by Ryan Hipp
When I was very young, I fell in love with the Smurfs—it was when the English-translated European film The Smurfs and the Magic Flute debuted on a weeknight and then heralded in the new Smurfs cartoon on ABC Saturday Morning Cartoons every week thereafter.
Around the same time, I discovered Richard Scarry’s books, and the Mr. Men/Little Miss series by Roger Hargreaves. As long as I can remember, I have found that my passion to write and draw came from the things that I loved.
I have always gravitated towards creating work that will homage the things I love. I will either hide little nods to my past in my writing or art, or in some cases I am completely literal. I refer to the work I do as Nerdcore artwork. Nerdcore is a term derived by a movement in hiphop to use dorky subjects like comic books and video games as references and subject matter in the lyrics or as samples – I apply that same concept to the artwork I do to stay fresh and relevant.
I find inspiration in everything I love, and naturally, as an artist I want to honor and showcase what I love to tell the world more about me. Once a week, I try to illustrate a new piece. Something either current or nostalgic. Its my way of showing my fanbase topics they may not even be aware of and giving these genres a new voice.
As writers and artists, it is important to take what we love—to take what inspires us—and let it reflect back to our audiences.
Ryan Hipp is a published author-illustrator of books for kids from Grand Rapids, MI., honored by the MRA as recipient of the Gwen Frostic Award for work greatly impacting literacy. Ryan is the leading expert in Michigan on fostering visual literacy and creative thought; with 10 years experience and research in the field. He actively gives presentations to aid educators to inspire and motivate young people. Ryan is dedicated to helping kids achieve their goals and overcome life’s obstacles as depicted in his newest book LITTLE STEPS. Visit him at RyanHipp.com.
Ryan is giving away an original sketch on bristol board.
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344 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 17, 2015 at 9:41 am
kathalsey
Love the idea of giving your audience a glimpse into what you love, your passions! TY, Ryan.
November 17, 2015 at 9:44 am
Brianna Zamborsky
Thanks for this! Makes the work not feel like work this way.
November 17, 2015 at 9:45 am
Michele Blood
You had me at Daryl. 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 9:45 am
Darlene Ivy
love shows! thank you!
November 17, 2015 at 9:45 am
writeknit
Sharing bits of ourselves to reflect what we love is what we should try to do with our stories. Thank you for reminding me why we do what we do 🙂 I love your artwork!
November 17, 2015 at 9:46 am
Robyn Campbell
Thanks, Ryan. I agree. We have to write what inspires us. Love nerdcore. Your art is fabulous. I’ll check out your books.
November 17, 2015 at 9:47 am
Darlene
Ryan – Thank you for so many creative ideas. Love the idea of incorporating “what you love” into one’s writing. Every day I am more and more amazed at the creativity & inspiration of all of the author’s posts. Thank you Tara for bringing this gift of PiBoIdMo to us.
November 17, 2015 at 9:47 am
Mary Worley
I love when elements from the past are incorporated into new art. It’s fun to find and to share with students. I find myself drawn to stories with maps. Wish I could remember when/why this happened. You got me thinking differently this morning. Thanks!
November 17, 2015 at 9:52 am
vickireinhardt2014
I’m definitely going to check out your book, Little Steps! Thank you for personalizing your gifts! =)
November 17, 2015 at 9:54 am
donnacangelosi
Thank you, Ryan! Finding inspiration in everything we love gives us so much to work with as writers and illustrators.
November 17, 2015 at 9:54 am
Amy Houts
I agree with you 100 percent! Thanks for expressing this important part of writing. What I’ve found when I write on assignment is that once I start to research my topic, I find it extremely interesting and my love for a topic grows.
November 17, 2015 at 9:56 am
Juliana Lee
Love your references too! And at least two of them are making a comeback with the newest generation… of course, their parents were the first generation to love them. 🙂 I don’t think we could be artistic at all, if we didn’t draw from our own experience in some way. I’ll be looking for LITTLE STEPS!
November 17, 2015 at 9:56 am
Joanne Sher
HEY – I live in Grand Rapids!! 🙂 Cool. Love this post too – why NOT use our loves to infuse our ideas? Your passion becomes others. Thanks!
November 17, 2015 at 9:58 am
cantsing1
“Work that will homage the things I love.” What a tight and clear way to say it and to remind me why I do what I do. My thanks.
November 17, 2015 at 9:58 am
ptnozell
Your post is a “blast from the past!” Love that you incorporate your inspirations into your current work & love that you work to promote visual literacy. Thank you, Ryan, for sharing your talents & posting here.
November 17, 2015 at 9:58 am
Polly Renner
Why…is that a picture from TWD? Ha ha…not what I expected to see this morning:>
November 17, 2015 at 9:58 am
Carolyn Rohrbaugh
Your post is very inspirational. Thanks
November 17, 2015 at 9:59 am
Monique
Love the Daryl pic! I have been trying to work on my own illustrations so that one day I write/illustrate just like you do.
November 17, 2015 at 9:59 am
Ali Pfautz
Work and love hand in hand! Thanks!
November 17, 2015 at 10:00 am
Laura Rackham
there is no mistaking when the true passion inspires
November 17, 2015 at 10:00 am
Jessica Nims
I love this. Also, nice to see an awesome MI person.
November 17, 2015 at 10:01 am
Katelyn Aronson
Yes, so important to remember our “first loves” as children when creating things for the current generation. Thank you, Mr. Hipp.
November 17, 2015 at 10:01 am
Rebecca Sheraton
I love it. Write and draw what you love
November 17, 2015 at 10:01 am
Alison Goldberg
Thanks for the inspiration!
November 17, 2015 at 10:04 am
Kim Piddington
Your post made me start humming that song from the sound of music “These are a few of my favorite things…” Had never thought to apply that to my writing!
November 17, 2015 at 10:04 am
Kara
I’ve noticed some of my inspiration comes from my kids because it’s something I love. Great advice!
November 17, 2015 at 10:05 am
loriannlevyholm
When I saw PD Eastman’s illustrated dictionary…I feel in love with illustration. Thank you for your post.
November 17, 2015 at 10:08 am
Steph Beth Nickel's Blog
P.D. Eastman was my favourite children’s author when I was growing up. You have me thinking how I can give him a head nod in my own work. I’ll be thinking about that. Thank you for this post and by the way, I enjoyed reading your bio as much as your post. Have a good one!
November 17, 2015 at 10:09 am
Melanie Ellsworth
I had the Mr. Men series as a child and saved them. My daughter now loves them too, especially Mr. Tickle and Mr. Mischief. Thanks for the reminder to use what we love in our own work and give it a new voice.
November 17, 2015 at 10:12 am
leandrajwallace
I love the colors & the simplicity of Little Steps. Such a cute caterpillar!
November 17, 2015 at 10:13 am
Susan Cabael
Ah, bringing back to my memory 3 childhood faves! I think I must’ve learned to read by poring over Richard Scarry word books endless times; I was obsessed with his detailed drawings and all those labels. Nice way to share yourself with your fans.
November 17, 2015 at 10:13 am
Patricia Alcaro
Once again, a reminder to listen to the child within us.
November 17, 2015 at 10:15 am
Bruna De Luca
Lovely post. I can relate to feeling enthusiasm when sharing things I love, hoping others will feel that same passion.
November 17, 2015 at 10:16 am
jeanjames
Great post, love the nod to TWD pic.
November 17, 2015 at 10:16 am
Melissa
Thanks Ryan! I love that you try to foster visual literacy and creative thought. So wonderful!
November 17, 2015 at 10:20 am
Ann Kelley
The Smurfs – oh my gosh, memories just flooded in my head. I can hear Brainy Smurf and Papa Smurf’s voices. Thanks for the reminder to look for inspiration at those things we love past and present! Snoopy, anyone?
November 17, 2015 at 10:22 am
Natalie Rompella
Ryan, I saw you won the Gwen Frostic Award. Awesome! We head out to the Gwen Frostic Print Shop in Benzonia every summer. You gave me a wonderful journal warm up idea: writing something in the style of one of my favorite writers or favorite pb. Thanks!
November 17, 2015 at 1:56 pm
Ryan Hipp (@hipphop)
Thank you! I still need to make the way up there! I have been in a lot of touch with the folks who run it because of permissions to use the Award emblem on promo materials and I understand it is a beautiful place. I wished I had a chance to meet Gwen now that she has become a bigger part of my life.
November 17, 2015 at 10:23 am
yangmommy
I too grew up with the Smurfs…in fact, I still have a rather extensive Smurf village that I’m passing down to my child. Along with my Richard Scary books and of course, all my Mr Men & Little Miss books! 🙂 All classics in their own way. Thanks for a trip down memory lane, Ryan
November 17, 2015 at 10:23 am
Rebecca E. Guzinski
Thanks for the wonderful post! It’s amazing how images from childhood stick with us through adulthood.
November 17, 2015 at 10:31 am
Kathy Grupe
LOVE Richard Scarry books; you can look at the pages over and over and always discover something new.
November 17, 2015 at 10:41 am
gweddle
Thanks! I learned a new word, nerdcore.
November 17, 2015 at 10:44 am
Lois Wickstrom
Nerds Unite! We have nothing to lose but our slide rules!
November 17, 2015 at 10:45 am
LovableLobo
We love Nerds, artsy and otherwise! Thanks for reminding us that when you love what you do, it shows.
November 17, 2015 at 10:45 am
Rebecca G. Aguilar
Thank you for the post, Ryan! Struck by the idea that ‘nerdcore’ represents your creativity as an aficionado of whatever… trains, cooking, photography, Russian history… what you are drawn to and why it is worthwhile to share.
November 17, 2015 at 10:45 am
Joan Swanson
Since we are most knowledgeable about the things we love, then we become experts on those things. It makes perfect sense. Thanks for the advise:)
November 17, 2015 at 10:47 am
cherylsec
I loved the Smurfs, too. I used to get off work from the night shift as a nurse, and I’d watch them to unwind. 🙂 Thank you for the inspiring post, Ryan!
November 17, 2015 at 10:47 am
Anita Banks
Love your work, what fun!
November 17, 2015 at 10:48 am
ManjuBeth
Ryan, Thanks for sharing! I grew up with many Richard Scarry books too.
November 17, 2015 at 10:48 am
Erin O'Brien
“Let it reflect back…” Wonderful advice, Ryan! Thank you!
November 17, 2015 at 10:49 am
Rebecca Wise Eklund
Thank you for this insight (and reminder of how much I also love the Smurfs!)
November 17, 2015 at 10:49 am
Laurie Daley
Nerdcore, I love the idea and that it has a name! Food for thought.
November 17, 2015 at 10:50 am
tblease
Shout out to Nerds!
November 17, 2015 at 10:51 am
Yunita Phillips
Thank you Ryan for sharing your passion in writing and illustration. Your drawing are cute too 🙂 Love your work … Thank you.
November 17, 2015 at 10:56 am
Zainab
Thanks for the tip. FYI, Lowly Worm and Mr. Men/Little Miss lived in my imagination from an early age. Smurfs came a bit later. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 11:01 am
Susan Nicholas
Thanks for sharing your “nerdcore” inspirations!
November 17, 2015 at 11:01 am
Lori Dubbin
Thank you for fostering visual literacy and creative thought for young children (and for us today). Can’t wait to read LITTLE STEPS. (Richard Scarry books should be everyone’s first books :))
November 17, 2015 at 11:02 am
tanjabauerle
Oh, I remember Mr. Men. They were such a big part of my childhood. Thank you for the memory and the push to have our work reflect what we love. Happy Creating, T
November 17, 2015 at 11:05 am
hmmmmm
I am noticing that a common thread has shown up in several recent PiBo posts, encouraging us to really dig in to the things that matter and are close at hand. Whether it is ‘things that we love’ (TODAY), or ‘things that inspire us’ (DAY 13) or ‘things from our everyday lives’ (DAY 12), the underlying mantra seems to be: WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW. Which is a mantra that we probably can’t hear too often!
Thanks for this latest twist, Ryan!
November 17, 2015 at 11:06 am
Carole Calladine
Thank you for your nerdcore inspirational post. Love the title, Little Steps.
November 17, 2015 at 11:08 am
Shelly Hawley-Yan
I LOVE the term “nerdcore” – its perfect!!!
November 17, 2015 at 11:08 am
Debbie Austin
This inspires me to create an “I love…” list and use it as the seeds for the stories I write. Thank you for this simple, but powerful idea.
November 17, 2015 at 11:08 am
kirsticall
Nercore is such a fun idea and name!
November 17, 2015 at 11:11 am
danielledufayet
It always goes back to what you, the writer, loves. That’s what we need to write! Thank you for the fun reminder. 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 11:13 am
Rosie Taylor
Thank you, Ryan, for the reminder to take what we love and reflect it back to our readers. Kudos for your work in fostering literacy and creative thought!!
November 17, 2015 at 11:22 am
Amy Courage
Thank you Ryan! For sharing your artwork and inspiration 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 11:23 am
Stephen S. Martin
It isn’t easy being Blue. One of the reasons I leave my studio open to the public is so they can always see who I am and what I am thinking. Nerd core – Love It!
November 17, 2015 at 11:24 am
Lynne Marie
Thanks for the memories and the inspiration, Ryan!
November 17, 2015 at 11:29 am
David McMullin
I love giving little winks and nods to others’ work when I write. Thanks Ryan.
November 17, 2015 at 11:29 am
saputnam
Great post, Ryan!! I agree with you 100 percent …write what you love! Thank you for reminding us to listen to the child inside
November 17, 2015 at 11:35 am
Jillian Michel
Thanks for the inspiration. I love the Daryl Dixon picture!
November 17, 2015 at 11:39 am
dbyatt
You have great taste! Ahhhh nostalgia.
November 17, 2015 at 11:42 am
Mark A. Bentz
Great post Ryan. I like your illustrations. Write and draw what you love, awesome.
November 17, 2015 at 11:43 am
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
Come to think of it, my favorite inspirations generally do come from what I love. Great post.
November 17, 2015 at 11:43 am
Lynn A. Davidson
It’s wonderful that authors and illustrators can tap into things from their childhood and relive them in a way children will also get to love them. Thanks for the reminder to ‘remember’, Ryan.
November 17, 2015 at 11:47 am
Jacqueline Adams
Thanks for bringing me back to the past. (I loved the Smurfs!) This is getting me thinking about other things I loved as a kid.
November 17, 2015 at 11:53 am
kayt663
“Work that will homage the things I love.” Great words of advice! This got me thinking on a few new ideas.. or idea fragments as I like to call them sometimes! Thanks!
November 17, 2015 at 11:53 am
pathaap
Love the idea of hiding nods to the past. It’s another way of putting your signature on a piece.
November 17, 2015 at 11:54 am
Sue Poduska
Doesn’t matter what you love (within reason), as long as that passion shines through. Off to write about chocolate!
November 17, 2015 at 11:55 am
Deborah Allmand
Lovely thought about taking what we love and are inspired by and give it to our audience. Thanks for the post.
November 17, 2015 at 11:55 am
marlainagray
Absolute truth, and absolutely cool art.
November 17, 2015 at 11:55 am
Teresa Daffern
Thank you! I love that we all have a hidden repertoire of things we love that inspire us. It can be so much fun to mix and combine those influences.
November 17, 2015 at 11:56 am
DaNeil Olson
Lovely post. Thank you.
November 17, 2015 at 12:04 pm
Jill
Richard Scarry and the Smurfs were two of my faves!
November 17, 2015 at 12:07 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Great post! Thank you!
November 17, 2015 at 12:10 pm
Sandy Powell
Sound advice. Thank you for the post.
November 17, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Laura K Zimmermann
My earlier post seems to have been lost to cyberspace…trying again. Thanks for the great advice!
November 17, 2015 at 12:15 pm
Gabi Snyder
Hurray for Smurfs! And I loved Richard Scarry, too. Thanks for the glimpse into your process and for the inspiration to draw from what we love in our work.
November 17, 2015 at 12:17 pm
Ali Earle Pichardo
I love that I get inspiration everywhere I look. I enjoyed your post Ryan.
November 17, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Janet Halfmann
Thanks for the inspiration. Looking forward to reading Little Steps!
November 17, 2015 at 12:23 pm
Caren Cantrell
Thanks for the inspiration. Smurf on!
November 17, 2015 at 12:30 pm
deborahholtwilliams
Your post reminded me of the giant Mr. Tickle pillow I sewed for my son when he fell in love with those books, and of books I loved as a child, Flicka Dicka and Ricka. My idea for the day now involves triplets! Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
November 17, 2015 at 12:37 pm
Kelly Vavala
I love how you found your inspiration in the Smurfs and Richard Scarry books! I just loved a book called THE BORROWERS when I was younger and wanted to write just like her! Thank you for a wonderful and inspiring post!
November 17, 2015 at 12:37 pm
Meghan Daniels
Thanks for sharing! I too love the Smurfs!
November 17, 2015 at 12:38 pm
awflitter
Yea! A Nerdcore fan who is Hipp! Thanks, Ryan, for your personal reflections and the reminder to be true to what inspires us.
November 17, 2015 at 12:42 pm
viviankirkfield
I keep hearing this same refrain…write (or draw) what you know and love…hopefully it is making an impression on me…I know that when I embrace it as you have, my stories come alive. 😉 Thank you, Ryan, your words are very important for us!
November 17, 2015 at 12:48 pm
michaelwaynebooks
Nerdcore in PBs. Love it.
November 17, 2015 at 12:48 pm
ajschildrensbooks
Excellent post! Thank you, Ryan!
November 17, 2015 at 12:53 pm
rgstones
Am I the only one with the Smurfs song in her head right now? 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 12:55 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
Ryan: You are SO RIGHT! How can we expect our audience to love our work if we don’t love it first?!!!!!?!!!! MAN! I miss watching “The Smurfs” every Saturday morning! *sigh*
November 17, 2015 at 1:00 pm
KASteed
This was informative..I have not heard the term ‘nerdcore.’ thank you for creating from what you love…it’s a great reminder.
November 17, 2015 at 1:03 pm
imartypoet
Thank you Ryan for reminding all of us that what we love belongs in our art forms and that making art, being productive, is honoring yourself and your fanbase. Super cool that you are a visual literacy expert. Much success and a huge thank you for making that prize be an original piece of art!
November 17, 2015 at 1:58 pm
Ryan Hipp (@hipphop)
Thank you for the kind words!
November 17, 2015 at 1:08 pm
mariagianferrari
Thanks, Ryan!
November 17, 2015 at 1:10 pm
Beth Blee
Ryan, thanks for your refreshing thoughts. I want to write about what I love. I’m a Michigander but have lived out west longer than I lived in MI. Great success in your writing and illustrating.
November 17, 2015 at 1:26 pm
Sophia Mallonée (@SophiaMallonee)
Love your work! Thanks for sharing!
November 17, 2015 at 1:26 pm
teresa m.i. schaefer (@TMISchaefer)
A lovely expansion on “Love what you do”.
November 17, 2015 at 1:27 pm
Val McCammon
And what we love and carry forward will inspire future generations. Thanks, Ryan.
November 17, 2015 at 1:28 pm
Midge Smith
Thank you!
November 17, 2015 at 1:28 pm
Marty McCormick
Three cheers for your work on visual literacy and creative thought. Had forgotten about the Smurfs! Fun to look back and think about all the things we love(d) and put them into our work one way or another. Thanks!
November 17, 2015 at 1:30 pm
Laura Bellina
I loved the Smurfs growing up. Thanks for reminding us to embrace the things we love.
November 17, 2015 at 1:37 pm
Gregory E Bray
Nice to see a fellow Smurfs fan. =)
November 17, 2015 at 1:38 pm
lindamartinandersen
Great message. Advice we should all take to heart.
November 17, 2015 at 1:38 pm
Karen Brueggeman
Great ideas thanks. 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 1:39 pm
Mirra Kayne
I love the Nerdcore tip! Thank you!
November 17, 2015 at 1:43 pm
sschwartz28
Thanks for a reminder that’s equally applicable to PB illustrators and writers.
November 17, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Heidi Yates
Thank you for passing along the helpful tips Ryan! I love the idea of embracing the things we love. 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
The typical advice is “write what you know.” I think the advice “write (or illustrate) what you love” is a natural! Thanks, Ryan.
November 17, 2015 at 1:49 pm
lindaschueler
Hmmm, I learned a new word today: Nerdcore. I love it!
November 17, 2015 at 1:49 pm
Kathleen Wilcox
Thank you for encouraging us to weave what we love into our work and let it reflect back to our audience. Inspiring post!
November 17, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Jessalyn King (@jessalynk)
Wonderful! Also the great reminder that we all just need to practice (preferably by doing something fun…) regularly…
November 17, 2015 at 1:56 pm
Linda Carpenter
Ryan, this is a very endearing post. Many thanks for the helpful inspiration. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
November 17, 2015 at 2:01 pm
artsyandi
Great advice Ryan. Any excuse for me to watch more old cartoons is a great one! 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 2:01 pm
Ryan Hipp (@hipphop)
Holy wow, everyone. Thank you all so much for the wonderful replies. This has really made my day/week/month!
November 17, 2015 at 2:03 pm
Katie Engen
Nerdcore. I’ve dallied around the concept and played with my version of the practice, but I didn’t know the term. It’s a keeper! Thanks for the clarity. I believe this may be a rarified case of a word being worth 1,000 pictures.
November 17, 2015 at 2:08 pm
Elizabeth Lim
thanks for the reminder that I do this with love!
November 17, 2015 at 2:09 pm
Joan Waites
Never heard the word Nerdcore before…fun!
November 17, 2015 at 2:13 pm
andreesantini
“it is important to take what we love—to take what inspires us—and let it reflect back to our audiences.” Love it. Sounds too like a great filter for sifting and developing our favs of our 30 or 3000 PiBoId ideas.
November 17, 2015 at 2:16 pm
Stephanie Ledyard
I like the idea of paying homage to what you love and putting it into your art. Thank you.
November 17, 2015 at 2:20 pm
katmaz2012
Thank you, I just put Little Steps on my library list.
November 17, 2015 at 2:22 pm
Dawnyelle Moore
I always enjoyed looking at Richard Scarry books, so much to see and notice, so many details. Perhaps that’s where my love of details developed. Thank you for the reminder
November 17, 2015 at 2:23 pm
Deirdre Englehart
I love the Smurfs and Richard Scary books… great encouragement to keep what you love as central to your work!
November 17, 2015 at 2:24 pm
Rosi Hollinbeck
Thanks for the post. There is inspiration everywhere.
November 17, 2015 at 2:30 pm
Erin Nowak
Feeling encouraged. Thank you!
November 17, 2015 at 2:34 pm
Ashley Bohmer
Agreed!–The things we love often ring the truest! 😉
November 17, 2015 at 2:36 pm
Susie Sawyer
Ooooh, Mr. Men/Little Miss!! I have a huge collection and LOVE them! I like the idea of paying homage to the things you love – what better? Thank you!
November 17, 2015 at 2:38 pm
Kassy Keppol
I loved smurfs too.
November 17, 2015 at 2:48 pm
Pam Miller
Ryan, thanks for sharing your art and inspiring story.
November 17, 2015 at 2:52 pm
Sandra Jenkins
I’m looking forward to reading Little Steps.
November 17, 2015 at 3:00 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Nostalgic nerds of the world, unite!
November 17, 2015 at 3:04 pm
Laura Mulvey
I love the Daryl! We are binge watching TWD nightly 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 3:11 pm
theresenagi
Ryan congratulations on your Gwen Frostic award. Can’t wait to read your book “Little Steps”.
November 17, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Wendy Hinote Lanier
I learned a new word, and I like it! Nerdcore!
November 17, 2015 at 3:14 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Richard Scarry is my all time favorite. I can spend hours looking at his illustrations. We all have a little nerd in us.
November 17, 2015 at 3:23 pm
Barbara Cairns
I also love the smurfs. Thanks for your great post.
November 17, 2015 at 3:24 pm
claireannette1
Smurfs, Richard Scarry and Mr. Men/Little Miss will live on. It’s great to see how they continue to inspire you.
November 17, 2015 at 3:37 pm
Kathy Doherty
I love “I find inspiration in everything I love.” What a simple, yet powerful statement. Thank you.
November 17, 2015 at 3:40 pm
Cinzia
Nice – Love Nerdcore and the inspiration
November 17, 2015 at 3:41 pm
Li'vee Rehfield
Thank you Ryan for drawing us a picture…for inspiring us…rock on…
November 17, 2015 at 3:43 pm
Barbara Carney
Great to have your illustrator’s perspective.Thanks for the insights.
November 17, 2015 at 3:44 pm
kmajor2013
Thanks for sharing some of your creative proces, Ryan.
November 17, 2015 at 3:45 pm
Anne Iverson
Your words and illustrations SHOUT you love what you do! Thanks for your tender reminders, Ryan. If we don’t love what we do with a passion, why are we pursuing it?
November 17, 2015 at 3:46 pm
leprechaun5770
Thanks for the tips, Ryan.
November 17, 2015 at 3:56 pm
Jill Richards Proctor
I believe in using our talents to share what we love. Thank you, Ryan.
November 17, 2015 at 4:01 pm
Alice Fulgione
Thank you, Ryan, for a great post!
November 17, 2015 at 4:26 pm
mollywog2015
I agree with you completely! And I love your philosophy. As an illustrator I find loving things very inspirational too!
November 17, 2015 at 4:30 pm
Teresa Robeson
Smurf? *snork*! Oh, wait, Ryan was serious. 😉 I sketch daily, but I like his idea of doing a full illustration weekly. I’ll try and find time to do that.
November 17, 2015 at 4:44 pm
shiela fuller
Sure, we could write about anything, but when we write about “what we love,” that’s when the passion is brought to the forefront. Thank you for this post today.
November 17, 2015 at 4:49 pm
Doris Stone
Thank you, Ryan for your wonderful post. I heard you speak one time and a writer’s event in G. R. and was spellbound. Also, thanks for all the time you’ve spent helping others learn about writing and illustration. P. S. I’m from Grand Haven.
November 17, 2015 at 4:54 pm
Traci Bold
Ryan, you are so right about this. giving a bit of ourselves in our craft will connect us to our readers better. makes for better relationships between author/illustrator and reader. Thank you. 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 5:00 pm
cat jones
A simple idea but so important. Thanks for your post.
November 17, 2015 at 5:01 pm
Janet Smart
Good advice. I’m always putting my memories and what I love into my writing.
November 17, 2015 at 5:09 pm
Lyn Oxley
Ryan, I am also inspired by children’s cartoons too. Thanks for sharing.
November 17, 2015 at 5:13 pm
kdveiten
Thanks for sharing! Richard Scarry was a favorite at my house also.
November 17, 2015 at 5:15 pm
Brenda Huante
Thank you for your thoughts on inspiration. What a joy to work with something we love.
Brenda Huante
November 17, 2015 at 5:20 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
Well, this is a good excuse for me to write more ballerina stories. I’m a non-dancing klutz obsessed with ballerinas. Yeah. That could be something….
November 17, 2015 at 5:27 pm
catcarole
Really enjoying this month of inspiration. I think all of us create in some ways to honor the work that first inspired us. Especially those who write and illustrate for children.
November 17, 2015 at 5:39 pm
Pamela Haskin
Thanks for a great post. Love the idea of including those things that mean so much to you.
November 17, 2015 at 5:42 pm
Dorothy Massey
Great post. Will check out Little Steps. It sounds and looks great.
November 17, 2015 at 5:50 pm
Joannie Duris
Fun post, Ryan. Such a simple idea–but powerful–to let our Nerdcores take a trip down memory lane. Two childhood favorites: troll dolls, and Mousetrap. Loved building those wacky, 3D mousetraps on the board, and needing to check that everything was set just so. Couldn’t let my brothers escape the trap because of a faulty connection!
November 17, 2015 at 5:55 pm
Tracy Molitors
Ryan, you have made me think about the roots of artistic inspiration in my own life. Very interesting-thanks!
November 17, 2015 at 6:09 pm
Artelle Lenthall
Loved Richard Scarry as a kid and later any fairy tale, Roald Dahl, Jules Verne, L.M.Montgomery, and historical biographies. Hmm, lots of scope there. Thanks Ryan
November 17, 2015 at 6:21 pm
kpbock
Nerdcore – love it!
November 17, 2015 at 6:26 pm
thduggie
Carte blanche for inside jokes? Maybe not. But I’ll take the permission to let a little more of myself shine through my text.
November 17, 2015 at 6:27 pm
Maria Marshall
Nerdcore – excellent. I too grew up with Smurfs and Richard Scary. Then watched as an adult with my kids ( Richard Scary on TV!). Great advice, thanks Ryan.
November 17, 2015 at 6:36 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Richard Scary is one of my favorites (and the favorites of my kiddos too!)
Thanks.
November 17, 2015 at 6:37 pm
Christine M. Irvin
Take what inspires us – – great advice!
November 17, 2015 at 6:46 pm
lmconnors
Paying homage to what you love is the key to your success. I need to let myself do more of that.
November 17, 2015 at 6:48 pm
JEN Garrett
Nerdcore will totally make it into the dictionary one day. 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 7:02 pm
Fran Price
Thanks, I’m always nervous about paying homage, it feels like copying. Time to change my outlook.
November 17, 2015 at 7:16 pm
melissamiles1
What a talent to be able to come up with both the stories and the artwork! I loved Richard Scary but was too old by the time the Smurfs came out not to roll my eyes. 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to share your insights. 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 7:18 pm
Kimberly Marcus
Is that Darryl from The Walking Dead?
If so, cool! If not, oops. Loved your post and those Easter eggs! Thank you!!
November 17, 2015 at 7:28 pm
dfrybarger
Great inspiration! Love this post!
November 17, 2015 at 7:31 pm
tinawissner
Fun post.
Richard Scarry brings back wonderful memories.
I love the term Nerdcore.
November 17, 2015 at 7:39 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Congrats, Ryan on winning the Gwen Frostic Award!
Your art is lively. This post – inspirational!
November 17, 2015 at 7:40 pm
Diane Asyre
Thanks for sharing your perspective. Looking backward to move ahead – good idea.
November 17, 2015 at 7:50 pm
Brook Gideon (@brookgideon)
Hi Ryan! Great stuff as usual!
November 17, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Annie Cronin Romano
Thanks for sharing your inspiration, Ryan!
November 17, 2015 at 8:16 pm
Kaye Baillie
Great advice, Ryan.
November 17, 2015 at 8:19 pm
Matt Tesoriero
Smurfs inspiration. YES!
November 17, 2015 at 8:41 pm
Rene` Diane Aube (@9261Aube)
If I could illustrate, guaranteed it would be nerdy…maybe I oughta give it a go? 😀 Thanks for the reminder to create what attests to the worth of what we love. 🙂 Happy PiBoIdMo Day 17! 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 8:42 pm
Rene Aube
If I could illustrate, guaranteed it would be nerdy…maybe I oughta give it a go? 😀 Thanks for the reminder to create what attests to the worth of what we love. 🙂 Happy PiBoIdMo Day 17! 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 8:42 pm
sherry
Thank you for today’s inspiration.
November 17, 2015 at 9:11 pm
LJ Laniewski
I love the Smurfs!
November 17, 2015 at 9:21 pm
julie rowan zoch
Neato! And congrats on the Gwen Frostic Award – I love her work!
November 17, 2015 at 9:23 pm
Kevin Klein
I like it, Ryan. Write what you know–and love. Thank you and best wishes in your literacy work!
November 17, 2015 at 9:27 pm
Debbie Meyer
It really does make a difference when you’re doing what you love. Thanks for the reminder, Ryan. Congratulations on living the dream! 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 9:31 pm
Laura Lowman Murray
What’s the old saying – “If you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” 🙂 Wonderful post, Ryan! Thank you!
November 17, 2015 at 9:33 pm
Louann Brown
My passion is ART, who could find ideas in such a broad subject like that? ME! Thanks for the nudge.
November 17, 2015 at 9:46 pm
Nori Underhill
This post inspired me to write “Goodnight Spoon”, an homage to a favorite picture book. You’ll never guess which one! 🙂 As usual, you can read an excerpt of the first draft on my blog.
November 17, 2015 at 9:47 pm
anniebailey7
Great post, thank you!
November 17, 2015 at 10:10 pm
Vicky Armstrong
Yes, yes…Including little nods to our past–worthwhile elements of our own story–personalizes our writing and enhances our passion for our work. Thank you for reminding us to value and validate our own unique journeys and contributions.
November 17, 2015 at 10:58 pm
Angie
Can’t wait to check out Little Steps. Congrats on winning the Gwen Frostic Award!
November 17, 2015 at 11:07 pm
Lotus Ivak
Thank you for the inspiration Ryan!
November 17, 2015 at 11:25 pm
Jessica Burnam
I love the idea of paying homage to the things we love. That’s a terrific takeaway! Thanks Ryan!
November 17, 2015 at 11:27 pm
MaryLee Flannigan
Thank you for your advice – I love it. 😀
November 17, 2015 at 11:35 pm
Charlotte Dixon
Drawing on great childhood experiences to show your love in your writing and art-love it! Thank you for the inspiration, Ryan. Congrats on your newest book, LITTLE STEPS!
November 17, 2015 at 11:37 pm
Eric Adler
Thanks Ryan.
November 18, 2015 at 12:10 am
Jefna M. Cohen
I think savvy kids will appreciate your cultural relevance, especially older kids (who might be reading with a younger sib). It’s so much fun for adults when there are “Easter eggs” hiding in children’s art and books. Thank you. I’m going to think about how I can do this in my work, too!
November 18, 2015 at 12:22 am
emilygmoorewriter
“As writers and artists, it is important to take what we love—to take what inspires us—and let it reflect back to our audiences.” What a marvelous conclusion! Thank you for the encouragement.
November 18, 2015 at 12:42 am
Heather Pierce Stigall
I like when I read nods to the past in today’s picture books. It’s entertaining for the adult reader to “get” a reference even if the child listener doesn’t. Thanks for the post.
November 18, 2015 at 12:47 am
Shirley Fadden
What a fun exercise! Thank you, Ryan.
November 18, 2015 at 12:51 am
Zoraida Rivera Morales
I can’t stay away from these posts. I’m learning so much!
November 18, 2015 at 12:54 am
authordeb
I’m not sure my favorite things could be described as nerdy, but I definitely think I could mine some of them for story ideas. Thanks for the inspiration.
November 18, 2015 at 12:55 am
Cindy E. Owens
Thank you for this insightful article. Boy, did my notebook get filled this time. And, not just by ideas! Whew!
November 18, 2015 at 12:58 am
LaurenKerstein
Thank you for your inspirational post and reminder to take what we love and reflect it to our audiences.
November 18, 2015 at 1:15 am
jshaklan
I loved Richard Scarry as a kid, too — so many fun things to look at in his illustrations! I like your idea to let favorite things from the past be a source of inspiration!
November 18, 2015 at 1:32 am
ingridboydston
It really is all about those feelings of love isn’t it? Both for the children we are creating for (to experience for the first time) and for ourselves as we experience them all over again. Thanks for this warm fuzzy feeling and reinforced sense of purpose! 🙂
November 18, 2015 at 1:42 am
Darlene Gaston
Thanks for the inspirational post.
November 18, 2015 at 1:45 am
Keila Dawson
Great way to share you with an audience when you show them what you love.
November 18, 2015 at 1:54 am
Carleen Shreeve
Great post, Ryan.
November 18, 2015 at 2:20 am
Aimee Haburjak
Passion for what we love is great artist fuel. Thanks for the post and flash back to my smurf days
November 18, 2015 at 2:25 am
Jenifer
Nice Post! Love get things done, and can work wonder even with writing.
November 18, 2015 at 2:26 am
catpledger
Love nerdcore :). Thank you for the post
November 18, 2015 at 2:38 am
olsenkristen38
Loved those figures too! Thanks! Nice website too!
November 18, 2015 at 2:43 am
Shelley Marshall
Listing the things that we love, that move us, that inspire us – would be a great exercise. Keeping the list to refer to – would be a great experience……any time we need a reminder. Thank you.
November 18, 2015 at 2:43 am
writersideup
Ryan, I love that you try to honor the things you love by deliberately including it in your work 🙂 No doubt—-what we love becomes part of us, so naturally becomes a part of our work. Great post!
November 18, 2015 at 2:51 am
Sandie Sing
Working with our passion is a common thrust for most artists. What we love becomes something in our stories. Thanks for sharing.
November 18, 2015 at 2:58 am
Jill
Ha – same childhood media consumption. Very smurfy.
November 18, 2015 at 3:14 am
Jamie LB Deenihan
Great reminders not to take the little things around us for granted. There’s inspiration everywhere! Congrats on your success!
November 18, 2015 at 7:50 am
Carolyn Cory Scoppettone
Thanks for an interesting take on what we do.
November 18, 2015 at 8:22 am
Nadine Gamble
it’s easier to write about the things we are passionate about. Congrats on your Gwen Frostic award. She has an amazing place in MI and I love her prints
November 18, 2015 at 8:41 am
Joan Marie Arbogast
I love how Ryan says how he hides “little nods to my past” in his writing &/or illustrations. What a unique way to say what all of us as writers/illustrators do?!
November 18, 2015 at 9:14 am
martylgraham
Hi Ryan! I think your work with literacy through visual arts is exciting and I am looking forward to finding out more about it! Thanks you!
November 18, 2015 at 9:54 am
Karen Lawler
I do write about my surroundings and the thought of mixing these thoughts with my past is just a terrific jolt of an idea !!! Thanks 🙂
November 18, 2015 at 10:01 am
Debra Katz
That strategy – taking something I love or that interests me – and creating a story has worked for me.
November 18, 2015 at 10:05 am
jessicaevans915
Thanks for the post! I’m excited to sift what I love into everything I draw!
November 18, 2015 at 10:36 am
lgalaske
Such a simple concept yet profound and a vast source of ideas! Thank you!
November 18, 2015 at 11:50 am
Darcee Freier
My brother had a whole collection of smurfs. Thanks for the post.
November 18, 2015 at 12:12 pm
terrycpierce
I completely agree with you, Ryan!
November 18, 2015 at 12:13 pm
Janie Reinart
Love your thoughts–“to take what inspires us—and let it reflect back to our audiences.”
November 18, 2015 at 12:21 pm
Susan Schade
I agree. Great words to motivate others. Thank you.
November 18, 2015 at 1:02 pm
writerjodimoore
I love to hear what motivates illustrators…so inspiring! Thanks and hugs. 🙂
November 18, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Christy Peterson
Everything we have loved informs our current work. Thanks for the great post. 🙂
November 18, 2015 at 1:08 pm
Tracey M. Cox
Passion does drive us! Thanks for showing some of your work. Did I spy a Daryl Dixon? 🙂
November 18, 2015 at 1:14 pm
amievc
Thanks for the reminder to look to our childhood loves for inspiration!
November 18, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Karen Kane
Thank you for the inspiration Ryan 🙂
November 18, 2015 at 1:21 pm
Jennifer Weingardt
Thank you for helping me look at my work in a different light.
November 18, 2015 at 1:25 pm
Sue Morris @ KidLitReviews
Very inspiring. Remembering what is was like to be a kid is important. Wonderful post.
November 18, 2015 at 1:56 pm
ELJohnsen
Thank you for including the “nostalgic” in your ideas. I always feel like the things I loved as a kid are too old fashioned for today. But maybe old can be new again, with a little tweaking. 🙂 Thank you.
November 18, 2015 at 2:14 pm
Andrea Allen
I agree – it’s so important to find inspiration in what we love. How simple, yet so easy to forget!
November 18, 2015 at 2:47 pm
Kari Benjamin
I agree that things we feel strongly about make good stories!
November 18, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Sheri Rad
Nice glimpse of how illustrators use nostalgia in their work.
November 18, 2015 at 3:27 pm
billiesgirl
Like the idea of “hiding little nods to the past” in your work!
November 18, 2015 at 3:39 pm
aliciaminor
It always takes one word to write-inspiration, and the rest will take its place.
Thanks for sharing. Nice post.
November 18, 2015 at 4:25 pm
nicolepopel
“Homage the things I love”…that’s it in a nutshell!
November 18, 2015 at 5:28 pm
Dawn
Your post made me smile. Saturday morning cartoons were the best!
November 18, 2015 at 6:20 pm
sunroksus
Ryan, thank you. I want to do that…take what I love and sneak it into everything I do. Thanks for sharing.
November 18, 2015 at 6:30 pm
gayla erickson
Ah, how long I have loved the nerdy stuff — comics, fantasy, etc. Thank you for your thoughts.
November 18, 2015 at 6:50 pm
Emily Ford Cook
Richard Scary was a huge favorite for me, too, growing up. In fact, I have a plush apple with a Lowly Worm in the center – and Lowly is removable and bendable! In all seriousness, I loved your post. I think it’s so true and if you write about things you love, or things that are personal then your story will have much more “life” to it! Thank you!
November 18, 2015 at 7:13 pm
erikammon
Darryl! He rocks. Finally going to watch last weeks episode tonight! I’ve been a major nerd and embrace it fully 🙂
November 18, 2015 at 8:55 pm
Pia Garneau
I love the Smurfs! Thanks for this post!
November 18, 2015 at 9:17 pm
carolmunrojww
Smurfs! I loved them, too! So…what else did I love when I was a kid? What do I love now? How can I work those things into a PB? You’ve got my brain buzzing, Ryan.
November 18, 2015 at 9:35 pm
Susan L. Roberts
Oh, how I wish I could draw. Those little blue people make it seem so simple, but… So on I write and enjoy all the illustrations.
November 18, 2015 at 11:24 pm
mrsbulls2ndgrade
I love the Mr. men series too!
November 18, 2015 at 11:32 pm
Abi Cushman
Yes! Loved all those things growing up. And in particular, I would try to draw characters like Richard Scarry drew them. I think about those childhood references as well when I illustrate now. Hiding little nods as an homage is a great idea.
November 19, 2015 at 12:03 am
Carrie Charley Brown
A true mark of a voice master is infusing little interests, love, and passion into each piece. Thanks for reminding us to draw from that.
November 19, 2015 at 12:23 am
Naana Kyereboah
Thanks for the inspiration, Ryan, reminding us to do what we love.
November 19, 2015 at 12:39 am
Amy Bradshaw
I love that you hide “little nods” to your past in your work. Thank you for your words of encouragement, Ryan!
November 19, 2015 at 12:43 am
wendymyersart
Good reminder to tap into what resonates for us, and share it through our work. Thanks!
November 19, 2015 at 2:40 am
brandimpayne
Great post! Thanks for the inspiration!
November 19, 2015 at 5:35 am
Helen Cooper
Nerds are the greatest 😉
I’m now completely inspired to go through my music collection and start riffing on ideas 🙂
November 19, 2015 at 7:47 am
Pascale M.
Thanks for the inspiration!
November 19, 2015 at 7:51 am
Kathryn Kass
Thanks for your post!
November 19, 2015 at 8:34 am
Monica Stoltzfus
Ryan,
Thank you reminding us to truly take what inspires us & work with it! Can’t wait to read Little Steps! ☺️
November 19, 2015 at 9:05 am
Rebecca Colby
What we love is definitely what we should look to for inspiration–nerdy or not! 🙂
November 19, 2015 at 10:09 am
Anna L. Russell
Once a week … write something new! Rather than rehashing the same old same old. Thanks for the idea.
November 19, 2015 at 10:27 am
wfedan
Love your Daryl character! Awesome! Your post makes me more curious to look into your work and se how you add yourself into your work.
November 19, 2015 at 10:30 am
mona861
Yes, what we love should be our inspiration. Then it will “feflect back to our audience.” I love that little message. Thank you.
November 19, 2015 at 11:22 am
laura516
I need to mine what I love a bit more for inspiration. Thanks for the tip!
November 19, 2015 at 11:50 am
Nancy ChurninNancy Churnin
Thank you for your post, Ryan. Thinking about a few of “my favorite things,” and why I love them…
November 19, 2015 at 12:53 pm
ammwrite3
In this way, what we love and inspires us can go on and do the same for others. . .love it!
November 19, 2015 at 1:31 pm
Dawn Young
Smurf fan here too.Thank you for your post.
November 19, 2015 at 2:05 pm
angeladegroot8
I love the Smurfs, too. Never thought of using them for inspiration. Thanks for the tip.
November 19, 2015 at 2:40 pm
Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart)
I love the term Nerdcore!! I fully embrace my own nerdiness 🙂 Richard Scarry was one of my favorites as well
November 19, 2015 at 3:40 pm
Shannon Bartoshewski
Smurfalicious post, thanks for sharing!
November 19, 2015 at 5:41 pm
rythmicrhyme
Favorite things, nods to the past, embedded hints, fresh & new weekly starts, dorky subjects, and reflective pool of inspiration and motivation: an irresistible invitation to early childhood literacy! Thank you. Looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
November 19, 2015 at 9:45 pm
Rebecca Van Slyke
Oh, the hours my sister and I spent pouring over those Richard Scarry books!
Thanks for your post! I especially loved this: “As writers and artists, it is important to take what we love—to take what inspires us—and let it reflect back to our audiences.”
November 19, 2015 at 10:53 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you for sharing with us what you love, Ryan. Creating from something that one loves is the best.
Oh, how I loved reading books by Richard Scarry and the Mr. Men/Little Miss series by Roger Hargreaves to my son Danny. Yes, we watched Smurf cartoons, too.
~Suzy Leopold
November 19, 2015 at 11:11 pm
Donna L Martin
I envy the talented artists who can create another world through the beauty of their artwork…
Great post!
November 20, 2015 at 12:55 pm
Gracie Idzal
Thank you for your post. I couldn’t agree more that it is important to share what we love.
November 20, 2015 at 8:57 pm
goodfish78
Thanks, Ryan. I’ll let my nerdcore reign supreme more often. Little do I know that it probably does more than I realize ;to more people I imagine!!) HA!!
November 20, 2015 at 9:01 pm
goodfish78
Thanks, Ryan. I’ll let my nerdcore reign supreme more often. Little do I know that it probably does more than I realize ;to more people I imagine!!) HA!
November 20, 2015 at 10:26 pm
orthodoxmom3
Thank you for your insight.
November 20, 2015 at 10:52 pm
mkcolling
Once a week you try to illustrate a piece. That’s an idea to think about.
November 21, 2015 at 1:34 am
Sharon Giltrow
write what you love!! a great reminder thanks Ryan 🙂
November 21, 2015 at 9:22 am
Sheila Lynch-Afryl
Great advice! Thanks!
November 21, 2015 at 1:27 pm
Cassie Bentley
My children watched Smurfs and read Richard Scarry. I fell in love with them too. Thanks for reminding me to look at what I love for inspiration.
November 21, 2015 at 4:39 pm
ritaborg
I remember smurfs well
November 21, 2015 at 6:13 pm
Anna Levin
Thanks for the post Ryan! Can you share some ways in which you follow your plan of illustrating once a week? I sometimes find sticking to a planned schedule of writing/illustrating challenging:) Thank you!
November 21, 2015 at 7:10 pm
Mary Jo Tannehill
Thank you for your comments
November 21, 2015 at 9:24 pm
Elizabeth
You had me at The Smurfs and the Magic Flute. I am pretty certain I still have it on VHS b/c my older brother taped it for us:) BUT I have never heard of the term ‘nerdcore’ and will most certainly be using it in conversation and doing it. Thanks!
November 21, 2015 at 9:50 pm
Holly Ruppel
Good point! Thanks, Ryan!
November 22, 2015 at 3:09 am
renajtraxel
Yep, I can relate. My latest novel was inspired by something I care deeply about.
November 22, 2015 at 10:33 am
Mary Greer
I really like the visual literacy idea and am going to learn more about it.
November 22, 2015 at 1:16 pm
Pamela Berkman
I do a little of what you describe — putting nods to things I love in my work — and it never occurred to me that I am telling the world about myself. But what a great way to put it. And thanks to your post I am extremely interested in the concept of visual literacy, and want to check into it.
November 22, 2015 at 4:00 pm
vijikc
Great reminder. thanks you.
November 22, 2015 at 5:56 pm
Lane Arnold (@lanearnold)
“As writers and artists, it is important to take what we love—to take what inspires us—and let it reflect back to our audiences.” Agreed!
November 22, 2015 at 6:36 pm
Linda Hofke
thanks for that total nerdcore post! (never heard the term before so I had to use it right away) 🙂
November 22, 2015 at 10:14 pm
Lisa Charlebois
Proud to be a nerd too – Mister men and the smurfs were/are amazing!
Thanks for your post!
November 22, 2015 at 11:44 pm
bleakx
I wonder if we forget to challenge ourselves to think differently, redefine what we love and continue to ask ourselves the difficult questions that might give legs to something new. Thank you for your words, and illustrations.
November 23, 2015 at 1:54 am
Tim McCanna
Thanks Ryan. Long live nerdcore.
November 23, 2015 at 11:17 am
Maria Bostian
Sometimes life gets in the way and I find myself going a few days without writing. Thanks for reminding me that it is important to do SOMETHING and to share it through social media or other outlet. That’s the inspiration I got from reading your post today.
Thanks again!
November 23, 2015 at 3:58 pm
Michelle Cusolito
Ah…my childhood images, too.
November 23, 2015 at 7:32 pm
Sarah Harroff
Enjoyed reading about your homage-oriented creative process, Ryan.
November 24, 2015 at 7:48 pm
Janice Brown
Yes, what we love!
November 24, 2015 at 9:04 pm
Jabeen Chawdhry
I totally agree, thanks for your post.
November 25, 2015 at 10:55 am
Kelly Parker
This was awesome, and totally gave me an idea! Thank you so much!
November 25, 2015 at 11:31 am
Donna Rossman
“Nerdcore” is a great concept! Thank you for giving a glimpse into your process! 🙂
November 26, 2015 at 1:09 pm
Carrie Moore Chan
We work with what we love and what inspires us….I love this! Thank you!
November 27, 2015 at 10:18 pm
Marie Monteagudo
Ah! Ryan, you’ve hit the nail on the head with 3 stories I’ve written about what I love – food – including homemade apple pie, veggie chili & berries!
November 28, 2015 at 10:21 am
Betsy Devany
A quote to write by: “As writers and artists, it is important to take what we love—to take what inspires us—and let it reflect back to our audiences.” Thank you for this, Ryan!
November 28, 2015 at 1:27 pm
fishpatti
Thank you so much for this reminder to stay true to our selves and use whatever nerdy, silly, off-beat things we love as inspiration!
November 28, 2015 at 5:02 pm
shirley johnson
Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed this post.
November 28, 2015 at 11:16 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
Thanks for the post!
November 29, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Caroline Lee Webster (@uncoverthepearl)
Thank you! And what a great giveaway.
November 29, 2015 at 3:36 pm
Marcus Ewert
I’d love to see more of your work, Ryan!!!
November 29, 2015 at 8:36 pm
Rona Shirdan
It’s great that you use your artwork to let others get to know who YOU are!
November 30, 2015 at 11:46 am
tinawissner
Oops. Never left a comment:/ Back when I read this, I made notes and had one fun idea based on one of my favorite movies. Thanks to million!
November 30, 2015 at 11:48 am
missvidalia
I know today is the last PiBoIdMo last day, but I haven’t always been near a computer to message – just mobile to keep up. But wanted to say a big thanks to Ryan for that new word ‘nerdcore’ as well as ‘Little Steps’.
November 30, 2015 at 1:56 pm
barbara kupetz
I find we are all full of those “things that we love” but sometimes they are buried deep and don’t come out so easily. I often use my time as a walker to get them out so I can use them in my writing. I love doing that.
November 30, 2015 at 2:08 pm
Dee Engle
Ryan, I am so glad you reminded us to do work that will homage the things we love. Thank you!!!
November 30, 2015 at 3:58 pm
Donna Carey
I like the idea of writing about things you love, no matter how nerdy!
November 30, 2015 at 6:30 pm
gretchengeser
Your artwork is great, and thank you for teaching me the word “Nerdcore.”
November 30, 2015 at 7:37 pm
Juliann (Juli) Caveny
I always find it “amazing” what shows up in my stories… The things I loved from my past are always right there.
November 30, 2015 at 7:51 pm
Myrna Foster
Thanks for the advice!
November 30, 2015 at 8:15 pm
Jean Isani
I totally get this! It is great hearing someone who shares in the same way. Awesome post. Thank you Ryan!
November 30, 2015 at 8:33 pm
Heather Greene
Great advice! Thanks!
December 1, 2015 at 12:33 am
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Love the Nerdcore concept!
December 1, 2015 at 8:27 am
rdvanhorn
Ryan, thanks for sharing! I loved hearing about how you are inspired to draw and post various illustrations you are inspired to create!!!
December 1, 2015 at 4:42 pm
Dee Knabb
Ryan, you gave me some wonderful memories that just might jiggle out an idea or two. Thanks
December 2, 2015 at 11:27 am
Lauri Meyers
I love your Daryl!
December 5, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Thanks a lot!
December 5, 2015 at 6:49 pm
Nancy Kotkin
I loved Richard Scarry as a kid, too. The first book I ever read by myself was one of his. And then I read it a million more times until I had it memorized really and was no longer reading the words on the pages.