pencil (and a more peri-menopausal flush to her face), she could be me…
October 30, 2015 at 10:02 pm
ciccotello
I just read some of the posts on your site – I’m cracking up! I’m telling my wife ASAP! Don’t Lick the Minivan… must buy.
October 30, 2015 at 12:06 pm
iamteresabeeman
The illustration reminds me of Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Maybe it’s the color combinations. Beautifully done! I’d love to win it.
October 30, 2015 at 10:03 pm
ciccotello
Thank you!
October 30, 2015 at 12:07 pm
Li'vee Rehfield
Great Picture! Thanks…
October 30, 2015 at 12:08 pm
shiela fuller
When I went to the website I was pleased to see the coffee cup doodles. Such a unique idea.
October 30, 2015 at 9:52 pm
ciccotello
Thank you SO much for checking out my work. More Coffee Cup Doodles will be coming soon! 😀
October 30, 2015 at 12:08 pm
Pauline Tso
Wow, mondo coolness! Thanks!
October 30, 2015 at 12:10 pm
creationsbymit
Very cool!
October 30, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Kerry Aradhya
Thanks for offering up this inspiring original art — great incentive for finishing the PiBoIdMo challenge!
October 30, 2015 at 12:16 pm
Midge Smith
I do love the whimsical nature of this piece–
October 30, 2015 at 12:16 pm
skeerswriter
Love all those idea bulbs — that’s a perfect writing day!
October 30, 2015 at 12:21 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Mike! Cool! Great symbolism and love the energy bulb ;).
October 30, 2015 at 12:27 pm
Donna Hart
Very cool for PiBoIdMo!
October 30, 2015 at 12:30 pm
Katie Engen
I like the colors, the clever layers & movement, and the humor with a hint of Suess.
October 30, 2015 at 12:35 pm
jennfowler
Beautiful illustration!
October 30, 2015 at 12:41 pm
Mary McNiff
Love all of Mike’s artwork!
October 30, 2015 at 12:42 pm
Jacqueline Adams
The spiral CFL light bulb made me laugh. I never pictured an idea that way, but ideas do come in many forms!
October 30, 2015 at 12:52 pm
viviankirkfield
Yup…all those great story ideas are right there for us to grab onto…thanks for helping us ‘see’ that, Mike!
October 30, 2015 at 12:53 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
What a bright idea to inspire us all!
October 30, 2015 at 12:57 pm
laurameressa
Hahahaha. Love all the different types of lightbulbs. So fun.
October 30, 2015 at 1:02 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
Love your art..
Swirling, curling, yellow and blue.
Wish I could draw, but I can’t, boo-hoo!
October 30, 2015 at 1:04 pm
writeknit
You are a gifted artist – thank you for the opportunity to win one of your original works.
October 30, 2015 at 1:08 pm
supermario6
Beautiful work!
October 30, 2015 at 1:10 pm
Kelly Vavala
I’ll climb the ladder to my favorite tree and let the ideas come to me! An Inspirational and amazing work of art says it all! Thank you for sharing with us!
October 30, 2015 at 4:13 pm
ciccotello
Kelly, I love that. Thank YOU for sharing. Happy PiBoIdMo!
October 30, 2015 at 1:13 pm
Bethanny Parker
Nice illustration. If only she could reach out and grab one of those light bulbs. Ideas all over the place, but she can’t see them.
October 30, 2015 at 10:05 pm
ciccotello
Thank you! Maybe we should get her one of those mirrors so she can see behind her… Hmmm. I’m looking into that.
October 30, 2015 at 1:14 pm
Brandi Payne
Such a great illustration! Thank you!
October 30, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Maria Bostian
Beautiful artwork, Mike! Love the lightbulbs!
October 30, 2015 at 1:20 pm
Helen Cooper
Amazing picture! I would love to be able to create art like this 😀
October 30, 2015 at 1:22 pm
Kim Parfitt
So relevant to this effort! Love the energy in the illustration! Can’t stop using exclamation points!
October 30, 2015 at 1:30 pm
kjfoote
Lovely work!
October 30, 2015 at 1:32 pm
LovableLobo
This piece is… brilliant! I’d love to own an original Ciccotello.
October 30, 2015 at 10:05 pm
ciccotello
Thanks! And thanks for sharing on Twitter!
October 30, 2015 at 1:39 pm
Kassy Keppol
Fun
October 30, 2015 at 1:40 pm
Penny Volin
I love it. It reminds me of one of my sons.
October 30, 2015 at 1:47 pm
Sue Morris @ KidLitReviews
Wow. This is so Dr. Seuss-ish! I love it. Thanks for giving this to one of us, Mike. This is so generous. I hope to frame this in my “aspiring-writer’s room.”
October 30, 2015 at 1:48 pm
Kelly Rice Schmitt
What a cool piece! Colored pencils are such a great choice. Thank you for sharing this.
October 30, 2015 at 1:58 pm
Christie Allred
Cool! Thank you for the chance to hang this on my wall 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 2:02 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thanks for this opportunity to own your work. Perfect theme for PiBoIdMo.
October 30, 2015 at 2:04 pm
Elizabeth
Thank, Mike. Hope to see more from you in future publications!
October 30, 2015 at 2:08 pm
Wendy Hinote Lanier
Ideas come in all shapes and wattages. Good luck, Mike!
October 30, 2015 at 2:14 pm
ManjuBeth
Mike, I like the humor in your art. And AllTheWonders.com is an awesome site. Thanks!
October 30, 2015 at 2:17 pm
Beth Blee
Beautiful illustration! Wishing you great success in your career!
October 30, 2015 at 2:22 pm
winemama
Love your art!
October 30, 2015 at 2:43 pm
marlainagray
This is so charming!
October 30, 2015 at 2:46 pm
Gabi Snyder
I like the yellows and blues together. Fun and whimsical illustration!
October 30, 2015 at 2:59 pm
Lane Arnold (@lanearnold)
Such fun!
October 30, 2015 at 3:19 pm
Anna Smith
I really enjoyed looking at your art work it’s very original.
October 30, 2015 at 3:43 pm
Kathryn Kass
I love the artwork!
October 30, 2015 at 3:45 pm
Gracie Idzal
Love the art work! Very clever!
October 30, 2015 at 3:55 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
This artwork would look fantabulous front and center on my blog/website. I’m transitioning my site from my old life as a freelance writer to my new life as a children’s book author. Fingers crossed. Ideas popping…
October 30, 2015 at 4:03 pm
Ashley Bankhead
This picture is fantastic. Love it!:)
October 30, 2015 at 4:06 pm
Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart)
love this image!
October 30, 2015 at 4:14 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
That’s pretty cool, Mike! Looking at your art work has started my PiBoIdMo gears turning.
October 30, 2015 at 4:16 pm
Kathryn Ault Noble
Fun! Thanks for the offering, Mike. Looks JUST like my studio! Wink.
October 30, 2015 at 4:28 pm
Joanne Sher
LOVE the image – thanks for offering it!
October 30, 2015 at 4:46 pm
amysase
I feel like this little girl sometimes. Ideas floating around but out of reach. You’ve captured the writers’ struggle in a magical, surreal way.
October 30, 2015 at 4:51 pm
Moderator
Reblogged this on Young People's Pavilion.
October 30, 2015 at 5:09 pm
marcchatham
That picture is awesome.
October 30, 2015 at 5:11 pm
Rebecca Colby
Beautiful work!
October 30, 2015 at 5:18 pm
Amy Bradshaw
I still love to climb trees. Wait, I think that is me! Love your work!
October 30, 2015 at 5:32 pm
Gregory E Bray
Great artwork. =)
October 30, 2015 at 5:41 pm
Christine M. Irvin
I’d love to have this hanging on my wall!
October 30, 2015 at 5:47 pm
Linda Carpenter
Thank you Mike! I would be honored to win your artwork!
October 30, 2015 at 5:56 pm
Cassandra Federman
So lively!
October 30, 2015 at 5:57 pm
Danielle Heitmuller
I am so pumped for PiBoIdMo!!! Thanks for the visual inspiration!
October 30, 2015 at 6:04 pm
Lynette Oxley
Hi Mike, your illustration reminds me of surrealist artist, Rene Magritte’s “Rain”.
October 30, 2015 at 6:16 pm
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
Maybe if I had a wondrous blue tree such as this one, I could perch upon it and come up with picture book ideas faster. Is there a place in the tree to set my cup of mint tea on? The picture clearly shows how much you enjoy illustrating.
October 30, 2015 at 6:20 pm
mwebb32
Love the artwork!
October 30, 2015 at 6:26 pm
nicolepopel
Thinking hard, Mike!
October 30, 2015 at 6:29 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Love your work! Hoping to see many of your picture books in the future.
October 30, 2015 at 6:53 pm
mollywog2015
Thank you Mike!
October 30, 2015 at 7:03 pm
Carleen Shreeve
Love the face on the kid. It’s great!
October 30, 2015 at 7:04 pm
Ingrid Boydston
This is amazing! I love your “Once Upon A Time” as well! Thank you fir sharing your talent!
October 30, 2015 at 10:13 pm
ciccotello
Thanks for checking out my work. I rally appreciate you taking the time to do that! Best of luck with PiBoIdMo!
October 30, 2015 at 7:37 pm
Lynne Marie
That art is a great start to a story 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
October 30, 2015 at 10:12 pm
ciccotello
I hope we get to read that story someday! 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 7:45 pm
tinawissner
I want it ! I want it!
I’m not begging or anything. (Am I?)
October 30, 2015 at 8:01 pm
Susan L. Roberts
I’m revving up my engines for November 1! One idea I had I actually drafted an outline of the whole entire story. I can’t wait to see what happens doing this for 30 days!
October 30, 2015 at 8:10 pm
LJ Laniewski
This illustration says so much! Thanks for the visual!
October 30, 2015 at 8:13 pm
cat jones
Now I wonder what ideas your little character has written down in that notebook! The longer I study your picture, the more inspiration I get. Thanks for sharing.
October 30, 2015 at 10:14 pm
ciccotello
That’s great! Now that you mention it… I wonder what’s in that notebook too. I’m gonna’ ask.
October 30, 2015 at 8:13 pm
Rona Shirdan
Great art work!
October 30, 2015 at 8:16 pm
Janet Halfmann
Thanks for the visual inspiration!
October 30, 2015 at 8:28 pm
Joan Boor
You are really adding to my enjoyment of the artistic process- great reminders and ideas
October 30, 2015 at 10:17 pm
ciccotello
Awesome!
October 30, 2015 at 8:34 pm
Karen Lawler
I am really excited for all of this 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 8:37 pm
Heather Greene
Great stuff! Thanks!
October 30, 2015 at 8:38 pm
Christine McCarthy
Love it!
October 30, 2015 at 8:50 pm
Corey Schwartz
Oh, goodness, how will i ever win with 224 other comments already?
October 30, 2015 at 10:16 pm
ciccotello
How will you win? How am I ever going to get to sleep? 😉
October 30, 2015 at 8:53 pm
Heather Pierce Stigall
Nice work and very inspiring, indeed! And I’m looking forward to more of All the Wonders!
October 30, 2015 at 10:32 pm
ciccotello
Thank you very much, Heather! – AND thanks for checking out All the Wonders. I’ll let the team know!
October 30, 2015 at 9:01 pm
Pamela Courtney
Ha! Me likey this a lot.
October 30, 2015 at 10:15 pm
ciccotello
Me happy you likey.
October 30, 2015 at 9:10 pm
kateywrites
I’d love to win some of Mike’s art – I love how dynamic it is!
October 30, 2015 at 10:11 pm
ciccotello
Thanks so much, Katey. 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 9:13 pm
laura516
This is perfect for a writer’s nook. Love your illustration!
October 30, 2015 at 9:18 pm
Dyann Joyce
Wonderful! Dyann Joyce
October 30, 2015 at 9:29 pm
Maria Marshall
Excellent drawing. I love the light bulb shapes! Thank you.
October 30, 2015 at 10:01 pm
saputnam
Thank you for sharing your work with us. I love all the different kinds of light bulbs you used
October 30, 2015 at 10:15 pm
Lotus Ivak
Hi Mike, the attention to detail in your artwork is simply amazing. Thank you for sharing.
October 30, 2015 at 10:16 pm
Carole Calladine
What an inspirational drawing!
October 30, 2015 at 10:30 pm
Yunita Phillips
Thank you Mike for sharing your picture. It really made me think! 🙂
October 30, 2015 at 10:34 pm
erikammon
Holy Cow, Mike! Such an amazing image! This one resonates with me- and I’m sure everyone here!
October 30, 2015 at 10:39 pm
Garnett Natasha
Your light bulbs of inspiration are just what I need. Maybe I’ll be the lucky winner. Thanks, Mike.
October 30, 2015 at 11:18 pm
aallen6
Very cleaver! Mike, you have wonderful talent! Best of luck in your aspirations!
October 30, 2015 at 11:28 pm
Karen Brueggeman
What it’s so awesome. You are very talented.
October 30, 2015 at 11:39 pm
joypainter
This is a fun picture. Nothing like being free to be in a tree… thinking outside the box letting your inner child write. Love that all kinds of ideas are bubbling up from the sea of imagination. Big plans are being constructed for a future family of characters to be played out in this house of many stories.
October 31, 2015 at 12:15 am
Laurie L Young
Beautiful! Love this!!
October 31, 2015 at 12:15 am
Keila Dawson
Such talent. I’m working on my stick figures. 🙂
October 31, 2015 at 12:20 am
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting & Writing
Love your whimsical illustration, lightbulb balloons, and the trees remind me of Trufulla trees from Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax.”
October 31, 2015 at 12:32 am
Zoraida Rivera Morales
Great arte! Nice cups,too. Loved the murals and how it made me think differently. I mean, the post. So used to words!
October 31, 2015 at 1:04 am
Christine Connolly
Love this illustration!
October 31, 2015 at 2:07 am
Carrie Charley Brown
A true brainstorm! I love it, Mike!
October 31, 2015 at 2:50 am
nora holt
I’ve come to appreciate illustrators for children’s stories the more I write children’s stories.
October 31, 2015 at 3:10 am
Jamie LB Deenihan
Beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for sharing!
October 31, 2015 at 5:17 am
pearlz
Reblogged this on Pearlz Dreaming and commented:
So hoping to have many daily light bulb moments!
Thanks Mike for your inspiring pic.
October 31, 2015 at 8:20 am
ritaborg
I am an aspiring illustrator. Thanks for the lesson.
October 31, 2015 at 8:53 am
Kristen C. Strocchia =)
Ooo, nothing like a great visual prompt to get the ideas flowing. Love the colors and textures in this. =)
October 31, 2015 at 9:19 am
Janet Smart
Love your art, Mike! Thanks for the generous prize.
October 31, 2015 at 9:38 am
Lynn A. Davidson
Wowwww! Mike, this piece of art you created is fascinating, beautiful, quirky, and inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve checked out your website and love your work. You’re just the creative genius I would love to have illustrate the little pb I have ready to be loved. Now, how do we arrange that? 🙂
October 31, 2015 at 9:42 am
Pat Scruggs
Hi Mike. Great visual. Ideas do come in all shapes and sizes just like lightbulbs. The ultimate idea icon.
October 31, 2015 at 9:53 am
teresa m.i. schaefer (@TMISchaefer)
Completely inspired to doodle my own idea generator! Love this.
October 31, 2015 at 10:15 am
Jill
Fun illustration. You’re a talented artist.
October 31, 2015 at 11:04 am
storyfairy
Wow! Cool picture. 🙂
October 31, 2015 at 11:10 am
Sheri Rad
Love the cool swirls and few colors, but what is the character thinking or doing. Good jump off to writing about this.
October 31, 2015 at 11:26 am
rupalimulge
Wow what an idea for idea mining. 🙂
October 31, 2015 at 11:29 am
Rosi Hollinbeck
My granddaughter is a budding artist. I can’t wait to share this with her. Thanks for sharing it here.
October 31, 2015 at 11:50 am
rythmicrhyme
So glad to hear you’re an artist involved in creating books for boys. What a great idea to provide books with a variety of genre options. As a mom of 3 sons I get it and want to be involved in getting boys voices out there.
October 31, 2015 at 11:52 am
Lisa Connors
Lisa Connors Love the different light bulbs for different ideas!
October 31, 2015 at 1:31 pm
writersideup
I am totally in on having a chance to win a Mike Ciccotello original! 😀 Yeah, baby! Thanks, Mike! 😀
October 31, 2015 at 1:32 pm
Carolyn Cory Scoppettone
Beautiful!
October 31, 2015 at 2:04 pm
Jennifer Weingardt
That’s inspiration I can connect with!
October 31, 2015 at 3:26 pm
LaurenKerstein
Wow! I love the colors, the detail, and the evocative nature of this illustration. Thank you!
October 31, 2015 at 7:14 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Coincidentally, I use that exact same thinking face.
October 31, 2015 at 7:15 pm
Cinzia
Great picture!
October 31, 2015 at 7:23 pm
Kristi Veitenheimer
Cute illustration!
October 31, 2015 at 7:57 pm
Caroline
Love all the ideas out there!
November 1, 2015 at 12:45 am
Naana Kyereboah
Thought provoking illustration.
November 1, 2015 at 4:28 am
Katelyn Aronson
Love the assortment of lightbulbs!
November 1, 2015 at 8:26 am
The Ink Pond
Lovely piece! Checked out your website. Your murals are amazing!
November 1, 2015 at 8:32 am
Kimberly Marcus
I love your color palette! Your website is so great. I got lost in your coffee cup doodles. Wow.
November 1, 2015 at 8:38 am
Jenna Woloshyn
A new twist on a cliche. I love it!
November 1, 2015 at 8:57 am
Alexis Larkin
I hope your little idea catcher has her own book someday. This art is incredible!
November 1, 2015 at 10:12 am
Reena Balding
Love it!
November 1, 2015 at 1:12 pm
Tracey M. Cox
My goal is to resemble this picture by the end of the month. Ideas swirling all around! Thanks, Mike!
November 1, 2015 at 5:08 pm
Kathy Manchip
Ideas are everywhere! Thanks Mike 🙂
November 1, 2015 at 6:03 pm
mona861
This is true but weird. I just came to look at this post and pop! The lightbulb blew. Replaced the “old fashioned” style to a new and improved twirly whirly one! The timing was amazing…now I’m really getting visual. Thank you. I have to go back and look, to see what I’ve missed in your drawing.
November 1, 2015 at 7:25 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents!
November 1, 2015 at 8:50 pm
Brook Gideon (@brookgideon)
Wonderful piece! Your site and other artwork are great!
November 1, 2015 at 9:05 pm
Yvonne Mes
Beautiful illustration!
November 1, 2015 at 9:17 pm
Annie Banannie
Love, Love, Love your Inktober stuff on your blog, especially the coffee cup robot (not Inktober) and the Whovian tribute.
November 1, 2015 at 9:28 pm
Kelly Parker
LOVE the artwork! Makes me want to practice!
November 1, 2015 at 11:03 pm
Talia
Raining ideas. Great piece. Love the coffee cup doodles too.
November 1, 2015 at 11:33 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you, Mike, for your generous offer. Winning an original piece of artwork is so generous.
~Suzy Leopold
November 1, 2015 at 11:49 pm
Susie Sawyer
Oh how I would love to frame this over my writing space!! Do I detect a bit of Seuss inspiration in that tree? 🙂 Love the texture! Thank you!
November 2, 2015 at 12:05 am
Kirsten Bock
Awesome artwork!
November 2, 2015 at 12:16 am
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
Mike…in my treetop nest, ready to write from worst to best…plans made, ready to hatch every idea laid. Thanks for your inspiring art.
November 2, 2015 at 1:16 am
wendymyersart
Beautiful piece, lots of energy!
November 2, 2015 at 7:34 am
Nadine Gamble
Lightbulbs are clicking on! Thanks!
November 2, 2015 at 9:23 am
Erin O'Brien
Perfect inspiration!
November 2, 2015 at 10:03 am
Doris Stone
Thanks for the inspiration, Mike, I’ll never look at a lightbulb as just a lightbulb again. Now, I’m off to find my thirty different picturebook ideas.
November 2, 2015 at 10:48 am
tanjabauerle
Love a visual post. From a fellow artist to another, three cheers to drawing. 🙂 Great illo.T
November 2, 2015 at 12:32 pm
jeanjames
Beautiful illustration…sums it up perfectly!
November 2, 2015 at 2:14 pm
Kathryn Cunningham
Love it! Hope I win!
November 2, 2015 at 2:36 pm
Sandi Lawson
Love it!
November 2, 2015 at 2:42 pm
Lauri Meyers
I just need a few of those light bulbs…
November 2, 2015 at 3:17 pm
purimenaya
Lovely ilustration. I would like to be on this tree to catch ideas!!!
November 2, 2015 at 3:46 pm
Sandy Lowe
A perfect capture of how it feels to be trying to reach out and grab those ideas as they float by!
November 2, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Jill Tadros
Gorgeous!
November 2, 2015 at 5:00 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
Love the artwork, Thanks, Mike!
November 2, 2015 at 5:54 pm
Dani Duck
Where is this place? I want to move in for the month. Let me know how much and take all my money!
November 2, 2015 at 7:19 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Awesome! Thanks!
November 3, 2015 at 12:05 am
Caroline Lee Webster (@uncoverthepearl)
Wow–what a cool piece. Any writer/illustrator would love to have this close by for inspiration.
November 3, 2015 at 1:38 am
Freckled Daisy Creations
Looks like the Inside Outside character of creative thinking-or what happens to my brain this time of year
November 3, 2015 at 9:00 am
Nicole Strangman
Great inspiration!
November 3, 2015 at 10:54 am
Holly Ruppel
They’re like fireflies! Love your work, Mike!
November 3, 2015 at 11:56 am
Donna Rossman (@RossmanDonna)
Inspiring! Love your work! Many thanks, Mike! 🙂
November 3, 2015 at 1:11 pm
Dawn Young
Surrounded by ideas. Love it!
November 3, 2015 at 2:34 pm
Carrie Finison
I love that the girl is up in a tree – the perfect place to think!
November 3, 2015 at 8:00 pm
kmshelley
Thanks Mike! Lots of talent, color, and fun in that post!
November 4, 2015 at 9:43 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Really nice illustrations Mike. I got a kick out of your animation about the credit card. Ha! Clever!
November 4, 2015 at 6:26 pm
Tracy Molitors
Great work, Mike! Thanks for sharing.
November 5, 2015 at 12:55 am
Pamela Berkman
Oh, my, I hope I’m not too late! Love this.
November 5, 2015 at 1:30 pm
QuinnC
Mike, I love the light bulbs! Even energy efficient ones!
November 5, 2015 at 7:25 pm
Sarah Harroff
Gorgeous, Mike!
November 5, 2015 at 9:51 pm
Amy Smith
Awesome illustration. Fantastic prize. Thank you and continued success, Mike!
November 6, 2015 at 1:11 pm
David McMullin
Mike, This is how I see ideas. They are all floating around out there just waiting for the right person to get near enough.
November 6, 2015 at 1:25 pm
angeladegroot8
Cool!
November 6, 2015 at 5:44 pm
Kathy Appleton
Inspires lots of good ideas!
November 9, 2015 at 1:40 pm
cantsing1
I LOOOOOVE your drawing! So much life and hinting in it. Hope you get picked when my book gets picked!
November 10, 2015 at 2:56 am
michellemmead
Love this!!!! 🙂
November 10, 2015 at 6:42 pm
Anna L. Russell
You are more creative than me — way!
November 11, 2015 at 12:05 am
jhayslett
Ideas DO come in all shapes and sizes! Thanks for this visualization of that concept.
November 11, 2015 at 3:48 pm
Meghan Daniels
Great piece!
November 15, 2015 at 7:43 pm
Dawn
Fun illustration!
November 22, 2015 at 8:55 am
angelapadron
Love your style – best of luck!
November 24, 2015 at 11:41 pm
Janice Brown
I love your illustration! Amazing!!
November 26, 2015 at 12:58 pm
Carrie Moore Chan
Climbing up to your idea place knowing that they come in all shapes and sizes….love it!
November 30, 2015 at 12:02 pm
tinawissner
oops! I’m discovering that I forgot to leave a comment on a few posts this past month. I enjoyed your pre-PiBoId Mo post. It truly helped prepare me. Thanks a million.
November 30, 2015 at 9:53 pm
shirley johnson
Very Nice!
December 1, 2015 at 1:23 am
Sara Pistulka Weingartner
Love your illo, Mike! 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 9:45 pm
Nancy Kotkin
Thanks for the inspiration. Love the inclusion of the energy efficient bulb.