You must play if you want to create.
HI, I’m an illustrator.
An illustrator that loves to draw.
An illustrator that loves to draw and paint with watercolors.
An illustrator that loves to draw and paint with watercolors and create stories.
An illustrator that loves to draw and paint with watercolors and create stories who doesn’t like to sketch.
Oops.
It’s the truth.
The doodles I do create are abstract pattern designs taken during PTA meetings, where I dream of being home in my PJs. (No offense to PTA meetings, I just have a love affair with sweatpants and PJs and it starts at 6pm sharp every night.)
But I was running low on ideas. I had written and illustrated two picture books and I needed more. More ideas, more stories, more art.
But when I sat down to write, nothing happened. When I tried to sketch ideas, nothing happened. The graphite ran dry. I hated everything I made and grew frustrated with each attempt. The burden of creation had stifled my brain. Because I felt as though I HAD to come up with more ideas, I could not come up with ANY ideas.
So, I decided to just play.
Instead of making myself sketch in order to get a story, I sketched because I love to draw. And I drew what I loved.
My niece who loves to act like a dinosaur.
My daughter who was so shy in big family gatherings with her father’s family.
Witches
Mermaids
And I played with my first love, watercolor.
I started to combine my abstract watercolors with my drawings and felt the magic come back. The magic of inspiration and story.
Sometimes the story comes to me right away.
And sometimes I let it sit and the story comes to me through stages.
If I just play and put no pressure on myself that every drawing or painting has to become a story, the stories come. Some shamble in like half dead zombies, some strike like lightening but if I move my pencil or my brush and just PLAY, the ideas arrive.
Even if you’re not a visual artist, you can play. Play with watercolor, play with oil pastels, play with colored pencils, crayons or markers. Just play. Allow yourself to do something creative that isn’t tied into words and see what happens.
Courtney Pippin-Mathur grew up in East Texas and passed the hot summer days reading, drawing, watching She-Ra and exploring her grandma’s farm. She doodled constantly through elementary, middle and high school but didn’t think about art as a career until a fateful art history class at The University of Texas at Austin. After transferring from Government to Studio Art, she moved to the east coast, and started pursing a career in children’s books where she could combine all my favorite things.
She now lives in Northern VA now with her husband and three kids. Her picture books include MAYA WAS GRUMPY, DRAGONS RULE PRINCESSES DROOL and the upcoming HAPPY DIWALI with her sister-in-law, Sanyukta Mathur. Visit her online at pippinmathur.com, Twitter @pippinmathur and Instagram @pippinmathur.
Special announcement! Courtney will be teaching at our premiere Storystorm Retreat at Highlights Foundation, March 5-8, 2020. We’ll be playing with watercolor!
You do not have to be a Storystorm 2020 participant to attend the retreat! It’s open to anyone serious about developing a picture book and a writing career.
Learn more about our fun and intensive picture book retreat here!
This event will fill up quickly! Sign up today!
Hope to see you there!
420 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 23, 2020 at 7:11 am
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Oh I love MAYA WAS GRUMPY! I’ll be checking out DRAGONS RULE PRINCESSES DROOL for sure. I’m someone who loves to play but I’ve been a little swept up in all of my 2020 planning and goal setting. I think I need to relax – thanks for the reminder.
January 23, 2020 at 7:12 am
thecrowsmap
What a fun post! Thanks, Courtney.
Gail Hartman
January 23, 2020 at 7:20 am
tanyakonerman
Not an artist myself, I still like the idea of playing with art to springboard to new ideas! Looks fun too!
January 23, 2020 at 7:22 am
Linda Mitchell
Ha! Don’t tell…but I play during a lot of meetings. I’m listening of course. And, I listen better when I can doodle away. What I need to do is find a way to get those doodles into my notebook. Thanks for the beautiful sketches and paintings today. They are amazing.
January 23, 2020 at 7:24 am
Kathi Morrison-Taylor
I have a grumpy Maya who now calls me from college! Thanks for your post. Your mermaids in particular made me smile.<3
January 23, 2020 at 12:13 pm
Andrew Fairchild
I miss being able to sit and let images flow through a paintbrush or pencil. You words have inspired me.
January 23, 2020 at 7:27 am
Meli Glickman
What creative genius! Thanks ever so much for sharing!
January 23, 2020 at 7:31 am
Bettie Boswell
Time to play! Thank you.
January 23, 2020 at 7:33 am
Angela Verges
Thanks for the encouragement to just play. And I have done my share of daydreaming and doodling at PTA meetings.
January 23, 2020 at 7:34 am
Andrea Mack
I love this advice! I recently started messing around with watercolours, and it’s so much fun!! I hope you’re going to write a book about that girl/dinosaur character!
January 23, 2020 at 7:35 am
Laurie Carmody
Thank you for the post, and for the beautiful art to brighten my morning!
January 23, 2020 at 7:35 am
Cathy L. Murphy
This is such a great reminder to loosen up and play, Courtney! Thank you.
January 23, 2020 at 7:37 am
sarahheturadny
Great post Courtney! I love playing with water colors, too!!!
January 23, 2020 at 7:39 am
sareenmclay
Thank you, Courtney. I sat down to read this post with a cup of coffee and the feeling I really should be doing a million other little jobs instead. Now I feel cheerful, inspired and determined – to relax and play. I love the idea of taking the pressure off and not every idea has to be turned into a story.
January 23, 2020 at 7:45 am
Laura rackham
I miss playing
January 23, 2020 at 7:46 am
Jeanne Cherney
I love your doodles and pictures!
January 23, 2020 at 7:47 am
Margaret Flint Suter
I love your prescription to PLAY!! I WILL!! Thanks!
January 23, 2020 at 7:48 am
Marianne Knowles
Courtney, your art is beautiful! And thank you for emphasizing play. I will start doodling and not worry what it looks like.
January 23, 2020 at 7:54 am
Rebecca
Playing is so important! Thanks for this, Courtney!
January 23, 2020 at 7:56 am
teacherwriteracker
I’m glad I have my toddlers and preschoolers at work who keep me playing.
January 23, 2020 at 8:01 am
bgonsar
Can you play with stick figures? Lol. Thanks for the post and sharing your inspiration!
January 23, 2020 at 8:01 am
kiwijenny
Thanks I’m going to play with color today.
January 23, 2020 at 8:03 am
Lauri Fortino
I used to doodle all the time. Maybe I should start doing that again and see if any ideas are sparked. Thanks!
January 23, 2020 at 8:04 am
Johnell DeWitt
Oh wow do I love those sketches. What fun. I must play now.
January 23, 2020 at 8:07 am
Suzanne Lewis
I love your character illustrations, Courtney! No wonder they’ve inspired stories for you! Thank you for such a creative post!
January 23, 2020 at 8:12 am
Darlene Koppel
I enjoyed your delightful sketches. I also love to sketch and doodle. Thank you for the fun post.
January 23, 2020 at 8:13 am
Jeannie Santucci
Thanks, Tara! I really admire author/illustrators. I like to draw but I’m not very good and it takes me a loooong time to make it mediocre. But I will try to PLAY!
Can’t wait to read your books!
January 23, 2020 at 8:14 am
Jay
Love your characters. Thanks for your inspirational post.
January 23, 2020 at 8:17 am
tinamcho
Thank you for reminding us to play in order to find ideas and let them grow. Congrats on your books!
January 23, 2020 at 8:21 am
debobrienbookscom
Hi Courtney, I met you several years ago at an NESCBWI conference. I took your watercolor class and had a blast. I have an autographed copy of MAYA WAS GRUMPY. The vibrant colors always excite me.
January 23, 2020 at 8:31 am
Brittanny Handiboe
Hi Courtney! You gave me a portfolio critique a couple years back at the MD/DE/WV SCBWI conference that helped me out. Thank you! I love you drawings and watercolors 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 8:35 am
rosecappelli
I love your drawings! Thanks for the reminder of the importance of play in the creative process. I’m sorry I’m not familiar with your books, but I’ll be checking them out soon!
January 23, 2020 at 8:36 am
Kathy Halsey
Love your work, Courtney. When we don’t put that pressure on ourselves, it bounces fun again. TY for the push to play.
January 23, 2020 at 8:37 am
BRUCE BENSON
A great view of an illustrator’s mind. I always wondered what went on in there since I’m not an illustrator (can’t even draw a straight line lol)
January 23, 2020 at 8:38 am
fspoesy
This is so true, Courtney! And for those who don’t feel they are artistically inclined might I suggest actual toys that you can play with at your desk like plastic animals, construction bricks, blocks, etc.
January 23, 2020 at 8:39 am
Zoraida Rivera
Lovely illustrations and great point about the power of play.
January 23, 2020 at 8:51 am
authoryvonafast
Thanks for sharing the illustrator’s perspective and writing about the importance of play. I loved Maya was Grumpy.
January 23, 2020 at 8:53 am
beckylevine
Gorgeous play!
January 23, 2020 at 8:53 am
Jane Heitman Healy
Play is a wonderful way to open yourself to –whatever! I think I will make a play date with myself soon! Thanks, Courtney!
January 23, 2020 at 8:56 am
Dee Knabb
Beautiful, playful artwork, Courtney. Your play makes us remember to have fun while we work. Thank you.
January 23, 2020 at 9:01 am
Janet Smart
Love your drawings. I just recently started to play with water color pencils, and I love it!
January 23, 2020 at 9:03 am
heatherbell37
Brilliant advice. Thank you for sharing!
January 23, 2020 at 9:03 am
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for a great post, Courtney! I love your books. Great idea to just play and see what happens! Looking forward to your next book!
January 23, 2020 at 9:05 am
lmconnors
It is so hard to let myself play! Thank you.
January 23, 2020 at 9:05 am
gayleckrause
I love your playful illustrations. I could see a whole picture book story in each of them. Congrats on your new book.😉
January 23, 2020 at 9:06 am
Sue Reichard
I love this idea! I have wanted to learn how to paint with watercolors. I just don’t know how I can squeeze one more pursuit into my schedule. Thanks for the article.!
January 23, 2020 at 9:08 am
Cathy Lentes
I’m not so good at play, but this post inspires me to let go more, and just see what happens. I adore your artwork. Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2020 at 9:11 am
Kathy Erskine
Playing is excellent advice, Courtney! It unlocks the inner child. I think I’ll go play now….
January 23, 2020 at 9:11 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
I love the magic that happens when you play, Courtney! Thanks for inspiring us.
January 23, 2020 at 9:15 am
karammitchell
Courtney! Thanks so much! I haven’t done enough playing lately and I needed to hear it. Love your work, lady!
January 23, 2020 at 9:22 am
Ashley Congdon (@AshleyCCongdon)
This is so true. Take the pressure off. Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2020 at 9:22 am
Sarah Tobias
I am excited to get a chance to play with you. See you in March.
January 23, 2020 at 9:25 am
Catherine
I absolutely love your witch sketches! Thank you for erencouraging us to play Courtney :o)
January 23, 2020 at 9:27 am
Janie Reinart
Courtney your art is so playful.❤️ I agree we have to play!
January 23, 2020 at 9:29 am
Kelly Vavala
This makes me want to bring out all my fun stuff like watercolors, markers, crayons etc. and JUST PLAY! Great advice and very inspirational! Thank you for sharing your process Courtney! Love the dinosaur!
January 23, 2020 at 9:32 am
Maryna Doughty
What a great way to solve writer’s block. I need to play with words (and art!) and take the pressure off of myself to always think of new story ideas. Thanks for the post, Courtney!
January 23, 2020 at 9:43 am
rgstones
Play is so important and so freeing. Thanks for the reminder!
January 23, 2020 at 9:46 am
steveheron
You have inspired me to keep on with learning to illustrate. I want to dabble in watercolour.
January 23, 2020 at 9:47 am
sjwmeade
Thanks for this helpful post! I love to see how the sketches progressed to vibrant illustrations.
January 23, 2020 at 9:49 am
Nancy Furstinger
You’ve inspired me to play with the crayons I bought for book events. Love the combo of abstract watercolors with drawings!
January 23, 2020 at 9:50 am
Joan Longstaff
Play and take the pressure off coming with a new idea. I expect it gives the mind the space to make those odd connections that come to you … anything to make my brain more “at home” to inspiration has got to be a good thing. Love “Dragons Rule …” by the way, thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2020 at 9:52 am
Deb Sullivan
Thanks for the reminder that creativity really does start with play!
January 23, 2020 at 9:55 am
Megan Whitaker
I am so the same! I just want to get out my watercolors and not make every painting precious so I can just see what happens without having to make sure it fits in my current story.
January 23, 2020 at 9:56 am
ptnozell
I don’t consider myself visually creative, but, true confession: I keep an old set of pastels hidden in my desk. Every once in a while, when no one else is home & I make my pups promise to keep their mouths shut, I bring them out & play. Once I even created a Dot for Peter Reynold’s Dot Day, photographed it, & posted it on my blog. Shhh. Don’t tell… Thanks for the awesome post. Love your artwork, Courtney!
January 23, 2020 at 9:56 am
Polly Sena Renner
I love your artwork! Keep playing:>
January 23, 2020 at 9:57 am
kaleegwarjanski
Thanks for the reminder. One of my favorite ways to play is to draw a scribble then turn it into a scene or character and write about that.
January 23, 2020 at 9:58 am
Robin Wiesneth
You had me at sweatpants. Doodles are a doorway to our imagination – thanks for the reminder!
January 23, 2020 at 10:02 am
Mary Worley
Perfect timing. I plan to play today. Loved the image of the half-dead zombie idea. 😄
January 23, 2020 at 10:04 am
kimpfenn
Love the idea of thinking visually without words! Thanks Courtney!
January 23, 2020 at 10:05 am
pathaap
Great post, Courtney. I like that your idea of playing with your sketches can be applied to playing with written ideas as well.
January 23, 2020 at 10:10 am
Anita Banks
Thank you!
January 23, 2020 at 10:12 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you Courtney for posting. Doodles are oodles of fun to do.
Great to see your process, very creative.
January 23, 2020 at 10:13 am
Louann Brown
Hurrah Courtney! Love your images. Playing is my favorite thing to do. Now where did I put my colored pencils…
January 23, 2020 at 10:20 am
Paula B Puckett
Thanks for the reminder to play while drawing, and that not all ideas need to work their way into a finished work of art. Drawings can be saved for later too, right?
January 23, 2020 at 10:22 am
Sandhya Rose
I love your process that comes through play! Thank you Courtney!
January 23, 2020 at 10:23 am
Beth Charles
Thank you for this. Sometimes my mind is so filled up with the feeling that I must write and come up with ideas, that I can’t. I can’t draw, but I love to knit!
January 23, 2020 at 10:25 am
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Hi, Courtney! I love to doodle too. But it has been a decade since I painted. Feels like it’s time to pick up a brush. Thanks!
January 23, 2020 at 10:30 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
I am trying to play, but there is a part of my that still restricts my movement. It is difficult to make it a habit, but I will continue to try!! Thanks Courtney. I love your drawings!!
January 23, 2020 at 10:30 am
Cathy Ballou Mealey
”Allow yourself to do something creative that isn’t tied into words and see what happens.” Great advice!
January 23, 2020 at 10:32 am
Aimee
The art of doodling and playing to potentially get ideas sounds perfect. I love your mermaids and witches. Thanks for your post.
January 23, 2020 at 10:34 am
cantsing1
Love your sense of direction without pressure. Hmmmmm . . . . .how will I apply that to my work?
January 23, 2020 at 10:37 am
Sara Fajardo
Creation through play, the most fun way to generate ideas. Love!
January 23, 2020 at 10:38 am
Joy
These sketches made me smile and want to play!
January 23, 2020 at 10:45 am
Krista Maxwell
Love the idea. Thanks!
January 23, 2020 at 10:46 am
Writer on the run
After reading this post I soooo want to head to Highlights to do the retreat. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 23, 2020 at 10:47 am
Lara Elliott
I love your art! And this is a good reminder to let my creativity run free, and to use other forms of art (and dance and music) to get the creative juices flowing!
January 23, 2020 at 10:49 am
Leah
I appreciate the reminder to just play.
January 23, 2020 at 10:50 am
Susan Johnston Taylor
Thanks for the tips!
January 23, 2020 at 10:52 am
authorlaurablog
Love the sketches, but I agree that water colors are amazing. Thanks for another day of inspiration!
January 23, 2020 at 10:53 am
Carole Calladine
Hi, Courtney! I like to play too. I get out my rhyming dictionary and just have fun with sounds or I get out old magazines and cut out interesting images. Play rewards and often rewards with new ideas. Thanks for the reminder.
January 23, 2020 at 10:56 am
Arlene Schenker
Your illustrations are magical! Good luck with your latest book. I’ll watch for it.
January 23, 2020 at 10:57 am
Eileen Mayo
Wow! I love your art! Thanks for this great advise. Trying to force an idea never works for me. I’m going to get out my watercolors and play with them ‘‘tis weekend.😊
January 23, 2020 at 10:57 am
Rachel
Play is important. Enjoyed the post.
January 23, 2020 at 10:58 am
Debra Daugherty
Thanks, Courtney, for this post. I love your drawings, and the advice to just play to allow ideas to form is spot on.
January 23, 2020 at 10:58 am
melissamiles1
Great post, but you guys are killing me with the Highlights teasers! I would live there if I could. 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 11:04 am
Melanie Ellsworth
The reminder to play is always helpful!
January 23, 2020 at 11:05 am
Linda KulpTrout
Great advice! Thank you!
January 23, 2020 at 11:07 am
Jessica Coupé
What a fun idea! Thanks!
January 23, 2020 at 11:09 am
cynthiahm
Your playfulness with art is so endearing! Thank you for the reminder for taking the time to play with ideas and in doing so, take the pressure off that every idea will be a great one.
January 23, 2020 at 11:10 am
Jane Dippold
Take everything you do for fun and bring it naturally into your stories and illustration…Got it!
January 23, 2020 at 11:12 am
Joan Swanson
I always did love art, but an artist I am not. In the same fashion, photographing things, I love. Thanks for your post 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 11:19 am
Lauren Barbieri
Great sketches, and I live the advice to play without pressure and let the ideas flow in. So true.
January 23, 2020 at 11:22 am
Darcee Freier
Thanks for sharing your process and struggles. Love your watercolor and drawing combos.
January 23, 2020 at 11:22 am
colleen kosinski
I know that creative pressure problem well!
January 23, 2020 at 11:26 am
Elizabeth Curry
Great reminder to play! Thank you Courtney and Tara!
January 23, 2020 at 11:27 am
Garnett Natasha
I love the little mermaid stacking shells, or is she a little girl dressed in seaweed and imagination?
Thank you for the post today, Courtney.
January 23, 2020 at 11:27 am
Daryl Gottier
I love your art! Thanks so much for the reminder to be playful…I’m off to play with some words.
January 23, 2020 at 11:28 am
curryelizabeth
Great reminder to play! Thanks Courtney and Tara!
January 23, 2020 at 11:29 am
Buffy Silverman
Here’s to playing–and your watercolor play is dreamy!
January 23, 2020 at 11:30 am
writeremmcbride
Thank you, Courtney! Playing is a nice thing to consider at this point in StoryStorm! I’d kind of forgotten how to do that….
January 23, 2020 at 11:30 am
Amy Healey
Thanks Courtney! So glad to hear other artists hate sketching!
January 23, 2020 at 11:31 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Courtney, for sharing your meeting drawings. Just one little downside to warn you of, though. Sometimes others think that you are a great note taker and you end up being elected secretary.
January 23, 2020 at 11:31 am
matthewlasley
Sometimes you have to fill your creativity tank. Pressure is an inspiration killer.
January 23, 2020 at 11:35 am
Deb Buschman (@DebBuschman)
I’m going to play today. Thanks Courtney!
January 23, 2020 at 11:35 am
Gail Atherley
Thank you for helping me to start my day with a big smile and ready for fun! Such whimsical illustrations. Wonderful suggestions!
January 23, 2020 at 11:37 am
Heather Rowley
Love this! Thank you!
January 23, 2020 at 11:39 am
aliciaminor
Thanks God for the colors and the shapes and the fun to do it. I wish you more success and thank you.
January 23, 2020 at 11:45 am
Susan Macartney
Thanks Courtney – we write and illustrate for kids – a timely reminder to tap into that inner-child while we create. Off to play!:)
January 23, 2020 at 11:45 am
Sheri Radovich
Interesting to see the color at the end behind the sketches. I am glad we have illustrators who do this for our picture book stories, I find sketching fun but watercolor is for experts like yourself.
January 23, 2020 at 11:47 am
Claire W Bobrow
That is awesome advice, full stop. Play is the key. Thanks for a great post, Courtney! (ps – love your witches!)
January 23, 2020 at 11:48 am
Amy Healey
Thanks Courtney for being so frank—I hate sketching too!
January 23, 2020 at 11:49 am
Maria Bostian
Great post on how important play is for everyone. Never thought I was good at art, but may give it a try. Thanks for the encouragement!
January 23, 2020 at 11:50 am
DaNeil Olson
The importance of play! Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 11:54 am
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
I’m not an illustrator, but I love playing with watercolors and find it helpful to write better characters when I have an idea of what they look like. I love the look of your drawings backed by your free-flowing watercolors. So pretty!
January 23, 2020 at 11:55 am
Heidi M. Rogers (@heidimrogers)
I ADORE your illustrations!
January 23, 2020 at 11:56 am
Mary Jane
Great post! Having fun with watercolors is a favorite activity for many artists and illustrators. I had almost forgotten. Kids love to paint with watercolors too! I am off to get my paints out.
January 23, 2020 at 11:57 am
Gayle Veitenheimer
Yay Texas! East Texas is so pretty! Love your art!
January 23, 2020 at 12:01 pm
suzannepoulterharris
Just watching you play is inspiring me!
January 23, 2020 at 12:02 pm
betlw
Your art is amazing, Courtney! I love the little people and animals you draw. I like your idea of playing too. Maybe that’s what I should do today. Thanks for the suggestion. Love your style!
January 23, 2020 at 12:02 pm
Pamela Harrison
Allow ourselves to play! YES! When we stress about creating new ideas, it stifles the imagination. Thank you for the great reminder to just play and let the ideas come.
January 23, 2020 at 12:02 pm
jbbower
Thanks for the inspiring post Courtney! I can’t draw a recognizable stick figure; but I am going to see what a session of doodling might inspire!
January 23, 2020 at 12:06 pm
Debra Kempf Shumaker
What an inspiring post. Thank you from a fellow Northern Virginian!
January 23, 2020 at 12:07 pm
Shirley
This is so great. Thank you Courtney!
January 23, 2020 at 12:08 pm
me
Courtney was a great addition to our Nov. Highlights class. Highly recommend this one in March with Tara and So many more!
January 23, 2020 at 12:10 pm
Danielle Dufayet
Love your illustrations! Thank you for sharing your journey and congrats!
January 23, 2020 at 12:12 pm
mona861
I love this post and your playful art! I can’t draw stick people but the “things” are surely reason to play. Thanks for the fun!!!
January 23, 2020 at 12:13 pm
Liz L.
Love your watercolors! You have a beautiful style.
January 23, 2020 at 12:15 pm
saputnam
Great post, Courtney!! I love when you said, “The burden of creation had stifled my brain.” I’m a frustrated doodler, always have been, and play a lot during meetings… I keep pens, and small “What If” notebooks all around the house and in my pocketbook, as I never know when an idea will come winging by… but now I can take time out to play no matter where I am.
January 23, 2020 at 12:16 pm
nrompella
I love to play around with doodles and color. This was a good reminder to do it more. Thanks!
January 23, 2020 at 12:16 pm
Bev Baird
Great advice! We all need to give ourselves permission to play – you never know where it will lead. Thank you!
January 23, 2020 at 12:19 pm
Linda Schueler
I love to play!
January 23, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Rebekah Lowell
So important! Create for the joy of it. It doesn’t always have to have a purpose from the start. (note to self)
January 23, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Heather Stigall
Thank you for the invitation to play!
January 23, 2020 at 12:24 pm
Sue Martin
It’s raining here, and I feel like your black and white mermaid! But I’m going to get out my paint and color my world with Rainbows!
January 23, 2020 at 12:25 pm
drawingablank6
Love the concept and the mermaid drawings!
January 23, 2020 at 12:29 pm
jenfierjasinski
Thanks for the encouragement to play without pressure, Courtney! We need more play in all facets of life… including PTA meetings.
January 23, 2020 at 12:31 pm
Kaylynn Johnsen
Play. Just play. Do what you love, ideas will flow. Thank you for the beautiful interview.
January 23, 2020 at 12:35 pm
Rebecca Herzog
I love your illustration style! Those witches are fantastic. Thanks for the reminder to play.
January 23, 2020 at 12:37 pm
stiefelchana
Excellent post! Off to go play!
January 23, 2020 at 12:43 pm
jenwritespbs
Great post, Courtney! I love, love, love your witch drawings!
January 23, 2020 at 12:43 pm
Cortney Benvenuto
Thanks for sharing! Love your illos! Congrats on your success!
January 23, 2020 at 12:45 pm
dedradavis03
I love this because I think we would all be happier if we played like children. And this makes so much sense when we’re writing for children.
January 23, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Cheryl Johnson
‘If I just play and put no pressure on myself that every drawing or painting has to become a story, the stories come.’
This makes sense for me regarding writing as well ~ if I just play with the words, the writing, and put no pressure on myself that it has to become a published story, then that will loosen things up and allow me to put pencil to paper to get started.
January 23, 2020 at 12:50 pm
June Sengpiehl
I think this is called daydreaming on paper. It is a wonderful way to connect
with new ideas.
January 23, 2020 at 12:55 pm
Kim Larson
Thanks for sharing, Courtney, and congrats on your books! They look and sound adorable!
January 23, 2020 at 12:59 pm
LaurenKerstein
What an outstanding post. Thank you for the critical reminder to play– it is so helpful to go back to the reason we create– we create because we love it! Forcing this stifles our creativity so much. I’m excited to play with words and ideas! Thank you!
January 23, 2020 at 1:03 pm
Traci VW
Love this post. I can soooooo relate. This is why I started #PaintPlay. Allowing myself to just play with paint or doodling released my inner child and helped me develop an illustration style I really enjoy. The ideas are now flowing. Love your characters!
January 23, 2020 at 1:06 pm
storycatcherpublishing
I am exactly opposite…I LOVE to sketch but can’t paint worth a flip…lol…
Great post!
Donna L Martin
Story Catcher Publishing
January 23, 2020 at 1:11 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you for sharing
January 23, 2020 at 1:21 pm
David McMullin
Thanks, Courtney. I love your methods.
January 23, 2020 at 1:24 pm
Mary Zychowicz
I love your drawings! I’m not an illustrator but I did a little doodling during some work meetings in the past. I think my granddaughters have some art supplies around here that I may just borrow today. Maybe I’ll go have some artistic fun and see what transpires! I agree that we are being so tantalized by the Highlights retreat. It’s on my wish list. Thanks for the post.
January 23, 2020 at 1:36 pm
Jennifer Blanck
Play is so important–thanks for the reminder!
January 23, 2020 at 1:48 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
I’m up for playing! And hopefully those days when the idea well is as dry as the Sahara will become bountiful oases.
January 23, 2020 at 1:55 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Playing and enjoying the creative journey is so important.
Thank you, Courtney.
Suzy Leopold
January 23, 2020 at 1:59 pm
Lisa Black
Thank you!
January 23, 2020 at 2:03 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Thank you for giving me permission to just doodle and dream. Two things I love to do.
January 23, 2020 at 2:12 pm
Carrie Williford (@carrietimes)
My daughter is currently obsessed with making up and drawing different monsters and always wants someone to join her. Drawing monsters with her has been so much fun and reminded me that just “messing around” can keep the mind and imagination open.
January 23, 2020 at 2:13 pm
mommamoocow
Take the time to play…sounds wonderful.
January 23, 2020 at 2:15 pm
Lauar Jean Watters
I think one of my most serious deficiencies is my resistance to play for play’s sake. When they were handing out doses of Puritan Work Ethic, I got triple the dose. And I’m not even Puritan. I am in desperate need of remedial play.
January 23, 2020 at 2:16 pm
Heidi Yates
I love your work, Courtney! Thank you for sharing.
January 23, 2020 at 2:19 pm
ruthwilson48
Great reminder for me! I have a fear of doing anything artistic, like drawing or painting, but am slowly getting over it 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Elizabeth Saba
Thank you Courtney! Have a fun Highlights Retreat!
January 23, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Gabi Snyder
I love painting with watercolors. Thanks for the permission to play! And I love all the art you shared, especially those witches!
January 23, 2020 at 2:25 pm
aixaximena
I love your artistic style so much!! It is full of joy and whimsy, humor and heart. I can’t say enough about how much I love it and I’m just discovering you so I’m super excited! I teach my college classes that play is one of the most important ways to learn languages for kids and adults because it inspires creativity and allows for errors which are an essential part of learning. Love the idea that just playing can let the best ideas reveal themselves and give creativity a chance to flourish 🥰
January 23, 2020 at 2:25 pm
Jenny Read Stout
Thanks for sharing your process! One of the best writing tips I ever received (from a fellow illustrator) was to “stay in the pictures as long as possible”. This falls right in line with that advice.
January 23, 2020 at 2:28 pm
Kirsten Bock
I love your illustrations! Thanks so much for sharing your process with us.
January 23, 2020 at 2:28 pm
Karen Greenwald
I love this idea! Off to doodle now:)
January 23, 2020 at 2:29 pm
Lydia Lukidis
Wow, I never thought of this! I’m so obsessed with words that I never even considered picking up some paints or crayons. I should try!!
January 23, 2020 at 2:33 pm
EmmieRWerner
Thank you. Very encouraging ❤️
January 23, 2020 at 2:34 pm
EmmieRWerner
Thanks. Very encouraging ❤️
January 23, 2020 at 2:38 pm
Laura Jean Watters
I am play deficient and need some remedial play assistance. I hope there’s a cure that doesn’t involve icky medicine or a regimen of too much therapy.
January 23, 2020 at 2:50 pm
Jill M Proctor
I’ve always wished I could draw – particularly in ink and watercolors. You have inspired me to give it a try. P.S. I love your drawings!
January 23, 2020 at 2:56 pm
chardixon47
Love your art, Courtney 🙂 Thank you for sharing that you play. Sometimes I forget to give me a break for fun.
January 23, 2020 at 3:00 pm
Jud Ward
When I have an important project to paint and I’m intimidated by it, I sometimes do a mock-up in fingerpaints. Play works to loosen me up and face the impossible. I need to play more. Thanks.
January 23, 2020 at 3:09 pm
Stella Gardener
I love watercolours too. I never thought about playing with them and getting story ideas. Thanks for the post, Courtney.
January 23, 2020 at 3:22 pm
Lori Dubbin
I love the personality that comes through in your witch and mermaid drawings. I also love the way you have encouraged us to play, doodle, and draw without pressure.
January 23, 2020 at 3:30 pm
Anne LeBlanc Gr 4/5 teacher (@AnneLeBlanc2)
As adults – we often forget the importance of fun and play for ourselves – but also for children. Thank you for re-affirming this! I love making alliterative nonsense sentences! I am going to give my students a chance to play with different art materials without a goal and see where it goes.
January 23, 2020 at 3:32 pm
Maria Marshall
Courtney, I love your ending “order” – Just play. Allow yourself to do something creative that isn’t tied into words and see what happens. Thank you. Now, I can tell my family I have to go play! Thanks!!!
January 23, 2020 at 3:37 pm
kirsticall
Thank you Courtney! Great suggestion!
January 23, 2020 at 3:37 pm
Sue Heavenrich
thanks for reminding us about the importance of play! And, I love the watercolors, the colors, textures… they are fun!
January 23, 2020 at 3:45 pm
Julie Augensen-Rand
Your characters are so cute. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
January 23, 2020 at 3:46 pm
cbcole
Carol Cole – What great advice – take time to play when ideas don’t come. Especially for picture book writers.
January 23, 2020 at 3:51 pm
Chang H
Such a fun post. Thanks so much for sharing!
January 23, 2020 at 4:10 pm
Judy Sobanski
Great idea to step away from the words and just play with other types of creativity. Thanks!
January 23, 2020 at 4:15 pm
writeknit
Thanks for sharing your process and reminding me to let ideas work their way to me sometimes instead of searching them out. Now I’m going to did through the drawer to find my colored pencils.😍
January 23, 2020 at 4:23 pm
Robin Jordan
I like to play!!! Yay!! I just started picking up watercolors because they’re so forgiving to me.
Maybe I’ll find something in my muddled images. I’m glad I found this fun post today! Thanks, Courtney!
January 23, 2020 at 4:24 pm
kathrynjeanhagen
Thank you for your story and the encouragement to play!
January 23, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Cathy Ogren
Great idea! Who doesn’t like to play!
January 23, 2020 at 4:28 pm
Amy Houts
No pressure! I love it. Your illustrations made me smile.
January 23, 2020 at 4:28 pm
Sara Matson
Thanks for that good reminder. I often get overwhelmed by the pressure of having to create something good, and it helps me to remind myself to PLAY and just have fun.
January 23, 2020 at 4:30 pm
Lisa Billa
Play that involves creating can give the best surprises! Thanks for the encouragement and for sharing your inspiration- I love the magic the watercolors add in.
January 23, 2020 at 4:39 pm
Charlotte Offsay
This is just what I needed to hear! It is hard not to take each ms too seriously and important to remember to just play!
January 23, 2020 at 4:43 pm
Susan Drew
Love Love Love! Your work is so fun!
January 23, 2020 at 4:45 pm
Anne Bromley
So happy to know that I have permission to play with my crayons! Even though I can’t draw. Thank you for the reminder: just play! Your own process is a great example of how we need to let the mind wander into other venues.
January 23, 2020 at 5:13 pm
Sherry Smith
I need to find the time to draw again. Thanks for urging us to play/draw. Great book titles! Now that’s something I find difficult.
January 23, 2020 at 5:23 pm
Mita Martino
Love all your characters & drawings!
January 23, 2020 at 5:40 pm
Aileen Stewart
I especially love the mermaid sketches :0)
January 23, 2020 at 5:43 pm
Lisa Tolin (@lisatolin)
This is great advice and something I definitely need to work on!
January 23, 2020 at 5:46 pm
Linda Hofke
I’m not an illustrator but I do this too. But with words. I jot down tongue twister or phrases or titles that sound cool. I might write a poem. And somehow all that will bring out my creativity and lets me get back to my PB story.
January 23, 2020 at 5:48 pm
Suwin Chan
Your love shines through in all your work! Thanks for the reminder to do what you love!
January 23, 2020 at 6:18 pm
Brenda May
Great blog. Thank you. Dragons Rule, Princesses Drule. What a fantastic book title. Makes me want to pick it up and read it. I will definitely be trying your technique of relaxing more. I dont draw, but I would love to and always put pressure on my self, now I will try the relaxed and just enjoy the process.
January 23, 2020 at 6:25 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
It is interesting and fun to hear about your process.
January 23, 2020 at 6:35 pm
Joannie Duris
Thank you for sharing your playful sketches and watercolors, and how they led you back to the magic of inspiration and story. I’m all for playing and just having fun (my cats are experts at this…and sleeping).
January 23, 2020 at 6:41 pm
Mary York
Courtney, I love your suggestion. I’m going to get me some watercolor paints!
January 23, 2020 at 6:44 pm
Sherri Jones Rivers
Such good advice to play without the stress of a completed project. I have some colored pencils…..hmmm. Let’s see what I come up with.
January 23, 2020 at 6:56 pm
seschipper
Another great Post!! Thanks Courtney! You are absolutely correct! Sometimes we just need to play! 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 6:58 pm
Shawna JC Tenney
Good plan! I need to sketch and just play more.
January 23, 2020 at 7:07 pm
Susan Wroble
I’m not an artist, but the idea of playing has made me move some of my kids’ old art supplies to my writing desk. Thanks!
January 23, 2020 at 7:09 pm
Sara A
Too fun! As a kindergarten teacher, and supporter of play, I support this message 🙂 !
January 23, 2020 at 7:17 pm
Karin Larson
This was such a fun post! Thank you for the inspiration. I am not at all an artist, but it is still fun to try.
January 23, 2020 at 7:38 pm
Marty lapointe-malchik
Thanks so much, Courtney. Your witches are wonderful characters! What a great way to free yourself up to be open to what comes from play with no end point putting pressure on your creative pursuits. I love the idea of play as a routine way to improve my picture book craft. Storystorm at Highlights! What an awesome plan, Tara! Thank you for inviting Courtney to post here about the importance of play.
January 23, 2020 at 7:40 pm
bookfish1
What a great reminder that this process is supposed to be fun. PLAY! Thanks
January 23, 2020 at 7:42 pm
Jocelyn Rish
I’m so lucky that I attended a Highlights PB retreat with Courtney, and even though I can’t even draw accurate stick figures, she showed me how fun it is to just play with art supplies. Go get your favorite type of colors and play!
January 23, 2020 at 7:53 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
Loved this! Thank you so much, Courtney!
January 23, 2020 at 8:09 pm
Lori Sheroan
Those illustrations just make me happy. Thank you!
January 23, 2020 at 8:21 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks for the permission to play!
January 23, 2020 at 8:37 pm
doreenrobinson
Wow – you are incredibly talented! Thanks for sharing your art and the brilliant idea to just allow ourselves to “play” – I love it!
January 23, 2020 at 9:02 pm
ingridboydston
What a happy post! Thank you! I have most of the supplies you mention upstairs AND in my classroom. How often do I play with them? More often now!
January 23, 2020 at 9:07 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
Love your illustations! So wish I can draw.
January 23, 2020 at 9:12 pm
Erik Ammon
I do not consider myself a visual artist at all, but I do like to play with water colors every once in a while. I never thought to use to to help create some ideas or even full stories! I think my class might paint next week some time.
January 23, 2020 at 9:28 pm
Judith Snyder
Being open to allow creativity to bloom takes quiet time. Working with your hands or daydreaming certainly helps provide that time. Thanks for your suggestions.
January 23, 2020 at 9:29 pm
Teresa Robeson
Those are the most inspired doodles! I tend to be too uptight with mine so I love the play idea!
January 23, 2020 at 9:30 pm
Peggy Dobbs
Your watercolors are beautiful. How fun that part of our job in creating stories is to just play! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 23, 2020 at 9:37 pm
Kristen Tipman
Allow yourself to play! Really good advice.Thanks for sharing!
January 23, 2020 at 9:40 pm
Rinda Beach
Here’s to the power of play!
January 23, 2020 at 9:44 pm
Karen Lawler
I am not an artist but I do LOVE to play outside and that is usually when I get my best ideas!! I’m so glad others enjoy playing. It invites the magic of to come alive!! Thanks for reminding us all to PLAY !!! 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 10:03 pm
Jellybean
I am not an artist but have enjoyed watercolors in the past. Thanks for this reminder.
January 23, 2020 at 10:07 pm
Abby Wooldridge
Loved this post!!! Thanks, Courtney! 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 10:14 pm
TerriMichels
Thank you, You have encourage to PLAY with watercolors. I am forever grateful.
January 23, 2020 at 10:15 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
I’m struck by how many of these essays emphasize the importance of playing around, of daydreaming. Thanks for sharing.
January 23, 2020 at 10:18 pm
Sallye O'Rourke
We should all play more!
January 23, 2020 at 10:24 pm
Amanda Davis
Thanks for this! I totally relate to sometimes getting caught in the pressure to create for a purpose and forget to cut ties and just PLAY! Thanks for the reminder, Courtney 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 10:28 pm
Marty Bellis
First off, I love Maya Was Grumpy!
Second, I too love playing with watercolors.
And thirdly, since I seem to be in a slump this week, your post gives me permission to play without trying to write a story.
Giving it a shot! Thanks, Courtney!
January 23, 2020 at 10:34 pm
Annie Lynn, AnnieBirdd Music, LLC
Awesome article. You are right about putting pressure on yourself, and the more you think about it, the more nothing comes. You experiment with paints and pens when you need to play, and I get to play with my keyboards, which make weird sounds that trigger weird ideas for songs. And turn on a drum machine,,,,,, I love that you are a traditional artist. Thanks for sharing your keen insights.✌🏼🎶🎨📚😊
January 23, 2020 at 10:40 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Glad to hear I not alone in that forcing the creative side can have you hitting the proverbial wall.
January 23, 2020 at 10:42 pm
Angie
Permission to play! Excellent! I think I need me some play time. Thank you!
January 23, 2020 at 10:57 pm
JillDanaBooks
Lovely illustrations! Thanks for the inspiring post! 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 10:58 pm
Michele Ziemke
I really related as an artist. My graphite has gone dry…so I will take your advice and play!!! Thank you! Wish I could go to the Highlights retreat!
January 23, 2020 at 11:01 pm
Robin Perkins
Just what we needed!
January 23, 2020 at 11:05 pm
writersideup
You’re so right, Courtney 🙂 Kids do it all the time and look at what they come up with! 😀 And it’s just like finding your mate, right?…you find him/her when you’re not looking 😉
January 23, 2020 at 11:10 pm
Mark Ceilley
I like the idea of playing, drawing, sketching, and doodling! I enjoyed seeing your illustrations! Thank you!
January 23, 2020 at 11:21 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
I’ve started to do this at night before I go to bed. It’s amazing how drawing and writing random thoughts down related to the drawing spark all kinds of ideas. Thanks for your post! Keep playing!
January 23, 2020 at 11:25 pm
Janice Woods
Love this! Thanks so much!
January 23, 2020 at 11:26 pm
pjaegly
Courtney, your characters are adorable and I love any invitation to play more!
January 23, 2020 at 11:33 pm
cravevsworld
Gurl…. a round of thanks for releasing my inner beast of play. I’m sitting at the old typing desk in day off undies (thank you Lunar New Year), Social Distortion blasting “Don’t Drag Me Down,” poppin’ Whoppers milk balls and your tubular post surfed through my brain snipping off the editorial handcuffs. Wooohooo! Crazy ideas are flowing, and it is all thanks to you, Ms. Courtney Pippin-Mathur.
January 23, 2020 at 11:35 pm
Kate Carroll
Awesome post, Courtney! Playing with words and pictures are great story starters especially when the well seems dry! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 23, 2020 at 11:37 pm
Julie Reich
Good reminder that not everything we create has to turn into a masterpiece. Thanks!
January 23, 2020 at 11:38 pm
angiecal76
I love playing and I LOVE your art!
January 23, 2020 at 11:39 pm
Carolyn Currier
Beautiful!
January 23, 2020 at 11:43 pm
Rachel Funez
Sounds fun. I’ll try it!
January 23, 2020 at 11:47 pm
Gaynell Parker
So true!! I loved those paintings! Sometimes you have to remember that this is what you love to do!! 🙂
January 23, 2020 at 11:51 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
COURTNEY: THANK YOU for the IMPORTANT reminder to ALWAYS TAKE THE TIME TO PLAY! If most of our readers do that, we should be doing that too!!! As children’s book authors, that’s KEY to helping us remain childlike.
PS: I ALSO have “a love affair with PJs” (one of THE BEST PERKS of the writing gig!), and LOVE She-ra!!! THANK YOU for the INSPIRATION!!! I am EXCITED to see more of your ADORABLE–and PLAYFUL!!!–illustrations in your books! THANK YOU!!!
January 24, 2020 at 12:04 am
charlestrevino
PLAY is good WORK!
January 24, 2020 at 12:24 am
Virginia Rinkel
Ohhh, I love the no pressure and just play. I need to do more of that. Now…
January 24, 2020 at 12:49 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
I need to play more! Even though I play with words I think the same concept applies. Thanks for a thought provoking post.
January 24, 2020 at 12:52 am
8catpaws
You can also play with words–rhymes, images–with no intent in mind–just because it’s fun–and maybe an idea will emerge…or, if you are not an artist, you can daydream a scene in color–an inner-mind illustration
January 24, 2020 at 1:01 am
Thelia Hutchinson
Awesome. I wish I could draw, or paint. Thank you for getting me thinking.
January 24, 2020 at 1:40 am
carmelamccainsimmons
I have always wanted to paint with watercolor, but worried I wouldn’t be good at it. But I saw your post and decided to “just play.” Thanks for the encouragement. challenge accepted!
January 24, 2020 at 2:05 am
Michele R
Thanks for giving us permission to play. Some of us need that to actually feel ok about doing it. 🙂
January 24, 2020 at 2:58 am
percyandcat
Courtney, that is the whole idea in writing for children, it is supposed to be fun. I love that you have the ability to do all of your own artwork and write what a blessing. I love writing for children and using my imagination to create things that make their eyes sparkle and put big smiles on their faces. thank you so much for the insight and for letting us see some of your sketches.
January 24, 2020 at 3:31 am
Marcia Berneger
A Storystorm Highlights retreat? Sounds amazing!!
January 24, 2020 at 7:21 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thanks for the advice on permitting oneself to play.
January 24, 2020 at 8:38 am
M.R.
Thank you for sharing this message! I love your witches and mermaids! 🙂
January 24, 2020 at 9:12 am
Christina Shawn
I love your illustrations! They are fun and beautiful! I also love sweat pants and PJs. 😁
January 24, 2020 at 9:17 am
Juliann Caveny
I adore your images! As a writer with a strong arts background, I find creative “play” in all forms is helpful to pretty much everything in my life: family, friendships, writing, health, and general well-being. Thanks for sharing your pictures, process and ideas with us.
January 24, 2020 at 9:30 am
Kim Wilson
I’m going to try this! Thank you!
January 24, 2020 at 9:32 am
Lisa L Furness
I love to play with markers and ink pens. To get the creative juices flowing I draw/doodle mandalas to create something when I’m not writing.
Play to create!
January 24, 2020 at 11:10 am
Lynne Marie
Thanks @Courtney and Tara — it was fun to play along! Love your art!
January 24, 2020 at 11:10 am
Lynne Marie
Thanks @Courtney and Tara — it was fun to play along! Love your art!
January 24, 2020 at 11:22 am
laurimacey
I love this post! Why do we as adults lose the ability to just pick up a crayon and play…and how can we get it back?
January 24, 2020 at 11:31 am
saintamovin
Thank you for the reminder to play…😊
January 24, 2020 at 11:48 am
Elizabeth Brown
Thank you for your post!
January 24, 2020 at 11:50 am
Carrie Tillotson
What beautiful illustrations!
January 24, 2020 at 12:08 pm
Priya Gopal
Sigh. I hope that your book on Diwali won’t be another story told wrong by someone who happens to be married to an Indian. It also itches me that Indian authors don’t get their Diwali books published because publishers believe they are too ethnic or the public won’t be interested but somehow the same publishers are willing to publish such a story – which is important to me- when it is told by a white woman (who probably isn’t a Hindu, I assume). Sigh.
January 24, 2020 at 12:16 pm
carolmunrojww
Play! And Joy! Yes. You’ve reminded me that my grandson recommended which watercolors I should buy so I could begin playing with art. Off the find the note and head to the store.
January 24, 2020 at 12:16 pm
kyavorski
Taking time to play often gets the muse moving. This is likely especially true when writing for children who should be learning through play.
January 24, 2020 at 12:43 pm
Lisa Riddiough
Thank you, Courtney. I’m off to play with my soft tip Flairs!!!
January 24, 2020 at 12:57 pm
mginsberg10
Courtney, I love your illustrations!
January 24, 2020 at 1:42 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
Nice work, Courtney! And yes, even if one is not an artist, doodling can present all sorts of cool, unexpected ideas.
January 24, 2020 at 1:45 pm
Lori Alexander
Love your style, Courtney! Congrats on the upcoming book!
January 24, 2020 at 1:45 pm
susanzonca
Why is it we need permission to play? Thank you!!! I have so many art supplies, but feel as if I only have a right to them during leisure time.
January 24, 2020 at 1:50 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
I love to PLAY! Thanks for the permission. Great post!
January 24, 2020 at 2:05 pm
donnacangelosi
Such a fun post, Courtney! I love you examples and illustrations. Magic sure happens when we take the pressure off and just play.
January 24, 2020 at 2:12 pm
yangmommy
Love your illustrations & your post!
January 24, 2020 at 2:36 pm
mrsgoodchoice
Courtney, you are so talented!
January 24, 2020 at 4:10 pm
Poupette Smith
Hmm, I’ve been thinking about getting some watercolors… can’t illustrate but am surrounded by such staggering color that playing around with it on paper might just prompt a story. Great suggestion, and love your work!
January 24, 2020 at 4:10 pm
Angela Padron
Love to see I your process – thank you!
January 24, 2020 at 4:35 pm
Judy Palermo
Letting your imagination roam where it wants to go!
January 24, 2020 at 5:14 pm
Jill Lambert (@LJillLambert)
I tired playing around with Doodle Buddy on my iPad today. It wasn’t pretty, but it was fun and led to several ideas. Thanks for the push to play!
January 24, 2020 at 5:46 pm
Mary Ann Blair
Love the procreate app on my IPAD!
January 24, 2020 at 6:13 pm
shirley301
Thanks for reminding us to have some fun to get the juices flowing.
January 24, 2020 at 6:20 pm
Franny G
Thanks for the advice, sometimes when I try and force myself to be creative the ideas run and hide!
January 24, 2020 at 6:24 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Playing now … thanks!
January 24, 2020 at 6:39 pm
Stephen S. Martin
I love to play. play, play play, It keeps you from getting stuck in clay.
January 24, 2020 at 7:39 pm
Dea Lenihan
So glad you were part of this! I am an illustrator, too. I mostly create coloring books at this point, but am patiently waiting for my time. Thank you for the inspiration. xo
January 24, 2020 at 7:48 pm
imagination4lf
Thanks, Courtney! Storystorm Highlights 2020 sounds very exciting!
January 24, 2020 at 8:15 pm
Keila Dawson
On point! Play is a magical word, isn’t it!
January 24, 2020 at 8:16 pm
Virginia Manning
Thank you, Courtney, for the reminder!!! I think play is especially important in this industry where rejection is 200 times more common than acceptance : ) We need to find joy in our work to keep us from veering off the road!
January 24, 2020 at 8:29 pm
Chelle Martin
Thanks for sharing.
January 24, 2020 at 9:41 pm
Janet Halfmann
I definitely need to “play” more!
January 24, 2020 at 10:04 pm
deirdreprischmann
So true! Play is essential.
January 24, 2020 at 10:35 pm
bluerabbit
Terrific advice–and FUN :-). Thank you!
January 24, 2020 at 10:42 pm
Judy Shemtob
Absolutely fascinating to see how you organize your ideas and revisions! Thank you, Hope Lim.
January 24, 2020 at 10:47 pm
Brinton Culp
Thank you for sharing you art and inspiration! Love the idea of play without worrying about words.
January 24, 2020 at 10:54 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Play in some form is so necessary! Thanks for the reminder, Courtney. And thanks for inspiring us with the art you shared in this post! Sometimes I “play” by browsing illustrators websites or Instagram accounts! And sometimes that inspires ideas!
January 24, 2020 at 11:03 pm
Christine Pinto
Thanks for the great reminder to do it because we love it! Write because you love to write!
January 25, 2020 at 8:24 am
Patricia Alcaro
Use the visual arts to do something creative that isn’t tied into words! Great advice. This ties in beautifully with ‘play.’ Thank you
January 25, 2020 at 8:48 am
Mardi Edwards
I love the ideas of painting to come up with ideas. I paint beach scenes. Wonder what I can find?
January 25, 2020 at 9:01 am
jacquesartandbooks
Courtney, my inner four year old wants to come play with you.
P.S. I love your witch
January 25, 2020 at 9:34 am
Jim Chaize
I love to play, but not with art tools, just games of all sorts. Yes, play is important. Thanks, Courtney.
January 25, 2020 at 10:45 am
Helen Lysicatos
Thank you for the reminder, it is easy to get stuck in the process and forget to play to create.
January 25, 2020 at 10:57 am
susan schade
My mind always tends to work better when my pencil has contact with paper. Great post, thank you.
January 25, 2020 at 11:27 am
marykatesmithdespres
Your work is beautiful! Thanks for the always-needed reminder to play more!
January 25, 2020 at 11:39 am
Juliana Lee
Doodling might be the best part of any PTA meeting!
January 25, 2020 at 12:53 pm
claireannette1
I haven’t used my watercolors in ages – time to play!
January 25, 2020 at 2:13 pm
Aimee Satterlee
What beautiful work, Courtney. Thanks for the reminder to play!
January 25, 2020 at 4:09 pm
Liz Steinglass
It can be so hard to play without worrying about whether it will turn into something.
January 25, 2020 at 5:18 pm
angie9091
“Some shamble in like half-dead zombies.” YES!
January 25, 2020 at 5:35 pm
Dina Ticas
Your illustrations are so eye catching–I love them!
January 25, 2020 at 6:50 pm
Susan Orton
Great advice, draw what you love or write what you love with no pressure. If you don’t draw, I could see sorting family photos into people, places and memories you love. I’m sure that alone will unearth some real emotions to inspire a wonderful story.
January 25, 2020 at 7:15 pm
Rona Shirdan
Time to play! Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 7:42 pm
eross
love this advice to play/create without words, thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 7:45 pm
julielacombeauthor
Thank you for the great advice to play. I’m hoping this will jump-start some new ideas!
January 25, 2020 at 8:05 pm
Jenn
Once upon a time, I was an art major…until I wasn’t. And I’ve spent too many years afraid of the blank page, worried that everything I did would be crap. Recently I’ve let myself start to PLAY again, reminding myself that I can tear out my work and throw it away/delete it off the iPad.
I’ve got a new set of watercolors and a sketchbook still sitting empty because I’m afraid to “ruin” it and I’ve realized I still haven’t let go of that fear entirely. This week, I think I’m gonna PLAY with those watercolors…Thank you!
January 25, 2020 at 10:56 pm
Stephanie Lau
I’ve really enjoyed your art – thanks for sharing your story.
January 26, 2020 at 12:12 am
Naana
Thank you, Courtney, for encouraging play in creativity.
January 26, 2020 at 3:51 am
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
I am a writer. A writer who writes with a mechanical pencil and the occasional colored pen. I am a writer who does not draw but when it comes to using pastels or charcoal I believe something magical happens and my drawings make me happy! Thanks for the inspirational post. Have fun at the retreat. I definitely want to attend some year.
January 26, 2020 at 4:52 am
rjtraxel
I love your mermaid! And a good reminder to play and have fun (writing for kids should be fun!)
January 26, 2020 at 5:22 am
Denise Engle
Thank you for new ideas! I’d never thought of playing with art as a vehicle to ideas!
January 26, 2020 at 7:21 am
Nadine Poper
Your illustrations are precious! Thank you for this post.
January 26, 2020 at 11:24 am
rimna
Thanks, Courtney.
January 26, 2020 at 12:03 pm
Kathy Cornell Berman
Love your sketches. Thanks for the inspiration to doodle.
January 26, 2020 at 12:43 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you, Courtney for reminding me how much I enjoy art for fun. words tend to overtake my mind and some art sessions are in order!!
January 26, 2020 at 1:25 pm
Lynn Alpert
Thanks for the reminder to feel free to play!
January 26, 2020 at 2:30 pm
kmajor2013
i enjoyed your post, Courtney and especially your art!
January 26, 2020 at 3:40 pm
denarose
Thanks so much for the reminder to just play!
January 26, 2020 at 7:33 pm
Angela De Groot
Love your art and your process. Thanks for sharing.
January 26, 2020 at 9:45 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
Needed to hear this. Thanks!
January 27, 2020 at 1:16 am
Terri Sabol
I started water coloring last year and like it a lot. Where in East Texas were you from? I went o school in Nacogdoches and taught in Lufkin for one year.
January 27, 2020 at 2:11 am
Kaye Baillie
Sounds like fun, thanks, Courtney.
January 27, 2020 at 6:35 am
Elle
Love it! Yes, we need to give ourselves permission to play. I believe we then find our best work.
January 27, 2020 at 7:14 am
Diane Tulloch
Oh my I love doodling even though I’m not an illustrator, I do like to play at sketching….sometimes. 🙂
January 27, 2020 at 9:31 am
Beth Gallagher
Since I tend to think of my ideas in pictures (though my illustration ability leans toward detailed stick figures), I was excited to see Courtney’s post. Thanks for freeing my idea generator! 😉
January 27, 2020 at 11:59 am
lanearnold
“You must play if you want to create.” Great line!
January 27, 2020 at 12:08 pm
anneiversonbellsouthnet
As one whose artistic ability is limited to stick figures, it’s fun to imagine and to just “play”. What wondrous things emerge! Thanks for a great post, Courtney!
January 27, 2020 at 12:28 pm
Lauri Meyers
Ahhh, permission to just play with inspiration is always appreciated!
January 27, 2020 at 1:38 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
I SO WISH I COULD COME TO THIS HIGHLIGHTS EVENT! I would LOVE to play with watercolor with you. sigh. Next year.
January 27, 2020 at 2:24 pm
Pamela Haskin
Congratulations on your class at Highlights! So wish I could be there. Another year. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
January 27, 2020 at 2:31 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Ya, I need to play more
January 27, 2020 at 3:12 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
I’m so bad at this. I definitely need to listen to your advice. I just spent ALL of my BIC time forcing myself to write and it was NOT working. I need to allow myself to play more! Thanks for the insights!
January 27, 2020 at 4:10 pm
candicewolff
I’ve never considered myself to be anything close to an illustrator but for some reason I just find painting so satisfying. It’s my favorite creative non writing activity. I always have some blank canvases in the art closet just in case. 😊
January 27, 2020 at 4:18 pm
Mary Jo Wagner
Illustrators rock. And thank you for the reminder to just let myself play.
January 27, 2020 at 4:19 pm
Mary Jo Wagner
Illustrators rock. Thank you for reminding me to just play.
January 27, 2020 at 6:18 pm
Kellie
Great mental image of ideas shambling in like half-dead zombies. What a wonderful post and a great reminder. I’ve just started drawing (if you can call it that) again after … years! And I can attest to the ideas coming during that playing process!!
January 27, 2020 at 7:50 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thank you for the permission to PLAY!
January 27, 2020 at 8:25 pm
Jennifer
I always doodle during meetings at work and do find that “playing” — even if just this — does make me think of ideas!
Thanks for the fun post!
January 27, 2020 at 8:45 pm
kathydoherty1
Thanks, Courtney, for the advice to play! Have fun at The Barn. I’ve been there four times.
January 28, 2020 at 8:28 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Like Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow who gave us permission to daydream, Courtney gives us permission to PLAY! Yay!
January 28, 2020 at 10:58 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Playing is fun. I do it all the time. When Mom says I have to learn, I play. When she says I have to go to sleep, I play. When she says I have to walk nicely, I play. Maybe now she will play with me. Wait. What? It’s not that kind of play??? Blerg. Let’s hope we do it anyway…
Love and licks,
Cupcake
January 28, 2020 at 11:33 am
doreenrobinson
I love the concept of just playing without the pressure to create. It’s very freeing to just see what comes of it, so thank you!
January 28, 2020 at 4:41 pm
jenniemacdonald
“…without the pressure to create” is incredibly freeing. Thanks, Doreen, for your perspective, and thank you to Courtney for sharing your charming creative process!
January 28, 2020 at 1:41 pm
Kristin Wauson
Love this post and your character sketches are fantastic!
January 28, 2020 at 2:24 pm
sketched out
I got a lovely sketchbook for Christmas. I’m pretty sure I know how I’m going to use it now. Play! Thanks for the great perspective and ideas, Courtney.
January 28, 2020 at 3:48 pm
topangamaria
Thank you for the invitation to just play play play.
January 28, 2020 at 4:24 pm
Leigh Therriault
Ahh, such a fun (and helpful) suggestion. Allow yourself to play. Yes. Yes, I think I will…. 😊🎨
January 28, 2020 at 5:42 pm
Catherine Morgans
Yes play. Will work on a play day mantra. Thank you Courtney.
January 28, 2020 at 5:57 pm
megcason1
Great inspiration!!
January 28, 2020 at 8:29 pm
Kimberly Marcus
I love all of your drawings. They are wonderful. I will schedule some play time in even tho I’m not an illustrator. It just sounds like fun!
January 28, 2020 at 10:10 pm
Judy Bryan
I love your illustrations, Courtney! I will definitely find time to play today just for fun. No pressure. Congrats on your books!!
January 28, 2020 at 11:52 pm
tiffanydickinson
Courtney, your art and watercolor is beautiful and inspiring. Thank you!
January 29, 2020 at 1:25 am
jefnamc
Your mermaids are my favorite! Squee!!
But seriously, let’s all play more. Right? Yes.
January 29, 2020 at 2:22 am
dlapmandi
Love the idea of being visual without words. Thanks for the post
January 29, 2020 at 6:57 am
marziehaali
yes to playing more! thanks so much, your art is beautiful
January 29, 2020 at 11:05 am
Tracy Hora
I’ve learned to play with the writing of stories which was very freeing to me. Thanks for the post.
January 29, 2020 at 11:32 am
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
Courtney, this post hit me in the heart. Play is so vital and necessary to any story, and I’ve got to invest more. I love watercolor as well (and ink) and I have no excuse for not playing the things I love to do. Thanks for the urge.
January 29, 2020 at 2:18 pm
alisongoldberg
Thanks for sharing this great advice, and your beautiful illustrations!
January 29, 2020 at 3:05 pm
Ashley Bankhead
I love this poast! Just play is such perfect and simple advice! Thank you!
January 29, 2020 at 3:21 pm
LJ Laniewski
You had me at “play” and “pajamas.” You would think that a writer of children’s books would not have to be reminded to play, but this reminder is just what I needed. I am so excited to check out Dragons Rule Princesses Drool. Thank you for the playful post!
January 29, 2020 at 10:02 pm
Sheri Dillard
Great advice! I love the idea of playing with sketches. And yours are so fun– it’s no wonder they inspire you! 🙂
January 29, 2020 at 10:19 pm
KASteed
Thank you for the reminder to play.
January 29, 2020 at 11:15 pm
Shanah Salter
Thank you for the excuse to play!
January 29, 2020 at 11:43 pm
Gaby Lagos
I am thinking the process of writing could apply too, just play with the words, and then as you mentioned, the ideas will come. Courtney is an excellent idea to use watercolor drawing as a stage, thanks for sharing.
January 30, 2020 at 2:16 am
Susan Cabael
I’m a writer, not an illustrator, but I can see how playing with art can inspire stories. You’re inspiring me to want to pull out my watercolors.
January 30, 2020 at 8:41 am
sharongiltrow
Ooooo now I want an art set.
January 30, 2020 at 12:17 pm
DK Ryland
How amazing are these illustrations?!
January 30, 2020 at 12:30 pm
Anne Appert
I love your illustrations. Definitely need to make more time to play! Thank you for your post.
January 30, 2020 at 5:19 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
I love playing with paints (even as a very unartistic person). Thanks for the encouragement!
January 30, 2020 at 5:47 pm
Jennifer Hunt
Love hearing about an illustrator’s process!
January 30, 2020 at 7:01 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Playing is always a great thing to do. 😅
January 30, 2020 at 8:10 pm
Elizabeth Metz
Ahhhh, this is so freeing! I, too, do not like to sketch but live by the doodle in the margins of notebooks, and I have always felt like an illustrator imposter because of it. Thank you for this validation, Courtney! Now, to get to playing…
January 31, 2020 at 1:24 am
Dani Duck
I spend so much time creating things Courtney and I do not spend enough time playing. I do need to set some time aside for playing. I’d probably come up with much better story ideas and art.
January 31, 2020 at 1:45 am
Joanne Roberts
Your work really inspired me and I definitely do not play around enough: I’m always trying to create the perfect illustration on the first try. Thank-you.
January 31, 2020 at 2:48 am
Brenda Grant Lower
That last paragraph- SO TRUE! Thanks!
January 31, 2020 at 2:57 am
Sylvia Chen
Love seeing how you revive your inspiration, thank you for sharing!
January 31, 2020 at 8:50 am
Michele Helsel
Your illustrations are gorgeous. I definitely need to try your method.
January 31, 2020 at 9:47 am
Darshana
great post!
January 31, 2020 at 3:23 pm
Lucy Staugler
Courtney, what fabulous illustrations!!! Oops…gotta go! Time to play! Thank for the reminder!
January 31, 2020 at 8:39 pm
kmshelley
Your doodles are amazing!
January 31, 2020 at 9:03 pm
Maureen Tai
What gorgeous illustrations!
February 1, 2020 at 7:24 am
Nadia Salomon
I’m commenting late on this post, but enjoyed your doodles and advice to just play. Thank you!
February 1, 2020 at 12:51 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Oh! I’ll be at Highlights!! I am SOOOO looking forward to getting some play time there! Yay! Also, your work is amazing!
February 1, 2020 at 3:05 pm
storyfairy
Nice post.
February 1, 2020 at 4:08 pm
Noelle McBride
I’m not really an artist, but maybe I’ll pull out my Donny and Marie Osmond dolls and see what happens.
February 2, 2020 at 12:20 pm
Kyle McBride
Something I need to do more of. Thanks
February 3, 2020 at 5:34 pm
rhumba20
Thank you for the great idea to play with mediums other than words. 😀
Anna Levin
February 3, 2020 at 8:58 pm
Veronica Bartles (@vbartles)
My one and only goal for 2020 is to rediscover the fun of playing. 🙂 Feel free to kick my butt if you see me sliding back into the too-serious mode I hang out in way too often!
February 3, 2020 at 9:42 pm
sarahmdm
Yes! Play is sooooo important! It’s one my list of favorite things. More playing all around!
February 5, 2020 at 4:23 pm
Lucretia Schafroth
Courtney, your illustrations are so engaging–love your style! Thanks for the reminder to PLAY! It’s definitely a gold mine for creativity and inspiration.
Thank you for the wonderful post.
February 6, 2020 at 3:49 pm
dinatowbin
Thanks for sharing your fun post. I’m in the DC area this month. Let me know if you’d like to connect.
January 24, 2021 at 11:40 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Yes, play, play, play!!! I need to do more of that, and quit beating myself up over little things like brain fog. Thanks for this tip!