by Ryan HippNovember 17, 2015 9:37 am
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.
Leave a comment below to enter. One comment per person, please.
This prize will be given away at the conclusion of PiBoIdMo. You are eligible for this prize if:
Good luck, everyone!
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: PiBoIdMo 2015, Picture Books
Tags: LITTLE STEPS, Ryan Hipp
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Love the idea of giving your audience a glimpse into what you love, your passions! TY, Ryan.
By kathalsey on November 17, 2015 at 9:41 am
Thanks for this! Makes the work not feel like work this way.
By Brianna Zamborsky on November 17, 2015 at 9:44 am
You had me at Daryl. 🙂
By Michele Blood on November 17, 2015 at 9:45 am
love shows! thank you!
By Darlene Ivy on November 17, 2015 at 9:45 am
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!
By writeknit on November 17, 2015 at 9:45 am
Thanks, Ryan. I agree. We have to write what inspires us. Love nerdcore. Your art is fabulous. I’ll check out your books.
By Robyn Campbell on November 17, 2015 at 9:46 am
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.
By Darlene on November 17, 2015 at 9:47 am
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!
By Mary Worley on November 17, 2015 at 9:47 am
I’m definitely going to check out your book, Little Steps! Thank you for personalizing your gifts! =)
By vickireinhardt2014 on November 17, 2015 at 9:52 am
Thank you, Ryan! Finding inspiration in everything we love gives us so much to work with as writers and illustrators.
By donnacangelosi on November 17, 2015 at 9:54 am
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.
By Amy Houts on November 17, 2015 at 9:54 am
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!
By Juliana Lee on November 17, 2015 at 9:56 am
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!
By Joanne Sher on November 17, 2015 at 9:56 am
“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.
By cantsing1 on November 17, 2015 at 9:58 am
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.
By ptnozell on November 17, 2015 at 9:58 am
Why…is that a picture from TWD? Ha ha…not what I expected to see this morning:>
By Polly Renner on November 17, 2015 at 9:58 am
Your post is very inspirational. Thanks
By Carolyn Rohrbaugh on November 17, 2015 at 9:58 am
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.
By Monique on November 17, 2015 at 9:59 am
Work and love hand in hand! Thanks!
By Ali Pfautz on November 17, 2015 at 9:59 am
there is no mistaking when the true passion inspires
By Laura Rackham on November 17, 2015 at 10:00 am
I love this. Also, nice to see an awesome MI person.
By Jessica Nims on November 17, 2015 at 10:00 am
Yes, so important to remember our “first loves” as children when creating things for the current generation. Thank you, Mr. Hipp.
By Katelyn Aronson on November 17, 2015 at 10:01 am
I love it. Write and draw what you love
By Rebecca Sheraton on November 17, 2015 at 10:01 am
Thanks for the inspiration!
By Alison Goldberg on November 17, 2015 at 10:01 am
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!
By Kim Piddington on November 17, 2015 at 10:04 am
I’ve noticed some of my inspiration comes from my kids because it’s something I love. Great advice!
By Kara on November 17, 2015 at 10:04 am
When I saw PD Eastman’s illustrated dictionary…I feel in love with illustration. Thank you for your post.
By loriannlevyholm on November 17, 2015 at 10:05 am
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!
By Steph Beth Nickel's Blog on November 17, 2015 at 10:08 am
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.
By Melanie Ellsworth on November 17, 2015 at 10:09 am
I love the colors & the simplicity of Little Steps. Such a cute caterpillar!
By leandrajwallace on November 17, 2015 at 10:12 am
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.
By Susan Cabael on November 17, 2015 at 10:13 am
Once again, a reminder to listen to the child within us.
By Patricia Alcaro on November 17, 2015 at 10:13 am
Lovely post. I can relate to feeling enthusiasm when sharing things I love, hoping others will feel that same passion.
By Bruna De Luca on November 17, 2015 at 10:15 am
Great post, love the nod to TWD pic.
By jeanjames on November 17, 2015 at 10:16 am
Thanks Ryan! I love that you try to foster visual literacy and creative thought. So wonderful!
By Melissa on November 17, 2015 at 10:16 am
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?
By Ann Kelley on November 17, 2015 at 10:20 am
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!
By Natalie Rompella on November 17, 2015 at 10:22 am
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.
By Ryan Hipp (@hipphop) on November 17, 2015 at 1:56 pm
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
By yangmommy on November 17, 2015 at 10:23 am
Thanks for the wonderful post! It’s amazing how images from childhood stick with us through adulthood.
By Rebecca E. Guzinski on November 17, 2015 at 10:23 am
LOVE Richard Scarry books; you can look at the pages over and over and always discover something new.
By Kathy Grupe on November 17, 2015 at 10:31 am
Thanks! I learned a new word, nerdcore.
By gweddle on November 17, 2015 at 10:41 am
Nerds Unite! We have nothing to lose but our slide rules!
By Lois Wickstrom on November 17, 2015 at 10:44 am
We love Nerds, artsy and otherwise! Thanks for reminding us that when you love what you do, it shows.
By LovableLobo on November 17, 2015 at 10:45 am
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.
By Rebecca G. Aguilar on November 17, 2015 at 10:45 am
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:)
By Joan Swanson on November 17, 2015 at 10:45 am
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!
By cherylsec on November 17, 2015 at 10:47 am
Love your work, what fun!
By Anita Banks on November 17, 2015 at 10:47 am
Ryan, Thanks for sharing! I grew up with many Richard Scarry books too.
By ManjuBeth on November 17, 2015 at 10:48 am
“Let it reflect back…” Wonderful advice, Ryan! Thank you!
By Erin O'Brien on November 17, 2015 at 10:48 am
Thank you for this insight (and reminder of how much I also love the Smurfs!)
By Rebecca Wise Eklund on November 17, 2015 at 10:49 am
Nerdcore, I love the idea and that it has a name! Food for thought.
By Laurie Daley on November 17, 2015 at 10:49 am
Shout out to Nerds!
By tblease on November 17, 2015 at 10:50 am
Thank you Ryan for sharing your passion in writing and illustration. Your drawing are cute too 🙂 Love your work … Thank you.
By Yunita Phillips on November 17, 2015 at 10:51 am
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. 🙂
By Zainab on November 17, 2015 at 10:56 am
Thanks for sharing your “nerdcore” inspirations!
By Susan Nicholas on November 17, 2015 at 11:01 am
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 :))
By Lori Dubbin on November 17, 2015 at 11:01 am
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
By tanjabauerle on November 17, 2015 at 11:02 am
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!
By hmmmmm on November 17, 2015 at 11:05 am
Thank you for your nerdcore inspirational post. Love the title, Little Steps.
By Carole Calladine on November 17, 2015 at 11:06 am
I LOVE the term “nerdcore” – its perfect!!!
By Shelly Hawley-Yan on November 17, 2015 at 11:08 am
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.
By Debbie Austin on November 17, 2015 at 11:08 am
Nercore is such a fun idea and name!
By kirsticall on November 17, 2015 at 11:08 am
It always goes back to what you, the writer, loves. That’s what we need to write! Thank you for the fun reminder. 🙂
By danielledufayet on November 17, 2015 at 11:11 am
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!!
By Rosie Taylor on November 17, 2015 at 11:13 am
Thank you Ryan! For sharing your artwork and inspiration 🙂
By Amy Courage on November 17, 2015 at 11:22 am
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!
By Stephen S. Martin on November 17, 2015 at 11:23 am
Thanks for the memories and the inspiration, Ryan!
By Lynne Marie on November 17, 2015 at 11:24 am
I love giving little winks and nods to others’ work when I write. Thanks Ryan.
By David McMullin on November 17, 2015 at 11:29 am
Great post, Ryan!! I agree with you 100 percent …write what you love! Thank you for reminding us to listen to the child inside
By saputnam on November 17, 2015 at 11:29 am
Thanks for the inspiration. I love the Daryl Dixon picture!
By Jillian Michel on November 17, 2015 at 11:35 am
You have great taste! Ahhhh nostalgia.
By dbyatt on November 17, 2015 at 11:39 am
Great post Ryan. I like your illustrations. Write and draw what you love, awesome.
By Mark A. Bentz on November 17, 2015 at 11:42 am
Come to think of it, my favorite inspirations generally do come from what I love. Great post.
By Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer on November 17, 2015 at 11:43 am
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.
By Lynn A. Davidson on November 17, 2015 at 11:43 am
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.
By Jacqueline Adams on November 17, 2015 at 11:47 am
“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!
By kayt663 on November 17, 2015 at 11:53 am
Love the idea of hiding nods to the past. It’s another way of putting your signature on a piece.
By pathaap on November 17, 2015 at 11:53 am
Doesn’t matter what you love (within reason), as long as that passion shines through. Off to write about chocolate!
By Sue Poduska on November 17, 2015 at 11:54 am
Lovely thought about taking what we love and are inspired by and give it to our audience. Thanks for the post.
By Deborah Allmand on November 17, 2015 at 11:55 am
Absolute truth, and absolutely cool art.
By marlainagray on November 17, 2015 at 11:55 am
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.
By Teresa Daffern on November 17, 2015 at 11:55 am
Lovely post. Thank you.
By DaNeil Olson on November 17, 2015 at 11:56 am
Richard Scarry and the Smurfs were two of my faves!
By Jill on November 17, 2015 at 12:04 pm
Great post! Thank you!
By Elizabeth Brown on November 17, 2015 at 12:07 pm
Sound advice. Thank you for the post.
By Sandy Powell on November 17, 2015 at 12:10 pm
My earlier post seems to have been lost to cyberspace…trying again. Thanks for the great advice!
By Laura K Zimmermann on November 17, 2015 at 12:14 pm
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.
By Gabi Snyder on November 17, 2015 at 12:15 pm
I love that I get inspiration everywhere I look. I enjoyed your post Ryan.
By Ali Earle Pichardo on November 17, 2015 at 12:17 pm
Thanks for the inspiration. Looking forward to reading Little Steps!
By Janet Halfmann on November 17, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Thanks for the inspiration. Smurf on!
By Caren Cantrell on November 17, 2015 at 12:23 pm
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.
By deborahholtwilliams on November 17, 2015 at 12:30 pm
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!
By Kelly Vavala on November 17, 2015 at 12:37 pm
Thanks for sharing! I too love the Smurfs!
By Meghan Daniels on November 17, 2015 at 12:37 pm
Yea! A Nerdcore fan who is Hipp! Thanks, Ryan, for your personal reflections and the reminder to be true to what inspires us.
By awflitter on November 17, 2015 at 12:38 pm
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!
By viviankirkfield on November 17, 2015 at 12:42 pm
Nerdcore in PBs. Love it.
By michaelwaynebooks on November 17, 2015 at 12:48 pm
Excellent post! Thank you, Ryan!
By ajschildrensbooks on November 17, 2015 at 12:48 pm
Am I the only one with the Smurfs song in her head right now? 🙂
By rgstones on November 17, 2015 at 12:53 pm
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*
By Natalie Lynn Tanner on November 17, 2015 at 12:55 pm
This was informative..I have not heard the term ‘nerdcore.’ thank you for creating from what you love…it’s a great reminder.
By KASteed on November 17, 2015 at 1:00 pm
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!
By imartypoet on November 17, 2015 at 1:03 pm
Thank you for the kind words!
By Ryan Hipp (@hipphop) on November 17, 2015 at 1:58 pm
Thanks, Ryan!
By mariagianferrari on November 17, 2015 at 1:08 pm
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.
By Beth Blee on November 17, 2015 at 1:10 pm
Love your work! Thanks for sharing!
By Sophia Mallonée (@SophiaMallonee) on November 17, 2015 at 1:26 pm
A lovely expansion on “Love what you do”.
By teresa m.i. schaefer (@TMISchaefer) on November 17, 2015 at 1:26 pm
And what we love and carry forward will inspire future generations. Thanks, Ryan.
By Val McCammon on November 17, 2015 at 1:27 pm
Thank you!
By Midge Smith on November 17, 2015 at 1:28 pm
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!
By Marty McCormick on November 17, 2015 at 1:28 pm
I loved the Smurfs growing up. Thanks for reminding us to embrace the things we love.
By Laura Bellina on November 17, 2015 at 1:30 pm
Nice to see a fellow Smurfs fan. =)
By Gregory E Bray on November 17, 2015 at 1:37 pm
Great message. Advice we should all take to heart.
By lindamartinandersen on November 17, 2015 at 1:38 pm
Great ideas thanks. 🙂
By Karen Brueggeman on November 17, 2015 at 1:38 pm
I love the Nerdcore tip! Thank you!
By Mirra Kayne on November 17, 2015 at 1:39 pm
Thanks for a reminder that’s equally applicable to PB illustrators and writers.
By sschwartz28 on November 17, 2015 at 1:43 pm
Thank you for passing along the helpful tips Ryan! I love the idea of embracing the things we love. 🙂
By Heidi Yates on November 17, 2015 at 1:46 pm
The typical advice is “write what you know.” I think the advice “write (or illustrate) what you love” is a natural! Thanks, Ryan.
By Jane Heitman Healy on November 17, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Hmmm, I learned a new word today: Nerdcore. I love it!
By lindaschueler on November 17, 2015 at 1:49 pm
Thank you for encouraging us to weave what we love into our work and let it reflect back to our audience. Inspiring post!
By Kathleen Wilcox on November 17, 2015 at 1:49 pm
Wonderful! Also the great reminder that we all just need to practice (preferably by doing something fun…) regularly…
By Jessalyn King (@jessalynk) on November 17, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Ryan, this is a very endearing post. Many thanks for the helpful inspiration. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
By Linda Carpenter on November 17, 2015 at 1:56 pm
Great advice Ryan. Any excuse for me to watch more old cartoons is a great one! 🙂
By artsyandi on November 17, 2015 at 2:01 pm
Holy wow, everyone. Thank you all so much for the wonderful replies. This has really made my day/week/month!
By Ryan Hipp (@hipphop) on November 17, 2015 at 2:01 pm
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.
By Katie Engen on November 17, 2015 at 2:03 pm
thanks for the reminder that I do this with love!
By Elizabeth Lim on November 17, 2015 at 2:08 pm
Never heard the word Nerdcore before…fun!
By Joan Waites on November 17, 2015 at 2:09 pm
“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.
By andreesantini on November 17, 2015 at 2:13 pm
I like the idea of paying homage to what you love and putting it into your art. Thank you.
By Stephanie Ledyard on November 17, 2015 at 2:16 pm
Thank you, I just put Little Steps on my library list.
By katmaz2012 on November 17, 2015 at 2:20 pm
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
By Dawnyelle Moore on November 17, 2015 at 2:22 pm
I love the Smurfs and Richard Scary books… great encouragement to keep what you love as central to your work!
By Deirdre Englehart on November 17, 2015 at 2:23 pm
Thanks for the post. There is inspiration everywhere.
By Rosi Hollinbeck on November 17, 2015 at 2:24 pm
Feeling encouraged. Thank you!
By Erin Nowak on November 17, 2015 at 2:30 pm
Agreed!–The things we love often ring the truest! 😉
By Ashley Bohmer on November 17, 2015 at 2:34 pm
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!
By Susie Sawyer on November 17, 2015 at 2:36 pm
I loved smurfs too.
By Kassy Keppol on November 17, 2015 at 2:38 pm
Ryan, thanks for sharing your art and inspiring story.
By Pam Miller on November 17, 2015 at 2:48 pm
I’m looking forward to reading Little Steps.
By Sandra Jenkins on November 17, 2015 at 2:52 pm
Nostalgic nerds of the world, unite!
By LeeAnn Rizzuti on November 17, 2015 at 3:00 pm
I love the Daryl! We are binge watching TWD nightly 🙂
By Laura Mulvey on November 17, 2015 at 3:04 pm
Ryan congratulations on your Gwen Frostic award. Can’t wait to read your book “Little Steps”.
By theresenagi on November 17, 2015 at 3:11 pm
I learned a new word, and I like it! Nerdcore!
By Wendy Hinote Lanier on November 17, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Richard Scarry is my all time favorite. I can spend hours looking at his illustrations. We all have a little nerd in us.
By Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator on November 17, 2015 at 3:14 pm
I also love the smurfs. Thanks for your great post.
By Barbara Cairns on November 17, 2015 at 3:23 pm
Smurfs, Richard Scarry and Mr. Men/Little Miss will live on. It’s great to see how they continue to inspire you.
By claireannette1 on November 17, 2015 at 3:24 pm
I love “I find inspiration in everything I love.” What a simple, yet powerful statement. Thank you.
By Kathy Doherty on November 17, 2015 at 3:37 pm
Nice – Love Nerdcore and the inspiration
By Cinzia on November 17, 2015 at 3:40 pm
Thank you Ryan for drawing us a picture…for inspiring us…rock on…
By Li'vee Rehfield on November 17, 2015 at 3:41 pm
Great to have your illustrator’s perspective.Thanks for the insights.
By Barbara Carney on November 17, 2015 at 3:43 pm
Thanks for sharing some of your creative proces, Ryan.
By kmajor2013 on November 17, 2015 at 3:44 pm
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?
By Anne Iverson on November 17, 2015 at 3:45 pm
Thanks for the tips, Ryan.
By leprechaun5770 on November 17, 2015 at 3:46 pm
I believe in using our talents to share what we love. Thank you, Ryan.
By Jill Richards Proctor on November 17, 2015 at 3:56 pm
Thank you, Ryan, for a great post!
By Alice Fulgione on November 17, 2015 at 4:01 pm
I agree with you completely! And I love your philosophy. As an illustrator I find loving things very inspirational too!
By mollywog2015 on November 17, 2015 at 4:26 pm
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.
By Teresa Robeson on November 17, 2015 at 4:30 pm
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.
By shiela fuller on November 17, 2015 at 4:44 pm
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.
By Doris Stone on November 17, 2015 at 4:49 pm
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. 🙂
By Traci Bold on November 17, 2015 at 4:54 pm
A simple idea but so important. Thanks for your post.
By cat jones on November 17, 2015 at 5:00 pm
Good advice. I’m always putting my memories and what I love into my writing.
By Janet Smart on November 17, 2015 at 5:01 pm
Ryan, I am also inspired by children’s cartoons too. Thanks for sharing.
By Lyn Oxley on November 17, 2015 at 5:09 pm
Thanks for sharing! Richard Scarry was a favorite at my house also.
By kdveiten on November 17, 2015 at 5:13 pm
Thank you for your thoughts on inspiration. What a joy to work with something we love.
Brenda Huante
By Brenda Huante on November 17, 2015 at 5:15 pm
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….
By Genevieve Petrillo on November 17, 2015 at 5:20 pm
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.
By catcarole on November 17, 2015 at 5:27 pm
Thanks for a great post. Love the idea of including those things that mean so much to you.
By Pamela Haskin on November 17, 2015 at 5:39 pm
Great post. Will check out Little Steps. It sounds and looks great.
By Dorothy Massey on November 17, 2015 at 5:42 pm
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!
By Joannie Duris on November 17, 2015 at 5:50 pm
Ryan, you have made me think about the roots of artistic inspiration in my own life. Very interesting-thanks!
By Tracy Molitors on November 17, 2015 at 5:55 pm
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
By Artelle Lenthall on November 17, 2015 at 6:09 pm
Nerdcore – love it!
By kpbock on November 17, 2015 at 6:21 pm
Carte blanche for inside jokes? Maybe not. But I’ll take the permission to let a little more of myself shine through my text.
By thduggie on November 17, 2015 at 6:26 pm
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.
By Maria Marshall on November 17, 2015 at 6:27 pm
Richard Scary is one of my favorites (and the favorites of my kiddos too!)
Thanks.
By Michelle O'Hara Levin on November 17, 2015 at 6:36 pm
Take what inspires us – – great advice!
By Christine M. Irvin on November 17, 2015 at 6:37 pm
Paying homage to what you love is the key to your success. I need to let myself do more of that.
By lmconnors on November 17, 2015 at 6:46 pm
Nerdcore will totally make it into the dictionary one day. 🙂
By JEN Garrett on November 17, 2015 at 6:48 pm
Thanks, I’m always nervous about paying homage, it feels like copying. Time to change my outlook.
By Fran Price on November 17, 2015 at 7:02 pm
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. 🙂
By melissamiles1 on November 17, 2015 at 7:16 pm
Is that Darryl from The Walking Dead?
If so, cool! If not, oops. Loved your post and those Easter eggs! Thank you!!
By Kimberly Marcus on November 17, 2015 at 7:18 pm
Great inspiration! Love this post!
By dfrybarger on November 17, 2015 at 7:28 pm
Fun post.
Richard Scarry brings back wonderful memories.
I love the term Nerdcore.
By tinawissner on November 17, 2015 at 7:31 pm
Congrats, Ryan on winning the Gwen Frostic Award!
Your art is lively. This post – inspirational!
By Lori Mozdzierz on November 17, 2015 at 7:39 pm
Thanks for sharing your perspective. Looking backward to move ahead – good idea.
By Diane Asyre on November 17, 2015 at 7:40 pm
Hi Ryan! Great stuff as usual!
By Brook Gideon (@brookgideon) on November 17, 2015 at 7:50 pm
Thanks for sharing your inspiration, Ryan!
By Annie Cronin Romano on November 17, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Great advice, Ryan.
By Kaye Baillie on November 17, 2015 at 8:16 pm
Smurfs inspiration. YES!
By Matt Tesoriero on November 17, 2015 at 8:19 pm
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! 🙂
By Rene` Diane Aube (@9261Aube) on November 17, 2015 at 8:41 pm
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! 🙂
By Rene Aube on November 17, 2015 at 8:42 pm
Thank you for today’s inspiration.
By sherry on November 17, 2015 at 8:42 pm
I love the Smurfs!
By LJ Laniewski on November 17, 2015 at 9:11 pm
Neato! And congrats on the Gwen Frostic Award – I love her work!
By julie rowan zoch on November 17, 2015 at 9:21 pm
I like it, Ryan. Write what you know–and love. Thank you and best wishes in your literacy work!
By Kevin Klein on November 17, 2015 at 9:23 pm
It really does make a difference when you’re doing what you love. Thanks for the reminder, Ryan. Congratulations on living the dream! 🙂
By Debbie Meyer on November 17, 2015 at 9:27 pm
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!
By Laura Lowman Murray on November 17, 2015 at 9:31 pm
My passion is ART, who could find ideas in such a broad subject like that? ME! Thanks for the nudge.
By Louann Brown on November 17, 2015 at 9:33 pm
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.
By Nori Underhill on November 17, 2015 at 9:46 pm
Great post, thank you!
By anniebailey7 on November 17, 2015 at 9:47 pm
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.
By Vicky Armstrong on November 17, 2015 at 10:10 pm
Can’t wait to check out Little Steps. Congrats on winning the Gwen Frostic Award!
By Angie on November 17, 2015 at 10:58 pm
Thank you for the inspiration Ryan!
By Lotus Ivak on November 17, 2015 at 11:07 pm
I love the idea of paying homage to the things we love. That’s a terrific takeaway! Thanks Ryan!
By Jessica Burnam on November 17, 2015 at 11:25 pm
Thank you for your advice – I love it. 😀
By MaryLee Flannigan on November 17, 2015 at 11:27 pm
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!
By Charlotte Dixon on November 17, 2015 at 11:35 pm
Thanks Ryan.
By Eric Adler on November 17, 2015 at 11:37 pm
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!
By Jefna M. Cohen on November 18, 2015 at 12:10 am
“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.
By emilygmoorewriter on November 18, 2015 at 12:22 am
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.
By Heather Pierce Stigall on November 18, 2015 at 12:42 am
What a fun exercise! Thank you, Ryan.
By Shirley Fadden on November 18, 2015 at 12:47 am
I can’t stay away from these posts. I’m learning so much!
By Zoraida Rivera Morales on November 18, 2015 at 12:51 am
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.
By authordeb on November 18, 2015 at 12:54 am
Thank you for this insightful article. Boy, did my notebook get filled this time. And, not just by ideas! Whew!
By Cindy E. Owens on November 18, 2015 at 12:55 am
Thank you for your inspirational post and reminder to take what we love and reflect it to our audiences.
By LaurenKerstein on November 18, 2015 at 12:58 am
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!
By jshaklan on November 18, 2015 at 1:15 am
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! 🙂
By ingridboydston on November 18, 2015 at 1:32 am
Thanks for the inspirational post.
By Darlene Gaston on November 18, 2015 at 1:42 am
Great way to share you with an audience when you show them what you love.
By Keila Dawson on November 18, 2015 at 1:45 am
Great post, Ryan.
By Carleen Shreeve on November 18, 2015 at 1:54 am
Passion for what we love is great artist fuel. Thanks for the post and flash back to my smurf days
By Aimee Haburjak on November 18, 2015 at 2:20 am
Nice Post! Love get things done, and can work wonder even with writing.
By Jenifer on November 18, 2015 at 2:25 am
Love nerdcore :). Thank you for the post
By catpledger on November 18, 2015 at 2:26 am
Loved those figures too! Thanks! Nice website too!
By olsenkristen38 on November 18, 2015 at 2:38 am
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.
By Shelley Marshall on November 18, 2015 at 2:43 am
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!
By writersideup on November 18, 2015 at 2:43 am
Working with our passion is a common thrust for most artists. What we love becomes something in our stories. Thanks for sharing.
By Sandie Sing on November 18, 2015 at 2:51 am
Ha – same childhood media consumption. Very smurfy.
By Jill on November 18, 2015 at 2:58 am
Great reminders not to take the little things around us for granted. There’s inspiration everywhere! Congrats on your success!
By Jamie LB Deenihan on November 18, 2015 at 3:14 am
Thanks for an interesting take on what we do.
By Carolyn Cory Scoppettone on November 18, 2015 at 7:50 am
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
By Nadine Gamble on November 18, 2015 at 8:22 am
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?!
By Joan Marie Arbogast on November 18, 2015 at 8:41 am
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!
By martylgraham on November 18, 2015 at 9:14 am
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 🙂
By Karen Lawler on November 18, 2015 at 9:54 am
That strategy – taking something I love or that interests me – and creating a story has worked for me.
By Debra Katz on November 18, 2015 at 10:01 am
Thanks for the post! I’m excited to sift what I love into everything I draw!
By jessicaevans915 on November 18, 2015 at 10:05 am
Such a simple concept yet profound and a vast source of ideas! Thank you!
By lgalaske on November 18, 2015 at 10:36 am
My brother had a whole collection of smurfs. Thanks for the post.
By Darcee Freier on November 18, 2015 at 11:50 am
I completely agree with you, Ryan!
By terrycpierce on November 18, 2015 at 12:12 pm
Love your thoughts–“to take what inspires us—and let it reflect back to our audiences.”
By Janie Reinart on November 18, 2015 at 12:13 pm
I agree. Great words to motivate others. Thank you.
By Susan Schade on November 18, 2015 at 12:21 pm
I love to hear what motivates illustrators…so inspiring! Thanks and hugs. 🙂
By writerjodimoore on November 18, 2015 at 1:02 pm
Everything we have loved informs our current work. Thanks for the great post. 🙂
By Christy Peterson on November 18, 2015 at 1:05 pm
Passion does drive us! Thanks for showing some of your work. Did I spy a Daryl Dixon? 🙂
By Tracey M. Cox on November 18, 2015 at 1:08 pm
Thanks for the reminder to look to our childhood loves for inspiration!
By amievc on November 18, 2015 at 1:14 pm
Thank you for the inspiration Ryan 🙂
By Karen Kane on November 18, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Thank you for helping me look at my work in a different light.
By Jennifer Weingardt on November 18, 2015 at 1:21 pm
Very inspiring. Remembering what is was like to be a kid is important. Wonderful post.
By Sue Morris @ KidLitReviews on November 18, 2015 at 1:25 pm
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.
By ELJohnsen on November 18, 2015 at 1:56 pm
I agree – it’s so important to find inspiration in what we love. How simple, yet so easy to forget!
By Andrea Allen on November 18, 2015 at 2:14 pm
I agree that things we feel strongly about make good stories!
By Kari Benjamin on November 18, 2015 at 2:47 pm
Nice glimpse of how illustrators use nostalgia in their work.
By Sheri Rad on November 18, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Like the idea of “hiding little nods to the past” in your work!
By billiesgirl on November 18, 2015 at 3:27 pm
It always takes one word to write-inspiration, and the rest will take its place.
Thanks for sharing. Nice post.
By aliciaminor on November 18, 2015 at 3:39 pm
“Homage the things I love”…that’s it in a nutshell!
By nicolepopel on November 18, 2015 at 4:25 pm
Your post made me smile. Saturday morning cartoons were the best!
By Dawn on November 18, 2015 at 5:28 pm
Ryan, thank you. I want to do that…take what I love and sneak it into everything I do. Thanks for sharing.
By sunroksus on November 18, 2015 at 6:20 pm
Ah, how long I have loved the nerdy stuff — comics, fantasy, etc. Thank you for your thoughts.
By gayla erickson on November 18, 2015 at 6:30 pm
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!
By Emily Ford Cook on November 18, 2015 at 6:50 pm
Darryl! He rocks. Finally going to watch last weeks episode tonight! I’ve been a major nerd and embrace it fully 🙂
By erikammon on November 18, 2015 at 7:13 pm
I love the Smurfs! Thanks for this post!
By Pia Garneau on November 18, 2015 at 8:55 pm
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.
By carolmunrojww on November 18, 2015 at 9:17 pm
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.
By Susan L. Roberts on November 18, 2015 at 9:35 pm
I love the Mr. men series too!
By mrsbulls2ndgrade on November 18, 2015 at 11:24 pm
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.
By Abi Cushman on November 18, 2015 at 11:32 pm
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.
By Carrie Charley Brown on November 19, 2015 at 12:03 am
Thanks for the inspiration, Ryan, reminding us to do what we love.
By Naana Kyereboah on November 19, 2015 at 12:23 am
I love that you hide “little nods” to your past in your work. Thank you for your words of encouragement, Ryan!
By Amy Bradshaw on November 19, 2015 at 12:39 am
Good reminder to tap into what resonates for us, and share it through our work. Thanks!
By wendymyersart on November 19, 2015 at 12:43 am
Great post! Thanks for the inspiration!
By brandimpayne on November 19, 2015 at 2:40 am
Nerds are the greatest 😉
I’m now completely inspired to go through my music collection and start riffing on ideas 🙂
By Helen Cooper on November 19, 2015 at 5:35 am
Thanks for the inspiration!
By Pascale M. on November 19, 2015 at 7:47 am
Thanks for your post!
By Kathryn Kass on November 19, 2015 at 7:51 am
Ryan,
Thank you reminding us to truly take what inspires us & work with it! Can’t wait to read Little Steps! ☺️
By Monica Stoltzfus on November 19, 2015 at 8:34 am
What we love is definitely what we should look to for inspiration–nerdy or not! 🙂
By Rebecca Colby on November 19, 2015 at 9:05 am
Once a week … write something new! Rather than rehashing the same old same old. Thanks for the idea.
By Anna L. Russell on November 19, 2015 at 10:09 am
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.
By wfedan on November 19, 2015 at 10:27 am
Yes, what we love should be our inspiration. Then it will “feflect back to our audience.” I love that little message. Thank you.
By mona861 on November 19, 2015 at 10:30 am
I need to mine what I love a bit more for inspiration. Thanks for the tip!
By laura516 on November 19, 2015 at 11:22 am
Thank you for your post, Ryan. Thinking about a few of “my favorite things,” and why I love them…
By Nancy ChurninNancy Churnin on November 19, 2015 at 11:50 am
In this way, what we love and inspires us can go on and do the same for others. . .love it!
By ammwrite3 on November 19, 2015 at 12:53 pm
Smurf fan here too.Thank you for your post.
By Dawn Young on November 19, 2015 at 1:31 pm
I love the Smurfs, too. Never thought of using them for inspiration. Thanks for the tip.
By angeladegroot8 on November 19, 2015 at 2:05 pm
I love the term Nerdcore!! I fully embrace my own nerdiness 🙂 Richard Scarry was one of my favorites as well
By Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart) on November 19, 2015 at 2:40 pm
Smurfalicious post, thanks for sharing!
By Shannon Bartoshewski on November 19, 2015 at 3:40 pm
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.
By rythmicrhyme on November 19, 2015 at 5:41 pm
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.”
By Rebecca Van Slyke on November 19, 2015 at 9:45 pm
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
By Prairie Garden Girl on November 19, 2015 at 10:53 pm
I envy the talented artists who can create another world through the beauty of their artwork…
Great post!
By Donna L Martin on November 19, 2015 at 11:11 pm
Thank you for your post. I couldn’t agree more that it is important to share what we love.
By Gracie Idzal on November 20, 2015 at 12:55 pm
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!!
By goodfish78 on November 20, 2015 at 8:57 pm
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!
By goodfish78 on November 20, 2015 at 9:01 pm
Thank you for your insight.
By orthodoxmom3 on November 20, 2015 at 10:26 pm
Once a week you try to illustrate a piece. That’s an idea to think about.
By mkcolling on November 20, 2015 at 10:52 pm
write what you love!! a great reminder thanks Ryan 🙂
By Sharon Giltrow on November 21, 2015 at 1:34 am
Great advice! Thanks!
By Sheila Lynch-Afryl on November 21, 2015 at 9:22 am
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.
By Cassie Bentley on November 21, 2015 at 1:27 pm
I remember smurfs well
By ritaborg on November 21, 2015 at 4:39 pm
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!
By Anna Levin on November 21, 2015 at 6:13 pm
Thank you for your comments
By Mary Jo Tannehill on November 21, 2015 at 7:10 pm
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!
By Elizabeth on November 21, 2015 at 9:24 pm
Good point! Thanks, Ryan!
By Holly Ruppel on November 21, 2015 at 9:50 pm
Yep, I can relate. My latest novel was inspired by something I care deeply about.
By renajtraxel on November 22, 2015 at 3:09 am
I really like the visual literacy idea and am going to learn more about it.
By Mary Greer on November 22, 2015 at 10:33 am
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.
By Pamela Berkman on November 22, 2015 at 1:16 pm
Great reminder. thanks you.
By vijikc on November 22, 2015 at 4:00 pm
“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!
By Lane Arnold (@lanearnold) on November 22, 2015 at 5:56 pm
thanks for that total nerdcore post! (never heard the term before so I had to use it right away) 🙂
By Linda Hofke on November 22, 2015 at 6:36 pm
Proud to be a nerd too – Mister men and the smurfs were/are amazing!
Thanks for your post!
By Lisa Charlebois on November 22, 2015 at 10:14 pm
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.
By bleakx on November 22, 2015 at 11:44 pm
Thanks Ryan. Long live nerdcore.
By Tim McCanna on November 23, 2015 at 1:54 am
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!
By Maria Bostian on November 23, 2015 at 11:17 am
Ah…my childhood images, too.
By Michelle Cusolito on November 23, 2015 at 3:58 pm
Enjoyed reading about your homage-oriented creative process, Ryan.
By Sarah Harroff on November 23, 2015 at 7:32 pm
Yes, what we love!
By Janice Brown on November 24, 2015 at 7:48 pm
I totally agree, thanks for your post.
By Jabeen Chawdhry on November 24, 2015 at 9:04 pm
This was awesome, and totally gave me an idea! Thank you so much!
By Kelly Parker on November 25, 2015 at 10:55 am
“Nerdcore” is a great concept! Thank you for giving a glimpse into your process! 🙂
By Donna Rossman on November 25, 2015 at 11:31 am
We work with what we love and what inspires us….I love this! Thank you!
By Carrie Moore Chan on November 26, 2015 at 1:09 pm
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!
By Marie Monteagudo on November 27, 2015 at 10:18 pm
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!
By Betsy Devany on November 28, 2015 at 10:21 am
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!
By fishpatti on November 28, 2015 at 1:27 pm
Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed this post.
By shirley johnson on November 28, 2015 at 5:02 pm
Thanks for the post!
By Susanne Whitehouse on November 28, 2015 at 11:16 pm
Thank you! And what a great giveaway.
By Caroline Lee Webster (@uncoverthepearl) on November 29, 2015 at 1:15 pm
I’d love to see more of your work, Ryan!!!
By Marcus Ewert on November 29, 2015 at 3:36 pm
It’s great that you use your artwork to let others get to know who YOU are!
By Rona Shirdan on November 29, 2015 at 8:36 pm
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!
By tinawissner on November 30, 2015 at 11:46 am
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’.
By missvidalia on November 30, 2015 at 11:48 am
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.
By barbara kupetz on November 30, 2015 at 1:56 pm
Ryan, I am so glad you reminded us to do work that will homage the things we love. Thank you!!!
By Dee Engle on November 30, 2015 at 2:08 pm
I like the idea of writing about things you love, no matter how nerdy!
By Donna Carey on November 30, 2015 at 3:58 pm
Your artwork is great, and thank you for teaching me the word “Nerdcore.”
By gretchengeser on November 30, 2015 at 6:30 pm
I always find it “amazing” what shows up in my stories… The things I loved from my past are always right there.
By Juliann (Juli) Caveny on November 30, 2015 at 7:37 pm
Thanks for the advice!
By Myrna Foster on November 30, 2015 at 7:51 pm
I totally get this! It is great hearing someone who shares in the same way. Awesome post. Thank you Ryan!
By Jean Isani on November 30, 2015 at 8:15 pm
Great advice! Thanks!
By Heather Greene on November 30, 2015 at 8:33 pm
Love the Nerdcore concept!
By Rachel Smoka-Richardson on December 1, 2015 at 12:33 am
Ryan, thanks for sharing! I loved hearing about how you are inspired to draw and post various illustrations you are inspired to create!!!
By rdvanhorn on December 1, 2015 at 8:27 am
Ryan, you gave me some wonderful memories that just might jiggle out an idea or two. Thanks
By Dee Knabb on December 1, 2015 at 4:42 pm
I love your Daryl!
By Lauri Meyers on December 2, 2015 at 11:27 am
Thanks a lot!
By Maria J Cuesta on December 5, 2015 at 3:12 pm
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.
By Nancy Kotkin on December 5, 2015 at 6:49 pm