by Courtney Pippin-Mathur
Hello Storystormers!
When Tara approached me about doing art for STORYSTORM, I was thrilled. I have been a participant and an occasional guest author, but this was different. I was excited. I was determined. I was nervous.
I started with a few sketches. I love drawing gnomes, fairies and elves, so thought I would try that. I added some carrying or thinking of lightbulbs.
But it didn’t feel quite right.
When I wasn’t sketching ideas, I thought on it. Thinking on it is one of a writer’s greatest tools. You can do it anywhere. Doing dishes—Think On It. Drawing an elf for a monthly challenge—Think On It. Take a shower—Think On It.
During my Think on It sessions, I came to two conclusions:
- I wanted the character to be an animal.
- I wanted the “storm” part of STORYSTORM to be a blizzard.
So I started sketching animals. I filled up a page of various animals with lightbulb ideas.
Two stuck out to me: the lion and the bear.
When an idea or sketch is appealing to me, I draw it again.
The little lion was really appealing to me; I loved his wee raincoat. But as I sketched him more, I realized I liked him BUT he wasn’t right for the STORYSTORM blizzard idea. So, I put him aside to use sometime in the future. Maybe as a picture book idea?
I went back and sketched the bear in different positions and ideas. (For the participation badges, winner badges, banner, etc.)
Then I sent it to Tara to see if she liked the idea. She did, so I started on the color. Actually it was a week or so later. My art creation process is usually a series of scribbly twists and turns instead of a simple line. It used to frustrate me, but now I accept it as part of the process and look for any extraneous sketches or ideas that I can use in the future.
When I came back to start the final art, I decided I wanted the bear to be a full sized bear instead of a little guy. So I did drew it again.
I played around with compositions and finally came to the ½ view you see in the “Participant” badge.
Added color…
Tara and I hopped on a Zoom to find the perfect font. (Which Tara is better at than me.)
And ta-da…
I was very happy with him. So much so, that I added color to the earlier sketch-version and have it on my website for my winter welcome page. (And as stickers!)
I love projects that inspire other art or illustrations and since STORYSTORM is all about inspiration, it seems perfect.
P.S. While all of these revisions were happening, I WAS THINKING ON IT. In the banner, there are several ideas (lightbulbs). Some are easy to find—like on the trees, some are closer to home, some are half-buried in the snow—you just half to go look for them. See how many you lightbulbs you can find in the banner. And good luck on finding your 30 ideas!
Courtney Pippin-Mathur is giving away one 30-minute “Ask Me Anything” Zoom plus a pack of stickers from her Etsy shop to one lucky Storystorm winner.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm 2024 participant and you have commented only once on today’s blog post.
Prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of Storystorm.
Courtney Pippin-Mathur is an author/illustrator of picture books. IT’S HOLI, written by her sister-in-law, Sanyukta Mathur, will be released February 2024 from Holt BFYR. When she’s not teaching at Highlights Foundation, writing, or making art, she’s playing with clay or working her local bookstore. Visit her at PippinMathur.com.
629 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 4, 2024 at 8:42 am
tinamcho
I think the bear is adorable. Think on it! Great motto for Storystorm! Thanks, Courtney.
January 4, 2024 at 4:36 pm
marianariosr
How fun to get to witness your creative process for the Storystorm logo! Thanks for sharing! You’re so talented! I love the stickers!
January 4, 2024 at 8:43 am
Rebecca Colby
Wonderful to hear your process and see the artwork as it developed. Thank you so much for doing it! I know all of us participating appreciate it.
January 4, 2024 at 8:44 am
Tanya Konerman
I love,love,love this bear! And yes, the Think On It method is a great way to come at things sideways, without looking at it head on in front of the computer! I always do this in the shower when I’m stuck LOL!
January 4, 2024 at 8:44 am
claireflewis
Great post, thank you! As an illustrator myself I loved hearing about your creative process – and I agree thinking time is really important!
January 4, 2024 at 8:44 am
jcherney3
I love your bear!
January 4, 2024 at 8:44 am
kathleengauer
I love how your “scribbly twists and turns” evolved into this loveable bear character!
January 4, 2024 at 8:45 am
ccspizzirri
I love your art, Courtney! Thanks for a peek into your process.
January 4, 2024 at 8:45 am
apipercreative
I love the illustration and learning about your process.
January 4, 2024 at 8:46 am
reedandwritekids
I find walking in nature is my best think on it time.
Super cute art!
January 4, 2024 at 8:47 am
kvavala
Don’t you just love how our minds work? Thank you for sharing your process with us. The bear is adorable! I’ll go now and Think on it!
January 4, 2024 at 8:47 am
Tara N Seahorn
I love the bear/blizzard! He looks so cozy and warm with his scarf and hat! ❤️
January 4, 2024 at 8:50 am
Joyce Uglow
When children are given the space to “think on it” they keep their curiosity alive. As Bethany Hegedus says in The Writing Barn’s manifesto, writing takes the time it takes. Courtney, I will add yours to make my mantra, “I take the time it takes to think on it and write!” Thank you for the adorable bear.
January 4, 2024 at 8:53 am
katiemahood
Wow, seeing your process was really inspiring. All the twists and turns aren’t wasted time, they are part of the process! I love thinking about that!
January 4, 2024 at 8:53 am
Deena Viviani
Too cute!! Sketching even as a novice is a great idea for ideas…thx for your help w SStorm!
January 4, 2024 at 8:54 am
Kindness Kangaroo
Sketching allows a lot of inspiratin for me too!
January 4, 2024 at 8:54 am
amandaburrellbooks
The stickers are so cute!!
January 4, 2024 at 8:55 am
Evelyn Day
I love your lion in a raincoat too!
January 4, 2024 at 8:55 am
M.R.
Your sketches are so cute. The bear stickers are adorable. Now I must go see how many light bulbs I can find! 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 8:56 am
aubreyalliethewriter
I want to learn to illustrate. I’ve brought back out the old sketch pad and trying to get inspired. My first sketch is a character from one of my picture books. I considered trying to illustrate this one myself, but it feels a bit daunting. Here’s to a new year and new art!
January 4, 2024 at 8:57 am
brittneyjett06
This is so fun! Thanks for the reminder of how important it is to “THINK ON IT.”
January 4, 2024 at 8:57 am
Lindsay Moretti
Love your illustrations, Courtney! Thanks so much for sharing your process and for the reminder that you can always brew a story no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
January 4, 2024 at 8:57 am
Vanessa Konoval
Very smart approach! Thanks, Courtney!
January 4, 2024 at 8:58 am
Dionna
I love Courtney’s work! It makes me smile. Great post!
January 4, 2024 at 8:58 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
I love seeing your ideas come to life as amazing art, Courtney! I’m inspired to play around with ideas that come to me.
January 4, 2024 at 8:58 am
bookclubhbhs
It’s so cool to see the journey you had while creating this year’s Storystorm illustrations and I love your illustration style! I have been trying to create sketches of a character for my picture book manuscript in hopes I can also take on the illustrator role for it, but I’m never happy with any of my illustration attempts. I’m inspired by how you kept trying new things until sketches felt appealing to you, and I will continue to do the same! Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 9:00 am
Eileen Saunders
I love that the bear’s head is the shape of a book.
January 4, 2024 at 9:01 am
Melissa Rafson Friedman
The bear is adorable!
January 4, 2024 at 9:02 am
amyhouts
Adorable! As a writer (not an artist), I enjoyed reading about the creative process for illustrations—it’s very different from my own. Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 9:04 am
Zoodocwrites
As a non-artist, it’s fun to see the process that went into the Storystorm artwork! Thanks for sharing! (All of the sketches you shared were beyond adorable!)
January 4, 2024 at 9:11 am
thecrowsmap
Courtney, such good advice! I love having the bear as our mascot.
Gail Hartma
January 4, 2024 at 9:11 am
natashaffdfd87f06
Forever thinking on it! Thanks for sharing… love the bear and the thought process!
January 4, 2024 at 9:12 am
robincurrie1
I love peeking into a mind that works with scribbles rather than words! Thanks so much for sharing. Hope to get the winning bear! (I DID get the pun “half to look”!)
January 4, 2024 at 9:15 am
Jany Campana
Thanks Courtney for a fun blizzard!
January 4, 2024 at 9:15 am
karammitchell
Thanks for letting us in on the process, Courtney!
January 4, 2024 at 9:15 am
Ilona B
Love the back story, thank you. And I would seriously buy that bear’s colorful scarf.
January 4, 2024 at 9:16 am
Jennifer
Thank you for your adorable artwork for this event and for all the thought that went into it. I’m not a visual artist and loved hearing about your process.
January 4, 2024 at 9:16 am
Karen
Think on it! I think I will be using this phrase as I flesh out my next draft. Thanks
January 4, 2024 at 9:16 am
Laura Purdie Salas
I love seeing artists’ processes. Thanks for sharing! And for the fun graphics :>)
January 4, 2024 at 9:17 am
Jessica Iwanski
I loved seeing your process, and I love your final art for Storystorm! Definitely come back to that lion for a future project — he is so cute too! 😊 As someone without an ounce of illustration talent, I could still totally relate to what you said about “thinking on it.” Some of my best creative moments happen when I’m not actually doing the physical writing but instead just thinking on it. This was a great encouragement!
January 4, 2024 at 9:17 am
Colleen Owen Murphy
How fun Courtney! You inspire me to get out my sketchbook and play! And I think I am going to have your drawing on the front of my Storystorm journal!
January 4, 2024 at 9:18 am
Melissa Lettis
I love seeing others’ art/brainstorm process! And don’t just “think” but Think On It!
January 4, 2024 at 9:18 am
Srividhya Venkat
Courtney, thanks for sharing the process behind the adorable Storystorm bear! I love to draw, though I haven’t done it in ages! (no, I’m not an artist). But seeing your rough sketches makes me want to pick up a pencil. So thank you for the inspiration!
January 4, 2024 at 9:19 am
Linda Bozzo
Love the Storystorm bear and learning about your process.
January 4, 2024 at 9:19 am
Laurie Seaford
Congratulations on IT’S HOLI! As an author/only, I so enjoyed peeking into your illustrator brain. Thank you for sharing your process.
January 4, 2024 at 9:20 am
Bridgitte Rodguez
I love learning the process for ideas! All those earlier sketches— super cool.! Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 9:20 am
michelemeleen
“Thinking on it” is definitely how most of my books actually come together. Ideas sort of float around in my head until they find a buddy or two and form into something bigger than an idea!
January 4, 2024 at 9:20 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you for showing us your process. Great characters, Courtney!
January 4, 2024 at 9:21 am
kellybirdsong2019
I loved seeing your process.
January 4, 2024 at 9:21 am
Aileen Stewart
Adorable! And “Think On It” should be our new battle cry for 2024 😊
January 4, 2024 at 9:21 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Love seeing your process–thank you for the blizzarding bear :>) (My comment’s not showing up today–this is fourth try, I think…)
January 4, 2024 at 9:22 am
Kathryn LeRoy
Thank you for the validation that “Think On It” is a viable and productive writing technique.
January 4, 2024 at 9:23 am
Jamie Bills
Courtney, you are super talented. I love the artwork. And I like the intentional thinking on an idea and one idea moving on to more ideas. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 9:23 am
Becca McMurdie
Wow! I love this visual approach to idea-finding. Cheers!
January 4, 2024 at 9:25 am
Cheryl Keely
Adorable. Fun to see the illustration thought process— of which I’m always in awe.
Think On It is such a good reminder for whenever and on whatever we get stuck.
January 4, 2024 at 9:26 am
Joan Sidney
Exciting to watch your beautiful bear develop, so inspiring! Thanks
January 4, 2024 at 9:26 am
Carol Gwin Nelson
I love this! That bear with the basket full of ideas is perfect!
January 4, 2024 at 9:28 am
Lucretia Schafroth
Thank you for sharing your process and lovely artwork for this annual idea blizzard, Courtney!
January 4, 2024 at 9:30 am
kimpfenn
The Bear is perfect as are the lightbulbs! Think on it is brilliant! Thank you both!
January 4, 2024 at 9:31 am
Karin Larson
I love your work! So fun and vibrant. Thank you for sharing your process. I love the idea of “think on it.”
January 4, 2024 at 9:32 am
Jessie D. Phillips
I love when illustrators share their process for drawing and their art. The visual presentation of how ideas unfold is very inspiring!
January 4, 2024 at 9:33 am
millerritam
I love hearing about your process. Thank you, and because it’s my 3rd year of Storystorm, I DID buy your journal from Zazzle! 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 9:33 am
katecarroll
Though I’m not an illustrator, traveling through your process made me want to pick up a sketch pad and play. The final bear is “beary” cute! Thanks for the inspiration!
January 4, 2024 at 9:37 am
Darla Christie
Love your design and getting a glimpse into your process. How clever to add hidden lightbulbs! Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 9:37 am
schellijo
Love this. Beautiful! Love how your ideas all evolve and come together. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 9:38 am
Rachelle Burk
Gosh, I wish I could draw like that. It’s a talent I’ve always desired. I absolutely love the basket of light bulbs and the ones hidden all over. What an amazing metaphor!
January 4, 2024 at 9:38 am
Lauren Barbieri
Thinking on it is the best! And the bear is adorable. Thank you for this post.
January 4, 2024 at 9:39 am
Cheryl Kula
Loved the idea of scribbling pictures. I’ll add that to my “try” list.
January 4, 2024 at 9:39 am
Debbie Austin
What an adorable bear, Courtney! Thank you for sharing your process with us. It was so fun to see your early sketches and then the final aha! lightbulb moment.
January 4, 2024 at 9:40 am
Kimberly Marcus
I liked hearing about your process and how you had to accept it for what it is – I’ve been going through that with my own process so that really resonated with me. Thank you.
January 4, 2024 at 9:40 am
martyfindley
I
January 4, 2024 at 9:41 am
Jessica Coupé
So interesting to learn how you created the artwork! I also appreciated the reminder to “think on it” while doing other tasks.
January 4, 2024 at 9:43 am
martyfindley
I love the bear character! His basket of light bulbs is perfect for Storystorm!
January 4, 2024 at 9:45 am
saintamovin
Thank you Courtney😍
January 4, 2024 at 9:45 am
Hannah Roy LaGrone
I loved seeing how you decided on the right character!
January 4, 2024 at 9:45 am
arndt4writing
“Think on it”!!! Such a great reminder! I love how your art evolved and how you went with it. Your art is amazing!! Thanks so much for sharing, Courtney!
January 4, 2024 at 9:45 am
bgonsar
It’s always fun to see the behind the scenes of the process. Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 9:47 am
angkunkel
Love your playful approach and your bear, Courtney!
January 4, 2024 at 9:47 am
sarahpeacetobias
The bear is adorable and I love the stickers. I think I need to get one for my sketchbook. I’m enjoying my idea book, now.
I also love to take an idea and give it to my subconscious to noodle with. Adam Grant’s new book Hidden Potential talks about this form of procrastination as being very beneficial to the creative practice.
January 4, 2024 at 9:48 am
ellen seal
The twists & turns of the journey are what keeps things exciting 🙂
Thanks for letting us see your process!
January 4, 2024 at 9:50 am
Zoodocwrites
Your sketches are beyond adorable! Thanks for sharing your process!
January 4, 2024 at 9:52 am
readmybook2002
Not being an illustrator (can only manage stick figures), I’ve always been interested in the illustrator process from idea to finished illustration especially what happens in between both points. Thank you for your explanation. He/she is quite a knowledgable bear.
January 4, 2024 at 9:52 am
Lindsey Aduskevich
Oh my gosh! This bear is ADORABLE! Thinking on it is the best! Thank you for this doubly inspiring post! 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 9:52 am
JF Hall Writes
Your illustrations are adorable! Thank you for walking us through your process and for reminding us that it’s so very helpful to continue thinking on it…
January 4, 2024 at 9:53 am
margaretsmn
Reading about your process helps me think on it, for sure. Ideas need molding, thinking, shaping to become something viable. And just look at that cute bear. I love him!
January 4, 2024 at 9:53 am
Sharon Korzelius
Thank you, Courtney! Your illustrations are wonderful. It was good for me to see the process in how they came to be. Simmering and thinking…all good things. 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 9:54 am
Catherine Friess
Thank you for creating such an adorable bear! Hopefully we’ll see him in a book one day 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 9:56 am
kellyclasenwriter
It was such a treat to see the various stages in your creative process, and the final product is delightful. Thanks!
January 4, 2024 at 9:56 am
Mona Pease
Love. Love. Love. I’m not an artist but as I read this I thought on a few new ideas for a story I’m writing. Thank you.
January 4, 2024 at 9:58 am
Cathy Lentes
Thanks for sharing your process of doodling your way and trusting your intuition. Really love that bear!
Thinking on it is where so much of the work happens…yes!
January 4, 2024 at 9:58 am
robynhawkinson
Your bear is perfect for StoryStorm!
January 4, 2024 at 9:58 am
schellijo
Loved this. Beautiful! Like how your drawings evolved. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 10:00 am
gattodesign
Thank you Courtney! I love this. So inspiring. Me being an artist first, storyteller, then writer, I loved your ideas and have loved your art forever. Question: Do you print your own stickers or go online? Have a wonderful day and Thank you again!
January 4, 2024 at 10:35 am
Courtney
I have them printed through StickyBrand or StickerMule.
January 4, 2024 at 10:00 am
Melissa H. Mwai
Love love love your sketches! The evolution of art is so neat to see. Congrats on doing the art for this year!
January 4, 2024 at 10:00 am
lisakdaviswriting
This was such an interesting post to me! I often get stuck on one thing. I’m not sure I’d be able to transition from different ideas the way you did. This is definitely a place I need to grow in. So tha k you! P.s. the bear is adorable! Love it!
January 4, 2024 at 10:01 am
lisarowefraustino
I enjoyed seeing your process of thinking on it and sketching various ideas. Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 10:04 am
marshaelyn
Courtney,
Thanks for your “Think on It” mantra. I sounds like “twists and turns” in illustration is like those in storytelling. It’s refreshing to know that illustrators must work through the “frustrations,” too. I’m intrigued by the process of your artwork first draft to final product. Thanks for sharing! As picture book creators, we’re certainly in this business together. Can’t wait to see Bear in a book one day. Sending energy and inspiration your way…
January 4, 2024 at 10:04 am
Sheri Delgado Preston
Love Bear! So grateful for your sharing/advice. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 4, 2024 at 10:05 am
Laura
I love when my thinking on it time is justified😀
January 4, 2024 at 10:13 am
jennifermaryg
I love seeing the process from sketches to final result! Amazing ♥️
January 4, 2024 at 10:15 am
tanjabauerle
I love your bear and his cozy scarf. Thank you for a peek inside your process. T
January 4, 2024 at 10:17 am
Bettie Boswell
Thanks for sharing that it is ok to not stick to a straight line when creating.
January 4, 2024 at 10:17 am
thecrowsmap
Such good advice. I love the bear!
Gail Hartman
January 4, 2024 at 10:18 am
seschipper
Courtney, thanks so much for sharing! Every sketch is delightful.
The finished product…WOW!
Well, off to “Think on It” for Day 4 of Storystorm! 💕📝
January 4, 2024 at 10:19 am
lisa331286e7d592b
How I love your artwork! I have no art in me at all. I have beautiful pictures in my mind & not a jot of skill to put them on paper, so I really enjoy someone else’s art that tickles my fancy.
January 4, 2024 at 10:19 am
susanahearn45
Fascinating to see the creative process of an illustrator at work. Think on It is great advice! Thanks.
January 4, 2024 at 10:20 am
kathalsey
Thinking on it and doodling it, all great ideas for brainstorming. Ty for sharing your process. I think both the lion and bear have stories. Ty, Courtney!
January 4, 2024 at 10:20 am
paulajbecker
Thanks for sharing your process, Courtney! Such a cute Idea Bear!
January 4, 2024 at 10:23 am
symanths
Love the best and the value of “thinking on it”. 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 10:25 am
mdk45
Great post, Courtney. Doodling is brainstorming and you spent a lot of quality time developing this artwork. I love my Storystorm journal. Ty.
January 4, 2024 at 10:26 am
jms5880
What a great story. Thank you for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 10:29 am
Angel Gantnier
I love seeing the process of your art =)
January 4, 2024 at 10:34 am
Deborah Agranat Sullivan
Loved learning how you write, Courtney…and those drawings! Love ’em! Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 10:35 am
Helen M. Waters
How fun! Thanks for sharing your process, and yes, I love and concur with THINKING ON IT. Which I do pretty regularly throughout the day. Even though it can distract me at work, lol.
January 4, 2024 at 10:37 am
coachrochelle
Adorable! What a lovely process.
January 4, 2024 at 10:39 am
Sylvia Mary Grech
Love the illustrations!
January 4, 2024 at 10:39 am
Val M
What a perfect story about the value of thinking, drafting/sketching, thinking, drafting/sketching, etc., repetition. My favorite line is about how some ideas are half-buried and we have to dig a bit! Thanks for the inspiration, Courtney.
January 4, 2024 at 10:41 am
loricevans
Thanks for the window into your amazing creative process (and mind)!
January 4, 2024 at 10:41 am
Kristi Mahoney
Although I’m not an illustrator, I loved seeing your art in different stages. Your art is fantastic and you gave both authors and illustrators some great advice–Think on it. Thank you so much!
January 4, 2024 at 10:42 am
patriciaalcaro
Thank you, Courtney. Adding to your thinking everywhere advice, I’ve added a small notebook to then jot down those thinking moments.
January 4, 2024 at 10:43 am
robin jordan
I think doodling is golden. It is a soothing device that enables me to go off on tangents – and by no means am I an illustrator! I’m tickled by the bear’s square head!
January 4, 2024 at 10:44 am
robinswingeditorial
Thanks for sharing your process.
January 4, 2024 at 10:47 am
triciacandy
Love seeing your process! And such a fantastic image!
January 4, 2024 at 10:49 am
1marth1
Your characters are really cute. I’m more of an artist than a writer, so it’s great that you shared your illustration process. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 10:51 am
iartbygina
I love that you shared your process! Thank you for showing us your journey. The bear is super cute! (So is the lion! Can’t wait to see what you do with him in the future!)
January 4, 2024 at 10:51 am
chris109shestak
What a cute little bear! The process is fascinating to watch.
January 4, 2024 at 10:53 am
michelleleewritesmagic
Taking a shower, washing the dishes, sitting in the pick-up line. Letting your mind wander is the best solution for clarity and ideas!
January 4, 2024 at 10:53 am
mornagersho
I love how your two ideas gently guided you. Fascinating to have a window into your process.
January 4, 2024 at 10:56 am
Angie
So ADORABLE! I love the bear! He is the perfect addition to Storystorm! Great job!
Angie Quantrell
January 4, 2024 at 10:56 am
Laura Wippell
I loved seeing your process, Courtney! Thanks for sharing and reminding us that ideas can take time, and we can still work on them when we are away from the desk.
January 4, 2024 at 10:58 am
rosecappelli
Love learning about process, and your illustrations are adorable! Thanks!
January 4, 2024 at 10:58 am
authorhelenholder
I am speaking to a group about being creative in 2 weeks and encouraging them to “try out” any ideas. Thanks for your sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 11:02 am
Mary Beth Rice
Thank you for your creativity tip!!
January 4, 2024 at 11:02 am
ptnozell
Thank you for sharing your creativity & process, Courtney! I love the bear, & I look forward to finding the lightbulbs in the banner.
January 4, 2024 at 11:03 am
Loralee Petersen
Thank you for sharing your process with us. I love art and I soak it up whenever I can at my favorite nearby museum or in books. I enjoy doodling but I definitely don’t have the dedication it takes to be an artist. I love the bear stickers. I may have to visit your Etsy shop. Thanks again.
January 4, 2024 at 11:05 am
Sara Weingartner
Love your art, Courtney! And I love seeing fellow artists’ processes. :). Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 11:09 am
Jill Purtee (P. J.)
It was so much fun to see how you came up with the ‘badge’ for Storystorm.
I’ve been tinkering around with a new story idea all week . . . and while reading your post . . . things came together . . . Voila! Thanks a million.
January 4, 2024 at 11:12 am
kelliearted
I love seeing how artists work! Thanks for sharing – and I love your designs!
January 4, 2024 at 11:12 am
beckywalker01
I’m in awe of artists and illustrators! Inspiring to hear about your process. Thank you for sharing and I love your adorable bear!
January 4, 2024 at 11:14 am
beckylevine
I love thinking about a blizzard of ideas!
January 4, 2024 at 11:14 am
Laurie Elmquist
Your drawings are charming. The world you create is so cozy and inviting. Thank you for explaining your process.
January 4, 2024 at 11:15 am
amybeth349
I loved the sweet sketches. Interesting “Think on it ideas!”
January 4, 2024 at 11:16 am
melanietomic2d25c26e4d
I love the “think on it” idea.
January 4, 2024 at 11:17 am
bethsbiblio
Hello Tara,
Thank you so much for hosting Storystorm 2024. Thank you to Courtney for sharing her art process.
Thank you in advance to all the guest hosts for January 2024.
Sincerely, Elizabeth
January 4, 2024 at 11:17 am
Allison Green
I love the basket of light bulbs!
January 4, 2024 at 11:20 am
brennajeanneret
Thank you for walking us through your process!
January 4, 2024 at 11:20 am
marty
Hi Courtney! I love seeing your process and hearing that you have just accepted the process as your way. Thanks so much for sharing your journey. Love your banner art!
January 4, 2024 at 11:22 am
carmelamccainsimmons
Thanks for sharing your your creative process of thinking on it, of giving yourself time and grace to hatch new ideas, and of storing the “leftover” ideas for another project! I often get impatient with my speed of work, but this puts it all in a much better frame of mind and time to think on things will no doubt yield more and better results.
January 4, 2024 at 11:23 am
Teresa Daffern
Love your process, Courntey! Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 11:26 am
Annie Guerra
Very cute…and interesting to see the evolution of the creature.
January 4, 2024 at 11:28 am
Kimberly. Storyteller
That little bear is precious; he needs his own story. LOL! Seriously, though. And you were so clever to create a blizzard scene. I also really love the vibrant colors and patterns you used for the bear’s hat and scarf. You did an awesome job!
January 4, 2024 at 11:30 am
joanswanson58
I get so many ideas for manuscripts from pictures I see on Pinterest. Thank you for showing us your artistic process 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 11:32 am
Tara Cerven
It’s so true how much thinking goes into all of this. Great job on the banner 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 11:33 am
mariautumn7c81b37a0a
I love hearing about how the art was created!
January 4, 2024 at 11:34 am
nancyakolb1
Love the bear and the bare facts of the story. Barely able to contain my glee. 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 11:35 am
Lorraine
I love the bear and blizzard scene. Colorful and energizing – it gives a child-like energy. Thanks for sharing your process.
January 4, 2024 at 11:37 am
kelpellico
Seeing your process is inspiring (and the animals are adorable!). Thank you for sharing. I’ll certainly be thinking on my stories today!
January 4, 2024 at 11:38 am
hansenjc13
Your storystorm bear is adorable and I love the colorful scarf! I think playing around with different iterations of drawings and stories is so helpful when thinking on it. Taking the time to do it is important; thanks for the reminder!
January 4, 2024 at 11:40 am
mommamoocow
I enjoyed hearing about your creative process and how you learned to accept it.
January 4, 2024 at 11:42 am
CE King
It’s very cool seeing the insight behind your creations! I always get tripped up with choosing colors…yours are perfect 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 11:43 am
jumpbaby
This was great to read! I love hearing about the process an illustrator goes through to get to the final creation. And Think On It?! Brilliant and I’m adding it to the quote page in my new 2024 planner.
January 4, 2024 at 11:43 am
am14
Lovely to read about your proces! The bear is so cute
January 4, 2024 at 11:48 am
Laura Baukol
Think on it…. so perfectly simple. I love that you’ve named it here.
January 4, 2024 at 11:49 am
andreesantini
Thanks, I love how you walked us through your creative process. Now I’m going to go Think On It about how I can make some creative progress!
January 4, 2024 at 11:49 am
Janice Woods
Thanks so much for sharing! Love seeing your process!
January 4, 2024 at 11:49 am
allyenz
Courtney, thank you for sharing your sketches and process. You have created such festive characters and scenes! I love big bear.
January 4, 2024 at 11:49 am
colleenrkosinski
Love your bear!
January 4, 2024 at 11:51 am
gottawritenow
Great to read about the process-always have it simmering to have the true one pop- wonderful!
January 4, 2024 at 11:52 am
leahmoserwrites
I love learning about the process from an illustrator’s perspective. Thank you for sharing… and I love the final result!
January 4, 2024 at 11:53 am
kkeppol
I love stickers!
January 4, 2024 at 11:53 am
susanjobskya73d148763
Thank you for the encouraging motto, “I think I can, I think I can.” I think on it a lot and my best ideas usually come to mind in the wee hours of the morning when my house is quiet and dark.
January 4, 2024 at 11:53 am
kirstenbockblog
Thanks for sharing your process with us! And that is one adorable bear!
January 4, 2024 at 11:54 am
Robin M Keeler
Your bear is awesome! I love seeing your sketching process! I am encouraged by Think On It. My best times for creative thinking/story ideas and revisions are when waking up and in the shower!
January 4, 2024 at 11:57 am
Joy Wieder
I love seeing an artist’s process. Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 12:01 pm
loriclementwriter
I love hearing about your process. I think most people work in a squiggly line, not a linear path. Linear is no fun and doesn’t give random ideas that can be used later!
January 4, 2024 at 12:01 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
So fun getting a peek into the evolution of the art!
January 4, 2024 at 12:03 pm
Cathy Ballou Mealey
May we all enjoy a bountiful blizzard of ideas as lovely as the one Courtney created for the Storystorm bear!
January 4, 2024 at 12:04 pm
michellesteinberg
I love the idea of saving sketches that aren’t quite working for a current WIP for future creations. I did this with a character who wasn’t working as the main character in a picture book, but I still loved her. I put her away for over a year and continued to think about her when I was doing other things. She now stars in a manuscript that I’ve sent to agents. Thanks for sharing your process.
January 4, 2024 at 12:04 pm
Shirley Timberlake Fadden
Love hearing your process on creating this adorable bear. Thanks for the cuteness.
January 4, 2024 at 12:06 pm
catlady45
I love seeing illustrators’ work. Thank you for sharing your sketches and well done on creating such a lovely badge for Storystorm!
January 4, 2024 at 12:06 pm
Sharlin Craig
You’re such a talented artist! I loved seeing and reading about your creative process. I’m excited to order the Storystorm journal!
January 4, 2024 at 12:07 pm
jbbower
Thank you Courtney! I love the bear (such a happy fellow!) and your advice to “think on it.” I have a lot of thinking to do! Thanks again!
January 4, 2024 at 12:08 pm
Andrea Mack
Thanks for sharing the process of developing your ideas!
January 4, 2024 at 12:11 pm
sue macartney
Love the bear(!) and getting to see your “series of scribbly twists and turns” to arrive at the finished sketch – inspiring!
January 4, 2024 at 12:16 pm
beth
Hi Tara, I sent this email on the first day of Storystorm. I commented on today’s post. It posted me as bethwriter… I only wanted it to say Beth.I was assured my email would not be public. Tried to fix it, but nothing worked. Help! Beth
January 4, 2024 at 12:16 pm
judyrubin13
Thank you, Courtney, for sharing your artistic process and development. Your post was a joy to read.
January 4, 2024 at 12:18 pm
nbiebow
Thank you for sharing your process! Love ‘think on it’ – a fitting slogan for the process in which we creators can carry on thinking as we do other things, even when we’re not at our desks.
January 4, 2024 at 12:20 pm
Jennifer Vose
Hi Courtney! I had to laugh when you mentioned to “think on it” in the
shower. The shower is one of my most productive places to think! When I
was writing my dissertation, I took A LOT of showers! But what is it
about the shower that makes it such an effective think tank?
Thanks so much for sharing your process with us, Courtney!
January 4, 2024 at 12:21 pm
LaurenKerstein
I enjoyed hearing your process. I’m excited to look for all of the lightbulbs. Thanks for the reminder about “thinking on it.” That really is such an important part of the process.
January 4, 2024 at 12:21 pm
swollis
Thank you for sharing your process- it was very interesting to see how the banner came to be : )
January 4, 2024 at 12:24 pm
sheriradovich0384
Thank you for your think on it and come back which I find helpful for writing drafts as well.
January 4, 2024 at 12:24 pm
theliah1
Thank you for sharing your process, Courtney. I love that you kept on going until it felt just right!
January 4, 2024 at 12:25 pm
Sally Hoch
I can’t wait to look for all the lightbulbs!
January 4, 2024 at 12:27 pm
safajar
So fun to see your process. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 12:31 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Thanks for sharing your fun creative process! I have learned to mull things over and let the back of my brain work while I do other things. I actually accomplish more that way! BTW: I LOVE the bear we ended up with. I love him so much. I want a sticker!!
January 4, 2024 at 12:34 pm
bevbaird
Thanks so much for sharing your process. Love watching the development of an idea.
January 4, 2024 at 12:35 pm
Michelle S Kennedy
It was fun to take a peek into your brain and see how you work as an illustrator! Fascinating!
January 4, 2024 at 12:37 pm
Writer on the run
What a great inside look into your illustrating process! I just bought a beginner’s book on how to draw almost anything because my book dummies are embarassing! Thanks so much for sharing your process!
January 4, 2024 at 12:38 pm
Janet Smart
A writer and illustrator should always think on it. Just like our stories, your illustrations changed during the thinking process. Love your drawings!
January 4, 2024 at 12:38 pm
anchance
I wish I was more of an artist. I just love seeing your process. I love the idea of “thinking on it.” My problem is following through with the thinking instead of becoming distracted. I will work on this! Thank you.
January 4, 2024 at 10:46 pm
macsheperd
You are an artist. Face that perfect blank piece of paper and put a mark on it. Then, it’s open season. You can do it.
January 4, 2024 at 12:43 pm
Writer on the run
What a great insight into your illustrating process! I just bought a book on how to draw almost anything because my book dummies are embarassing! Loved seeing how you do your process!
January 4, 2024 at 12:45 pm
erozmus
I love to read about process for creators! Thank you for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 12:47 pm
nowthattherestime281137688
Courtney, thank you so much for sharing your process of creating the Storystorm bear. He is adorable and a perfect mascot!
January 4, 2024 at 12:53 pm
writeremmcbride
Oh Courtney! The heading I used in my notes for today’s StoryStorm entry is now, “Think On It!” What a great reminder that is! Rather than compartmentalize life completely, keep that creative outlook running all the time; developing and enhancing ideas that may have started as only small nudges or nuances. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 12:53 pm
cassiazaven
Congratulations on your drawings. They look wonderful. I also like to think about my ideas when doing something else. I have found walking helpful, especially when I am stuck on something. Changing my routine has helped me gain clarity. I wished I could illustrate my stories. It sounds exciting.
January 4, 2024 at 12:54 pm
Louann Mattes Brown
Your work caught my attention right away! As an author/illustrator, I often work backwards. Starting with sketches and coming up with the story for my characters. Enjoyed seeing your process for this adorable banner and participant’s badge.
January 4, 2024 at 12:54 pm
Allison Strick
I love your bears! Thanks for sharing your process. It’s so true that much of writing is thinking, thinking thinking…
January 4, 2024 at 12:56 pm
Christina Dankert
Thank you for sharing your process! I loved see the progression of the artwork.
January 4, 2024 at 1:00 pm
Cathy Mears-Martin
I think the bear is cute!
January 4, 2024 at 1:00 pm
heidikyates
Thank you for sharing your creative process, Courtney! The Storystorm bear is absolutely adorable!
January 4, 2024 at 1:02 pm
karenrafeedie
Thanks for sharing your process, Courtney. Love the finished art!
January 4, 2024 at 1:02 pm
Katie Marie
Thank you for sharing your process. The bear makes me smile!
January 4, 2024 at 1:03 pm
meganlee29
Love the process! Thank you for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 1:04 pm
Karen Gebbia
Such sweet art, and wonderful inspiration!
Thank you😍
January 4, 2024 at 1:04 pm
elizabethwilcoxsaba
I love the stickers! Thanks for sharing your process.
January 4, 2024 at 1:05 pm
Adriana Gutierrez
I agree! Ideas are everywhere. I had one yesterday while listening to a radio advertisement. Love your bear!
January 4, 2024 at 1:07 pm
Joyce Frank
“Thinking on it.” A great way to make art. A great way to live one’s life. Great advice,Courtney!
January 4, 2024 at 1:08 pm
Carla Gullett
Thank you for sharing and bringing bear to life for STORYSTORM. And here’s to bringing on those lightbulb moments… Think. On. It!
January 4, 2024 at 1:10 pm
jenniferjschmidte207d3cec9
“Think on it!” Some of my best revision ideas come to me in the oddest of places! Thank you for sharing your process. I love the bear!
January 4, 2024 at 1:12 pm
ejdthomasville
Thank you for taking us through your process! I see many parallels with writing.
January 4, 2024 at 1:15 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
LOVED your artwork, and it was so helpful to see your process. “Think on it” is such simple, but helpful advice!
January 4, 2024 at 1:17 pm
ejdthomasville
Thank you for sharing your process! I see many parallels with writing.
January 4, 2024 at 1:18 pm
thehugbooks
I feel like I’ve just been given permission to doodle as a form of StoryStorming! Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 1:19 pm
Daryl Gottier
Your illustrations are wonderful! Thanks for the advice.
January 4, 2024 at 1:21 pm
Christine Van Zandt, MILKWEED FOR MONARCHS (Beaming Books, 2024)
The bear is so cute! I’m glad to have him as our mascot this year. Thanks for sharing your process.
January 4, 2024 at 1:25 pm
Trine Grillo
I love the stickers! Yes, I often “think on things.” I feel idle if I don’t.
January 4, 2024 at 1:26 pm
Susan Cabael
As a writer, it’s always fascinating for me to see an artist’s process. Thanks for sharing your sketches!
January 4, 2024 at 1:36 pm
Maria Powell
I was just thinking I needed more insight into the illustration inspiration process! So glad you opened this door and let us take a peek.
January 4, 2024 at 1:37 pm
fleischmana6
I would stick that bear sticker on my laptop- happiness making!
January 4, 2024 at 1:38 pm
emmelineforrestal
Aw very cute! I love the stickers! I, too, spend a lot of time thinking and sketching in my head. With kids running around who need my attention, sometimes it’s the only way to make progress on a piece! 😉
January 4, 2024 at 1:39 pm
Marilyn Copley Hilton
Courtney, thank you for sharing your process. The bear is adorable 🥰
January 4, 2024 at 1:39 pm
L_D_M
Thank you for sharing your thought process. Wonderful ideas.
January 4, 2024 at 1:40 pm
Marie Prins
I practice Thinking On It a lot. New ideas often come out of the blue when I’m doing other things and my mind wanders back to the project at hand. They often slide into my head sideways, rather sneakily.
January 4, 2024 at 1:52 pm
abby mumford
So you’re saying the drawing process is a lot like the writing process? Halting + hard work with a bit of magic sprinkled in? Fascinating! Bravo on the logo. Simply adorable.
Also, I’m seeing 5.5 lightbulbs… there’s always a half-formed idea in the brain, isn’t there?? 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 1:59 pm
Laura N. Clement
I adored seeing this process.
January 4, 2024 at 2:01 pm
Donna Rossman
Thank you for sharing your process! I love seeing how everything came to fruition! The banner and badges are adorable and fun!
January 4, 2024 at 2:01 pm
sallymcclure
I love the symbolism of ideas hiding randoms places!
January 4, 2024 at 2:04 pm
F G M Kalavritinos
How wonderful to bring your ideas onto the page in full, living color. I like the way your sketches evolve by what feels right to you. It was so clever to make some of the snowflakes in the shape of lightbulbs!
January 4, 2024 at 2:04 pm
Annette Murray
Annette Murray
January 4, 2024 at 2:07 pm
Jason Jones
The bear is perfect!
January 4, 2024 at 2:09 pm
kellietheridgeauthor
So fun how just the seed of an idea can become more than itself. It takes on its own life when we give it time and space. Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 2:11 pm
Lisa Billa
So fun to hear the backstory for your wonderful and inspiring illustration! Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 2:14 pm
charlottesheer
Courtney, I loved learning the process behind the 2024 StoryStorm artwork! Reading your post gave me an ‘ identifying’ idea for a character in a new story… Thanks!
January 4, 2024 at 2:14 pm
karenlee boardman
You have a true gift in art! I agree, “thinking on it” is work in itself. And it is why I always seem so scatterbrained to onlookers–my creative mind is away on an adventure while my logical, here-and-now brain is struggling to keep me focused on cooking or whatever!
January 4, 2024 at 2:15 pm
thelogonauts
The stickers are so adorable! I love seeing how you iterated and all the thinking along the way.
Katie McEnaney
January 4, 2024 at 2:25 pm
gregoryfulgione
I love your bear but I love your little lion just as much. Thanks for the post!
January 4, 2024 at 2:28 pm
Melissa Escobar
An excellent post to see, especially for those of us who are illustrators here as well! One of my goals this year is more creative playtime to answer that magical question, “What if I did this?” Thank you, your bear is so cute!
January 4, 2024 at 2:28 pm
jbcomp2013
I love this- the story of the artwork’s development and the artwork itself. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 2:28 pm
djasonjoneswrites
The bear is perfect!
January 4, 2024 at 2:28 pm
jlehson
so cute!
January 4, 2024 at 2:30 pm
Matthew Lasley
It is always great to hear where people’s ideas come from; the process.
Most of my Think on It moments occur while driving to work or when my cats wake me up way to early!
January 4, 2024 at 2:32 pm
annmdk
Nice process description.
January 4, 2024 at 2:34 pm
Pam Jones-Nill
Dare I say it…There is inspiration everybear.
January 4, 2024 at 2:34 pm
Denise Gallagher
Your art adds to the excitement of StoryStorm! It’s nice to see a fellow artist’s process. Thank you, Courtney!
January 4, 2024 at 2:34 pm
Janet AlJunaidi
Thank you Courtney! Love the raincoat!
January 4, 2024 at 2:35 pm
Linda KulpTrout
These are adorable! Thanks so much!
January 4, 2024 at 2:36 pm
Angela Lebovic
Thank you so much for sharing your process! Now I have to go looking for lightbulbs!
January 4, 2024 at 2:36 pm
Annelouise
Hi Courtney. It’s wonderful to see your sketches and read about your process. I’m inspired to see where the daily sketching and thinking on it will lead me to through this month of StoryStorm. Thank you : )
January 4, 2024 at 2:40 pm
brightwishbooks
Loved seeing the process. It’d be so fun to see that lion somewhere in the future!
January 4, 2024 at 2:40 pm
Diane O'Neill
Thanks so much for sharing your process, and reminding us that “thinking on it” is definitely a crucial part! Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 2:43 pm
Lisa L Furness
Loved your final bear image, Courtney!
January 4, 2024 at 2:44 pm
elisederstine
Cute bear, and I love the stickers! Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 2:45 pm
Jeannette Suhr
Thank you, Courtney, for today’s post! And thank you for sharing your “thinking on it” practices and your process of creating the art for StoryStorm. It is delightful! I have written a book about a praying mantis and now I’m practicing how to draw it. I would love to submit it as an author/illustrator.
I look forward to reading “It’s Holi”.
January 4, 2024 at 2:46 pm
RD
Very interesting to see and hear about your process of developing the artwork.
January 4, 2024 at 2:47 pm
Sue Eyerman
Loved seeing your process! Your bear is so sweet and is a perfect mascot for us. Thanks, Courtney!
January 4, 2024 at 2:53 pm
Deep Frees Studios
Super cute bear! And, “Think on it” is good advice for writers and illustrators. I’ve always known writing was an iterative process, but I didn’t realize it was true for illustrators as well!
January 4, 2024 at 2:54 pm
Becky Goodman
Thank you. This is definitely the month that welcomes the phrase, “Think on it!”
January 4, 2024 at 2:57 pm
Becki Kidd
Courtney, you Rock! What a lightbulb idea. Thanks for sharing your process.
January 4, 2024 at 3:04 pm
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
I loved reading about your process, and your bear is adorable!
January 4, 2024 at 3:05 pm
Joanna Rowland
Thinking is such an important part of the writing process. Loved seeing your sketch process.
January 4, 2024 at 3:12 pm
diggerdynamo
I was immediately drawn to the Storystorm stickers. I enjoyed reading about the process you described in their creation. Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 3:13 pm
Linda Sakai
I’m intrigued by your process. Thank you for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 3:17 pm
heatherbell37
OoOooh love the thought that all the scribbles along the way may end up in stories of their own! Thanks for sharing your process, and I’ll have to get back to you after I’ve spotted some light bulbs.
January 4, 2024 at 3:17 pm
Susan Johnston Taylor
Those stickers are adorable! Thanks for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 3:18 pm
Andria Rosenbaum
So fun to see your process, Courtney!
I think the writing process shares a lot of similarities.
And I LOVE your Storystorm bear!
January 4, 2024 at 3:19 pm
kathydoherty1
Thanks, Courtney, for sharing. I love your bear and his matching scarf!
January 4, 2024 at 3:19 pm
inquirylane
Wonderful evolution of ideas! Yesterday during my massage, I was THINKING ON IT the entire time. It was still relaxing, btw. 🙂
Thank you for sharing! -Macy
January 4, 2024 at 3:22 pm
stefsenn77yahoocom
Just keep thinking!😁
January 4, 2024 at 3:26 pm
pescadita98
I love the concept of “Think on it”. I love to ponder.
January 4, 2024 at 3:31 pm
sareenmclay
Thank you, I loved reading about your process. I totally agree about taking your time and thinking again and again and again about a piece of work.
January 4, 2024 at 3:34 pm
rosihollinbeck
Your little penguin sketch gave me a bright idea for a story. Thanks for the post!
January 4, 2024 at 3:38 pm
D. Kim
Love seeing the process! Perfect bear!
January 4, 2024 at 3:44 pm
Poupette
Interesting to see the evolution of a very cute idea –and bear!
January 4, 2024 at 3:44 pm
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Your bear is so awesome! And I love the mantra: “Just Think On It!” Gonna say that to myself whenever I get stuck on something. 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 3:56 pm
tinefg
THANK YOU Courtney! I love seeing someone else’s process. I find myself saying that I’m working while “I think on it” all the time, but also wonder if I’m just making excuses …so… thank you for the validation.
January 4, 2024 at 3:56 pm
Maria Marshall
That was so fun watching your process and progress. I love the banner and the bear. Can’t wait to see what you do with the lion i the raincoat. Thanks so much.
January 4, 2024 at 4:02 pm
susaninez0905
What a fun post. I loved seeing how your creativity flowed. The process and the progress were great. Thanks for sharing – love the bear! 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 4:11 pm
helenlysicatos
Loved seeing your illustration thought process. It was fascinating seeing where you started and what the final image was. Thank you for sharing that.
January 4, 2024 at 4:21 pm
Janette Johnson Melson
I find that shower time is one of my best “think on it” times. I loved seeing your process.
January 4, 2024 at 4:22 pm
Bedwards
I love seeing the steps authors and artists take to create their final masterpiece. Thank you for sharing. I love the bear.
January 4, 2024 at 4:22 pm
Jen Breach
I also do my best thinking on it in the shower!
January 4, 2024 at 4:22 pm
lavern15
Courtney, your bear is just unbearably cute. I also just love to think. Sometimes, well really, a lot of times 😊I like to submerge myself in silence because it allows me to just think.
January 4, 2024 at 4:27 pm
Na'Keysha Taylor
I love my “Think-About-It” sessions, but had to start carrying around a notebook because I would forget what I had thought about. Thanks for sharing your process!
January 4, 2024 at 4:28 pm
Virginia Rinkel
I love your process- much like mine.
January 4, 2024 at 4:29 pm
serendipityinstars
Loved seeing the process and Flurry Bear as he evolved. He’s adorable! I often get my best ideas in the shower.
January 4, 2024 at 4:30 pm
ellenl611f26fb68
I love reading about your illustration process (as someone who can barely draw a straight line) Speaking of “barely,” I love your bear!
January 4, 2024 at 4:32 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
I love the bear! Thanks for sharing your process.
January 4, 2024 at 4:36 pm
marianariosr
How fun to get to witness your creative process for the Storystorm logo! Thanks for sharing! You’re so talented! I love the stickers!
January 4, 2024 at 4:37 pm
58chilihed13
Was cool to see the progression that became the cover of my story storm notebook! Fun!
January 4, 2024 at 4:40 pm
shadikafi
Think on IT. This will stay with me, thank you 🙂
Althought, I don’t believe in “overthink” which we often do. Think and LET GO!
January 4, 2024 at 4:40 pm
seahorsecoffeeelektra79018
I’m not an artist but love to draw and sketch. I really enjoyed seeing the progression of your project from beginning to end. Very fascinating! Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 4:41 pm
juliannahelt
So fun to see your process. Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 4:46 pm
Finding Damo
Thank you for the bear. It is adorable
January 4, 2024 at 4:47 pm
Amy Martinez
Thank you for sharing your process and for pausing to acknowledge the power of Thinking on It! I needed to hear that today. Sometimes if I don’t have tons of time to write, I feel defeated. You reminded me that “thinking on it” is still working on my story. It is all part of the process.
January 4, 2024 at 4:47 pm
Bill Werner
Loved loved your explanati
January 4, 2024 at 4:49 pm
eleanorannpeterson
Courtney, I couldn’t enlarge the banner, I’m not techy but I believe there are more or less 13 lightbulbs in the banner, give or take. Lovely Illo by the way.
January 4, 2024 at 4:52 pm
authordebradaugherty
Courtney, I loved reading about the process you go through to find the right illustration. Your StoryStorm artwork is inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 4:54 pm
lhofke
Thanks for the reminder. Sometimes we just need to take the time to think on it. (Also…cute bear )
January 4, 2024 at 4:55 pm
ashleydbankhead
This was such a fun post to read! I loved learning the back story of how you created the final project. So fun!
January 4, 2024 at 4:55 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
COURTNEY: I LOVE they symbolism of your hidden lightbulbs, INSPIRING us to be on the lookout for our own story ideas. BEAUTIFUL! THANK YOU! I’m looking forward to seeing a story with your ADORABLE lion in his cute “wee raincoat” someday!
January 4, 2024 at 4:57 pm
janedippoldart
Love your post
January 4, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Elizabeth Volkmann
Love this bear! So much happens we walk away from our projects but keep imagining new directions. Love this!
January 4, 2024 at 5:02 pm
Jess Hedaria
That’s the fun of creativity, playing around and tweaking until it feels right. I love the end result the bear is so cute. Thank you for sharing your process.
-Jess H.
January 4, 2024 at 5:03 pm
jennaejo
i ADORE the bear!! Currently writing all my story storm ideas in the journal 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 5:14 pm
Alison McGauley
I enjoyed hearing about your process and love the hidden light bulbs — so inspiring!
January 4, 2024 at 5:17 pm
christinashawnbooks
Oh I love watching your process with art. It’s fascinating. And I love the bear!
January 4, 2024 at 5:19 pm
laureannawrites
Omg! Deep dive into an illustrator’s brain! This was so fun. Love all the variations.
January 4, 2024 at 5:20 pm
Cindy Greene
I loved seeing your process and where you landed! And so glad you shared about the hidden lightbulbs.
January 4, 2024 at 5:20 pm
Sarah Pecorino
I love seeing other artists’ processes. I’m constantly evolving characters as I draw them. It’s like their personalities start revealing themselves and I’m just there to capture them.
January 4, 2024 at 5:31 pm
nlcardenas
The details are exquisite! Thanks for sharing your art.
January 4, 2024 at 5:31 pm
FARIDA ZAMAN
I loved the way you walked us through your illustration process, i felt like I was part of it 🙂 As a fellow illustrator, and now an author too it is always refreshing to see the behind the scenes of the illustrators work. As we all know how vital it is in the creation of a picture book. Thank you again for this wonderful post Pippin!
January 4, 2024 at 5:37 pm
Marci Whitehurst
I love the art so much!! Great job, thinking on it. Thanks for sharing your process with us!
January 4, 2024 at 5:44 pm
Beth Auman
Love the bear and fascinating to see your process.
January 4, 2024 at 5:56 pm
Elayne
So fun to hear the “behind the scenes” for this illustration project! (Also–it turned out adorable!) Thank you for sharing, and I’ll be “thinking on” a lot of stuff, for sure!
January 4, 2024 at 5:56 pm
sblotevogel
It was so fun to see your process! Thank you for sharing it with us 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 5:57 pm
writerdoreenrobinson
I love your artwork – you’re very talented! And my CP and friend, Dee, got me the Storystorm journal which I’m using to stay motivated and inspired.
January 4, 2024 at 5:58 pm
sarahsteinbacher24
What a fun stream of consciousness look into brainstorming!
January 4, 2024 at 5:58 pm
ldodson100
I think “light bulb” ideas is brilliant! A perfect term for how things begin, then revise, both visually and in text form. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 6:09 pm
Angela De Groot
Those stickers are adorable! Thank you for sharing your process and encouraging us to “think on it.”
January 4, 2024 at 6:09 pm
cathyrose54
Thanks for giving us an insider’s perspective on creating artwork. Love the final product.
January 4, 2024 at 6:19 pm
Christine Graham
Hi. Love that bear. Now I’m off to find my own lightbulbs.
January 4, 2024 at 6:22 pm
Peggy Dobbs
Your illustration is so sweet! And thank you for the advice to “think on it.” You never know when that lightbulb will light up with an idea.
January 4, 2024 at 6:25 pm
Debbie Meyer
All adorable ideas, Courtney!! I loved seeing your process. Now I want to draw bears. 😀
January 4, 2024 at 6:28 pm
riverwoods21
Thank you Courtney. Love the art work on notebook.
January 4, 2024 at 6:33 pm
Rona Shirdan
So happy to have a StoryStorm journal with your awesome bear on it, Courtney! Love it!
January 4, 2024 at 6:34 pm
Marlena Leach
Thank you, Courtney for sharing your process. I love to illustrate. Thinking on it is a good way to take frustration out of sketching when the paper is blank.
January 4, 2024 at 6:51 pm
sjctenney
It was so fun to read about your whole process! Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 6:57 pm
Annie Lynn/AnnieBirdd Music, LLC
Hey Courtney. It’s very nice to meet this year’s illustrator for Storystorm 2024. Kind of like meeting the Chef that prepared your meal. Your bear is adorable, and I like that you recognize your process of creation and go with it. The character carrying a lightbulb lets people know…an idea is coming on, hopefully lots of them. Congratulations on your illustration, and please enter me in the drawing. Stay well and creative. Peace, Annie
January 4, 2024 at 6:58 pm
dashofjoyblog
I love this! My ideas grow and process over time as well. Your illustrations are absolutely adorable!
January 4, 2024 at 7:15 pm
Jane F.
I always admired how PB illustrators can come up with a sketch, and add details and color and bring a story to life. Your bear is so lovable.
January 4, 2024 at 7:18 pm
Bethanny Parker
Thanks for sharing your process!
January 4, 2024 at 7:19 pm
sarapetersohn
Your process was fascinating and the result charming! What a sweet scarf and hat Bear is wearing. Thanks for sharing this!
January 4, 2024 at 7:21 pm
Gwendolyn Holbrow
Thank you for sharing your process, it’s helpful to be reminded that the path is winding.
January 4, 2024 at 7:24 pm
Jan Milusich
Thank you for sharing your creative process Courtney. Mine is full of squiggles that take off in differing directions too.
January 4, 2024 at 7:25 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
I love seeing other illustrator’s creative process. Thank you for sharing.
January 4, 2024 at 7:29 pm
anaarchistories
Thanks for a new mantra…Think on It! Very enlightening process too.
January 4, 2024 at 7:36 pm
Sarah Hetu-Radny
That was AWESOME, Courtney! I loved reading about how you and Tara worked together to create the banner and badges and I particularly enjoyed seeing your process for creating the bear.
January 4, 2024 at 7:36 pm
smfossett
I love seeing your process come to life. And I’m in love with the bear! I have some bear characters in my stories and he would be perfect!! Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 7:41 pm
brintonculp
Love the lightbulb ideas and looking for them! Thank you for sharing your process.
January 4, 2024 at 7:42 pm
Jennifer
I love reading about your process and journey–thank you for sharing! Think On It opportunities are so valuable. Just like (probably) most of us, the shower is a good one for me. I also love to hike and always carry something to write with. Even though I could type on my phone, I find a pen and journal are better for me in nature. It’s a part of disconnecting.
January 4, 2024 at 7:57 pm
Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez
I loved learning more about your process, Courtney, and your bear is so adorable!
January 4, 2024 at 7:58 pm
Deborah Ishii
Reading about your creative process in developing the bear was really interesting. I sketch out a lot of my ideas and I’m constantly Thinking On It in regards to story ideas. Thanks for the the great ideas!
January 4, 2024 at 7:58 pm
Stephanie D Jones
I love the way all the contributors give us glimpses into the evolution of an idea. Whether words or pictures or both, it’s so helpful to realize that it’s always a process – Think on it!! Thanks Courtney – that might become my new mantra :)!
January 4, 2024 at 7:58 pm
pathaap
Thanks for sharing your process. I love the results!
January 4, 2024 at 8:00 pm
greengirlblueplanet
So true! I think all day and I try to remember to get it on paper ASAP. Thanks for the post!
January 4, 2024 at 8:02 pm
Ali V. (they/them)
It was great hearing about your process – really inspiring!
January 4, 2024 at 8:03 pm
Aimee Hiura
I love this year’s illustration so much! Thanks for sharing your story!
January 4, 2024 at 8:16 pm
Dana Atnip
Courtney, I LOVE your designs! Thank you for sharing your process, I love seeing art projects from start to finish and how you got there! I do hope you do more with the lion, he’s too adorable to not see more of him! 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 8:18 pm
tinagraham103
Such a cute bear! Thank you for sharing your process and ideas.
January 4, 2024 at 8:21 pm
Tarja Helena Nevala
I love how the STORYSTORM banner was created with movement: whisps of wind, snowflakes falling, smoke rising from a cozy cottage, a winding path, and of course a bear hurrying with ideas just like we determined storystormers do.
January 4, 2024 at 8:30 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Your bright illustrations are so creative. Thank you, Courtney.
Suzy Leopold
January 4, 2024 at 8:31 pm
lzgodfrey
I love your cozy, heart-felt illustrations! Thank you for sharing your illustration process, Courtney!
January 4, 2024 at 8:35 pm
lsheroan
I need those bear stickers!
January 4, 2024 at 8:45 pm
angela4e5abbbcdf
I do a lot of “think on it” work all week long. I am a stay at home mom to a 3 year old, so I don’t usually have dedicated writing time until the weekend. I think of story ideas during his dance class on Mondays, then “think on it” until Saturday when I write the full story.
January 4, 2024 at 8:56 pm
Dianna Geers
Such cute characters and motivation. I often call my think-on-its prewriting. I do much of that before I sit down to write. Then it flows much better. I would love a bear sticker!
January 4, 2024 at 9:00 pm
Garnett Natasha
Lovable bear! You thought on it just right.
January 4, 2024 at 9:02 pm
cnparch
Oh, I love the stickers!! I also do a lot of ‘think on it’ when writing and love that you shared that. 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 9:06 pm
Kristen Indahl
The bear and stickers are fabulous. Think on it – such simple and wonderful advice, thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 9:06 pm
marywarth
Thank you Courtney, I love seeing your process!
January 4, 2024 at 9:11 pm
peasecja
Interesting process of sketching! Thanks for sharing!
January 4, 2024 at 9:16 pm
redreadsandwrites
I love the mantra of ‘think on it’. It works for writing too! The only problem happens when my ‘thinks’ arrive when I wake up at 2 am and I have to write them down. It is great to see your process – it reminds me that writing can be jumbled at first too! The bear is ADORABLE!! The mountains, trees and cabin are beautiful too!
Although I am not an illustrator, I do sketchnote and sometimes characters show up. Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 9:28 pm
snor5bddfeabba4
enjoyed seeing your process, thanks for sharing
January 4, 2024 at 9:30 pm
TL Fales
I love that you can think on it even while you’re doing other things. Thanks for showing us your process.
January 4, 2024 at 9:45 pm
The Academy
“think on it” is such a pooh kind of thing. Thank you for sharing your process
January 4, 2024 at 9:57 pm
Susan Schade
Think on it!
Simple, productive, and rewarding.
Thank you!
January 4, 2024 at 9:58 pm
Jennifer Lu
Thanks for sharing your process! It’s a good idea to utilize our downtime with thinking, I end up filling it up with tv haha but having time to think is important too
January 4, 2024 at 10:03 pm
Kimberly Batti
love seeing the process. Thanks for sharing how your idea evolved.
January 4, 2024 at 10:10 pm
Jenny Boyd
Thanks for sharing your process! It was fun seeing how the StoryStorm bear evolved, too. He’s adorable!
January 4, 2024 at 10:11 pm
Monica Acker
Love this bear and a glimpse at your process. Off to think on it.
January 4, 2024 at 10:17 pm
Gail Aherne
Thank you for sharing how you created the adorable, fun, and inspiring banner/logo- BEAR!! Great way to end my night, thinking on it!
January 4, 2024 at 10:19 pm
Johanna
I love the bear and can’t wait to see where the lion in the raincoat makes its debut.
January 4, 2024 at 10:24 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Adorable
January 4, 2024 at 10:26 pm
kernskristen622
Bears with light bulbs….yes please.
January 4, 2024 at 10:26 pm
Fern Glazer
I love a good process—you gotta trust it!
January 4, 2024 at 10:28 pm
anakellyinla
….continuing to Think On It….thank you for walking us through your process, Courtney. Great banner Bear!
January 4, 2024 at 10:29 pm
littleseedsread
I love this year’s StoryStorm art. So much fun! And I appreciate the “Think on it” advice. Enjoying the process of writing and the unfolding of ideas should be an enjoyable part of our work.
January 4, 2024 at 10:40 pm
Charlene Patton
Thanks for sharing! I love your bear 🐻 and seeing how he came to life!
January 4, 2024 at 10:43 pm
Sarah Meade
Love this! The art is completely delightful, Courtney! I like “Think on it” as a mantra of sorts, too. Thanks for this engaing post!
January 4, 2024 at 10:43 pm
jennd2f16814769
It’s great to see the Illustrations as another way of thinking out loud. Seeing the characters can help inform the story.
January 4, 2024 at 10:43 pm
macsheperd
This was a great parable on the persistence of trial and not so much error, before it’s getting better, then it’s just right. BTW, there have been studies that showers are conducive to the creative thought process! Two questions — Do you keep a sharpie next to your toothbrush? Is your mirror covered with notes and sketches?
January 4, 2024 at 10:50 pm
Amy Moore
I love reading about the art process and all of the versions of your bear character are adorable!
January 4, 2024 at 10:51 pm
Steena Hernandez
The banner makes me smile every time I see it! Thank you “beary” much, Courtney! 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 11:35 pm
Judith Snyder
Don’t you just love it when that creative bug bites and gives you just a little more juice. Love the lightbulbs.
January 4, 2024 at 11:35 pm
marty bellis
Courtney, I loved hearing how you came up with the art for this year’s Storystorm. Your finished products are fantastic! Thanks for adding to the fun of this amazing month.
January 4, 2024 at 11:42 pm
carolynleillustrations
Love the bear and the lion. “Think on it.” is a great way to let your mind play.
January 4, 2024 at 11:44 pm
michelerietz
Courtney, I love the lion, but think the bear is perfect for this project. I can’t wait to see what you do with the lion in his cute raincoat 🙂
Thank you for the reminder to “Think on it” and how many times a day we have to do that.
January 4, 2024 at 11:45 pm
sdscottwritere2ea7c1ce4
Wonderful to see the evolution of this year’s mascot. Thank you.
January 4, 2024 at 11:45 pm
MDalphin Williams Creative.Com
Thanks so much Courtney. I love your bear and lightbulbs. I’m a new author/illustrator (since Covid) and would love to chat sometime. It was fun to see your sketching and eventual coloring process.
January 4, 2024 at 11:46 pm
Aly Kenna
Thank you, Courtney for sharing your process. Love the bear, it just seems like the perfect mascot for StoryStorm. The lion is pretty awesome too. Hopefully you use it in a PB soon 🙂
January 4, 2024 at 11:50 pm
ecastelliauthor
I really love bear’s scarf. Looks so warm and soft. Thank you for sharing about your process.
January 4, 2024 at 11:53 pm
MDalphin Williams Creative.Com
Thanks so much Courtney. I love your lightbulbs and bear. I’m a new author/illustrator (since COVID) and would love to chat sometime. It was fun to see your creative process with sketching leading to final coloring.
January 4, 2024 at 11:59 pm
rindabeach
I loved this! My way to think on it is to ask, ‘What if . . .’
I didn’t think of this . . . one of my favorite writers/illustrators did . . . Paul Brett Johnson. He passed, but I still love his work 🙂
January 5, 2024 at 12:16 am
Heather Preusser
I LOVE this bear, Courtney! Also, those bear stickers should be in the Storystorm Zazzle shop. (I already bought two journals: one for me and one for my four-year-old son.)
January 5, 2024 at 12:36 am
valclarkauthor
A great reminder that story ideas come in different ways, shapes and sizes and over long and short periods of time. I love to brainstorm/mind map ideas because the first idea is not necessarily the best one. I am presently rewriting a YA novel and think I need to dig deeply in this rewrite. burrow under the snow, so to speak while the storm rages.
January 5, 2024 at 12:41 am
Ashley Sierra (@AshleySierra06)
Great tip!
January 5, 2024 at 12:45 am
Maria Johnson
OMG! I didn’t even notice all of these details in the banner, and I’ve been so preoccupied with my own ideas that I didn’t even think about an origin story for the Storystorm art. I’m so happy you shared this process with us! Seeing the transformation from idea to published work is always so miraculous and encouraging. I hope we get the chance to “Meet the Artist” every year!
January 5, 2024 at 12:47 am
heatherstigall
Thanks for sharing your process!
January 5, 2024 at 1:00 am
Ellie Langford
It made want to try sketching to help me brain storm a picture book. Thank you Courtney for sharing.
January 5, 2024 at 1:32 am
percyandcat
I love your bear. Have you given it a name? I like the idea of thinking on it, not rushing it. Sometimes, the first, second, or even third idea is not the one. Don’t be in such a rush that you compromise—thinking on it, great words.
January 5, 2024 at 1:37 am
bysandragraham
So fun to see and understand the behind the scenes process. I love how the artwork turned out, and the stickers/alternate version is super cute too. Thinking on it, is such a good reminder. Thank you for sharing your process.
January 5, 2024 at 1:45 am
Tonnye Fletcher
Fabulous post! Thinking on it is a process we share as writers and illustrators! I’ll be thinking on “it” as I go through my day tomorrow to see what ideas emerge! I love your characters and your illustrations for StoryStorm! So wonderful!
January 5, 2024 at 1:50 am
Keeping the Me in Mommy
Great storm storm mantra: think on it!
January 5, 2024 at 1:57 am
Laura Hays Hoover
Enjoyed learning about your approach, Courtney!
January 5, 2024 at 2:26 am
schumerthc
Nice work. It was interesting seeing your process.
January 5, 2024 at 2:27 am
Suhasini Gupta
I love your art, Courtney! Thanks for sharing your process.
January 5, 2024 at 2:55 am
Marie Chan
Thanks for sharing your process from brainstorming sketches to final draft.
January 5, 2024 at 3:17 am
sarahdakin
I loved seeing the evolution of your art. I’m an aspiring artist and this was so helpful.
January 5, 2024 at 3:20 am
Jenn
So fun to see your process, and I love the bear!!!
January 5, 2024 at 3:25 am
jindreame
I love the bear and seeing how he evolved into the final product.
January 5, 2024 at 3:25 am
staceygustafson
Loved learning about your drawing process. Brrrr, bear looks cold!
January 5, 2024 at 3:37 am
Brenda Covert
A basket of lightbulbs! (ideas) I didn’t know what they were when I saw the badge, but I didn’t think on it. Had I done that, I’m sure I’d have had a lightbulb moment. Thanks, Courtney, for sharing your drawing process! That was fun!
January 5, 2024 at 3:39 am
bbcovert
A basket of lightbulbs! (ideas) I didn’t know what they were when I saw the badge, but I didn’t think on it. Had I done that, I’m sure I’d have had a lightbulb moment. Thanks, Courtney, for sharing your drawing process! That was fun!
January 5, 2024 at 5:21 am
sharongiltrowauthor
Thanks for sharing your creative process and your motto “Think on It!” is great 🙂
January 5, 2024 at 6:00 am
flewk1
I also love ” think on it!” Thank you.
January 5, 2024 at 6:29 am
Sandy
Absolutely love these illustrations. And definitely agree with the motto ‘think on it!’
January 5, 2024 at 7:24 am
Nadine Poper
Think On It is definitely part of my process too. Thanks for the reassurance.
January 5, 2024 at 7:34 am
Suzanne Lewis
Thanks for bringing us along on your art creation “Think On It” process, Courtney! Your inspiring 2024 Storystorm Bear is perfect!
January 5, 2024 at 7:53 am
Rick Starkey
I am not an illustrator but, but it is interesting to see how others create. Thanks for sharing this.
January 5, 2024 at 8:01 am
lorimkeatingyahoocom
Thank you for sharing your process, Courtney! I love the bear!
January 5, 2024 at 8:18 am
Jen Lynn Bailey
Thanks for sharing this view into your illustrating inspiration!
January 5, 2024 at 8:20 am
Jen Lynn Bailey
Thanks for sharing your illustration inspiration! Love the 30 lightbulb idea 🙂
January 5, 2024 at 8:35 am
srkckass
The bear makes Storystorm extra special!
January 5, 2024 at 8:46 am
M. Fuller-Morris
I love your bear! Thanks for sharing your creative process with us!
January 5, 2024 at 8:56 am
Sheri Dillard
Love the bear! And your art! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
January 5, 2024 at 9:00 am
lynnpesicka
The bear is so cute and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your process. Lynn
January 5, 2024 at 9:08 am
yangmommy
This year’s logo is so cute, esp all the light bulbs. And fingers crossed for that lion-he totally needs his own story!
January 5, 2024 at 9:32 am
SandraL
Thanks for sharing your process! Love the StoryStorm designs!!
January 5, 2024 at 9:48 am
kkgchoco
I enjoyed learning about your process. Got me thinking, like a lightbulb going off in my head! Thanks, Pippin!
January 5, 2024 at 9:54 am
lindakaychavezbooks
I really loved hearing about your process. Never occurred to me how much goes into the planning and thinking ahead.
January 5, 2024 at 10:01 am
calliebdean
Thanks for sharing the behind-the-scenes of the logo for 2024!
January 5, 2024 at 10:05 am
vanslykere01c05ff60
I LOVE knowing people’s processes for getting their ideas from “lightbulb stage” to finished product!
PS We still need to do a book together! 🙂
January 5, 2024 at 10:10 am
clcoate
I enjoyed reading about your process. As cute as the bear is, I quite liked your penguin! Thanks. for sharing!
January 5, 2024 at 10:47 am
writerdi2020
Love, love, love to see the development of this. My favorites are seeing the options you didn’t choose and when you added the color. Thanks for sharing. It is so much fun to have this insight!
January 5, 2024 at 11:05 am
thelisahealy
Courtney, I love “thinking on it!”🌟❤️🌟
January 5, 2024 at 11:11 am
schumerthc
Thanks
January 5, 2024 at 11:12 am
Jane Baskwill
Thank you Courtney for sharing your process. I can see why you chose Bear over Lion for the Storystorm banner It works perfectly.
January 5, 2024 at 11:19 am
Claire A. B. Freeland
As a non-illustrator, I was in awe of your process. Courtney, I love the adorable bear with the basket full of ideas.
January 5, 2024 at 11:44 am
maramarakay
Love the banner and the character!
January 5, 2024 at 11:56 am
carlislemalone
What a great concept and process!! You rock!!!
January 5, 2024 at 11:58 am
Lori D
I’m thinking about how the illustration of your bear evolved and how you went back and used a previous illustration for another project. So cool and also save everything! Sometimes an earlier revision gets me thinking.
January 5, 2024 at 12:14 pm
teffland
So fun to see the sketches and how they evolved! Thank you for sharing that process!
January 5, 2024 at 12:18 pm
blairmoorebooks
Oh my word, the cutest bear! Thank you for the inspiration, Courtney.
January 5, 2024 at 12:20 pm
Katie L. Carroll
The bear is very cute!
January 5, 2024 at 12:42 pm
Leslie Santamaria
I love how you’ve accepted your non-linear process. I needed to hear that. Thank you!
January 5, 2024 at 12:59 pm
TerriMichels
so much to take in but I think I might just try drawing a bear today!
January 5, 2024 at 1:16 pm
kristarantino
This is so cool! I love hearing about an illustrator’s process. Time to go look for all the light bulbs.
January 5, 2024 at 1:21 pm
brittanypomales
Think on it is my favorite writing tool, too! Great post!
January 5, 2024 at 1:21 pm
effiekoliopoulos
I always wondered about these cute illustrations! Thank you for sharing the process. Even though I’m not an illustrator, I definitely have many think on it moments.
January 5, 2024 at 1:42 pm
Mary Beth Rice
Thank you for your writing/illo tip and I love love love the Bear!
January 5, 2024 at 1:45 pm
Barbara Farland
As a knitter/crocheter, I can help but notice the colors and patterns used for the Bear’s wearables. Thanks for the post!
January 5, 2024 at 1:52 pm
8catpaws
Beary cute illustration! Illuminating to see your artistic process.
January 5, 2024 at 2:03 pm
Darcee A Freier
All the characters are so cute. Maybe you’ll do something with the owl (bottom sketch). Hint. Hint. 🙂
I’m going to check out your Etsy page now.
January 5, 2024 at 2:34 pm
lynjekowsky
I enjoyed learning about your illustration process. Your bears are adorable!
January 5, 2024 at 2:44 pm
KamillaM
Adorable! Thank you for sharing your process–so helpful for me with my text focus.
January 5, 2024 at 2:46 pm
Lori Williams Writing
I loved reading about your illustration process. Fun idea to find the light bulb in the illustrations and story ideas in the banner.
January 5, 2024 at 2:55 pm
Abby Wooldridge
Oh my goodness! I loved seeing your process and all your adorable sketches! I love the final products, but also all the cute little characters you created on your way there! Thank you so much for sharing, and thank you for reminding me that “Think on it!” is a very important part of the process. 🙂
January 5, 2024 at 3:06 pm
kellie906ce70f01
I so wish I could draw my ideas … but thinking on it works perfectly for character development and plot ideas too. Thank you Courtney.
January 5, 2024 at 3:07 pm
alamarre7571bc92b
Love your creative process! Thanks for sharing.
January 5, 2024 at 3:35 pm
Eileen Mayo
What a cute little bear! I love your think on it process.
January 5, 2024 at 4:02 pm
libbydemmon
I love your line about accepting your creative process for what it is–a series of scribbly lines, instead of a straight one–and looking for unintended ideas to come out of the detours.
January 5, 2024 at 4:07 pm
Heidi Chupp
I love how you described the fluidity of the creative process! Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
January 5, 2024 at 4:17 pm
ACP
So cute! Thank you for sharing!
January 5, 2024 at 4:21 pm
Nin
This sparked the loveliest idea! Thank you for sharing I love your style!
January 5, 2024 at 4:24 pm
hamblinkris
I love your bear!
Kris
January 5, 2024 at 4:51 pm
mattsthrockmorton
Thanks Courtney for letting us inside your Artist Brain! I do my best thinking on it in the shower, no electronics or people to distract and the white noise of the flowing water helps drown out any other noise.
January 5, 2024 at 5:07 pm
julicaveny
Such fun! I love how you described your “thinking” process. Thanks for sharing with us today! -Juli (Juliann) Caveny
January 5, 2024 at 5:07 pm
Judy Sobanski
A better story always seems to be the result when I take time to think on it for a bit. Thanks for sharing the journey of your adorable Storystorm mascot this year!
January 5, 2024 at 5:30 pm
chelseasworldofbooks
I love hearing behind the scenes of your art process, Courtney. And those stickers are too cute!!
January 5, 2024 at 5:44 pm
Carrie Tillotson
I love your adorable bear and the advice to “think on it”! Thanks, Courtney!
January 5, 2024 at 6:18 pm
meganewhitaker21
That little lion is cute! Maybe in a rainstorm? Or puddle-jumping? Ideas always come in the shower!
January 5, 2024 at 6:31 pm
MadhuM
Love the bear. Such fun to see your process. Thank you.
January 5, 2024 at 7:04 pm
sharonkdal
Great reminder not to take the first idea—think on it and make it better!
January 5, 2024 at 7:05 pm
Michelle Dragalin
“That’s really cool! It’s nice to see how the artist and writer collaborate together!” Michelle
January 5, 2024 at 8:00 pm
ralucasirbu
Such a gift to be able to draw (I’m not one gifted, but I wish).
Thanks for sharing the process, Courtney.
January 5, 2024 at 8:09 pm
Kaye Baillie
Thanks for sharing this fascinating behind the scenes look at your image creations! And what a gorgeous character as the result!
January 5, 2024 at 8:52 pm
Charlotte Glaze
Thank you for sharing!
January 5, 2024 at 9:27 pm
Janel Caverly
Thank you for sharing your creative process through an artist’s lens.
January 5, 2024 at 9:28 pm
katiajesson
Fun to scroll from the top to the finished product and realize how different the final product is. I really like the texture on the final bear.
January 5, 2024 at 9:49 pm
mwinikates
Your gnomes and elves look ready for an ice cream picnic in addition to a story storm! 🙂 I like how much personality even your early sketches have, that definitely helps to figure out who fits the purpose needed.
January 5, 2024 at 10:08 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
Love seeing how you think on paper!
And I love my Story Storm 2024 journal!! This was my First year to ask for one as a Christmas present. I cheered when it was opened!
January 5, 2024 at 10:26 pm
Artelle Lenthall
Lovely thanks for sharing your process. Yes, thinking about an idea, mulling it over before putting pen to paper often produces a better first draft 🙂
January 5, 2024 at 10:48 pm
laurakbower
Thanks for this awesome post Courtney! I don’t have to “think on it” to know that I LOVE your bear for Storystorm! It is perfect and captures the mood of the month perfectly. I love the Think on It strategy for writing! It is a great reminder that ideas take time to simmer!
January 5, 2024 at 11:32 pm
Ruthie Nicklaus
Love this! What a great prompt.
January 6, 2024 at 12:12 am
Dea Brayden
Thanks Courtney. Glad this bear made it to the banner. I also love the challenge to count the lightbulbs in the banner – metaphor for the lightbulbs all around us. Sometimes easy to find, sometimes you have to look a little harder.
January 6, 2024 at 1:37 am
rozanark
Love this visual-led idea mining! Thank you!
January 6, 2024 at 2:15 am
daisymay
I “think on it” when I’m driving to and from work or when I’m out on a walk.
January 6, 2024 at 2:57 am
claudiamarquespb
It is wonderful to read the ‘behind the scenes’ of this lovely illustration. Thank you for sharing your process.
January 6, 2024 at 4:22 am
Margot Williams
Thank you for sharing your process. I love the hidden lightbulbs!
January 6, 2024 at 9:01 am
Aimee Larke
I love the bear! Thank you for sharing your creative process. Always fun to see as someone who is not an illustrator.
January 6, 2024 at 9:22 am
msaraiva004
The bear came out so cute! I am waiting on my journal in the mail and can’t wait until it arrives. My personal favorite time to “think on it” is around nap or bed time. There is something about a sleepy state…
January 6, 2024 at 9:41 am
Diane McBee
Love the bear and the lightbulbs!
January 6, 2024 at 9:42 am
Carol Gordon Ekster
As a writer who can not draw, I loved seeing your illustration process. Thanks for sharing!!
January 6, 2024 at 10:21 am
Jim Chaize
Wow! Loved hearing about your process and that how it led to the creation of the Storystorm artwork. And “think on it” is a great strategy. Thanks, Courtney.
January 6, 2024 at 10:47 am
audiencedog
I particularly love the Fair Isle scarf on the bear!
January 6, 2024 at 11:13 am
Claudia Sloan
I found 17, …close? Thanks for sharing your process! The images are lovely!
January 6, 2024 at 11:21 am
Andi Chitty
I love it when illustrators share their step-by-step process, thank you Courtney! I absolutely adore your bear, so cute and perfect for StoryStorm!!
January 6, 2024 at 12:19 pm
jessaroux
I love seeing the non-linear path you took to get to the final product. It’s a great reminder to keep moving forward even if you don’t know quite where you’re headed yet. 🙂
January 6, 2024 at 12:37 pm
gabrieledavis247
Thanks for sharing your fun thought process, Courtney! Your bear illustrations are so cheerful and uplifting!
January 6, 2024 at 12:52 pm
marcihersel
Thank you for the awesome post & the reminder to sketch & think on it as ideas evolve! I love the banner too!
January 6, 2024 at 1:13 pm
juliereich
I’m a big fan of thinking on it. I love the way your illustrations turned out.
January 6, 2024 at 1:14 pm
juliereich
I’m a big fan of thinking on it. I love the way your illos turned out!
January 6, 2024 at 1:22 pm
suzanbh
Love your bear! Thanks for sharing your process. Now I’ll get busy ‘thinking on it’!
January 6, 2024 at 1:42 pm
Lynne Marie
Thank you, CPM! I found your cute bear inspiring and kept thinking about a twist to that and came up with a fun story idea! Wishing you success in the new year! LM
January 6, 2024 at 2:31 pm
Celeste Turner
Hello,
I wondered if registration is still open for StoryStorm? I went to the website and read the directions but didn’t see where the registration blog was located. I’m already getting the emails, but just saw them today.
Thanks, Celeste Turner
January 6, 2024 at 2:31 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Thank you Cortney, It was fun to see your creative process!
January 6, 2024 at 3:19 pm
JoLynne Ricker Whalen
Thank you for sharing how this cute bear came about!
January 6, 2024 at 3:28 pm
wyszguy
I love this! SO fun with all the lightbulb “easter eggs”!
January 6, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Alicia Meyers
Adorable! Also love those stickers!
January 6, 2024 at 4:04 pm
debbiemoeller
I really enjoy hearing about an illustrator’s process and their tips. Your tip “thinking on it” is a great one! More ideas arise if given more time. Thanks!
January 6, 2024 at 4:05 pm
Apryl Lee
I enjoyed reading and seeing your process! I showed my illustration-minded kiddo, too.
January 6, 2024 at 5:38 pm
bannatyne2
I really enjoyed reading about your process (and also a great reminder that there *is* a process to be gone through – stories, like illustrations, don’t pop out fully formed, as much as I wish they did!).
January 6, 2024 at 7:40 pm
claireannette1
I love this- the lightbulbs are brilliant!
January 6, 2024 at 8:06 pm
Catrine Kyster
Love the bear in the blizzard!
January 6, 2024 at 8:20 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Always great to see the process and realize that everything is always evolving.
January 6, 2024 at 8:22 pm
signeddiane
I too Think On it all the time! Ideas germinate when you don’t even realize it. These illustrations are adorbs!
January 6, 2024 at 8:40 pm
Christine Letizia
The bear illustration is wonderful, and it was great to see and hear the process of creating it.
January 6, 2024 at 8:59 pm
Melanie Lucero
I love this insight into your process for developing the Storystorm art, thank you!
January 6, 2024 at 9:50 pm
ljtouche
Thanks for sharing your art idea process! I love the character and design and had to order the idea pad. -Lori Laniewski (LJ)
January 6, 2024 at 9:55 pm
jenwritespbs
Yes, writing definitely involves lots and lots of thinking on it! Thanks, Courtney!
January 6, 2024 at 10:19 pm
Lily LaMotte
Love seeing that there is so much revision involved in illustration. Revising isn’t just for writers. Also love your final art!
January 6, 2024 at 10:33 pm
steveheron
Love it!
January 6, 2024 at 11:07 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
Love your motto, “Think On It!” The writing process is much more than pen to paper. Thank you, Courtney!
January 6, 2024 at 11:40 pm
jessicafgwrites
I love that bear so much! Off to check out your Etsy store…
January 7, 2024 at 12:45 am
ellenbari
Thanks so much for sharing your process, Courtney!
January 7, 2024 at 2:05 am
gotoddgo3
My dad was creative director and my step mom an art director. Having asked them both about their processes, not once did the say something as elegant and perfectly mind blowing as “just think on it.” It’s so simple and so complicated at the same time; creating the imperfectly perfect drawing one can live with and love too.
January 7, 2024 at 2:06 am
Janet Frenck Sheets
It’s always interesting to hear an illustrator’s perspective–I have no experience in that area. Your work is adorable, Courtney.
January 7, 2024 at 2:18 am
Angela Martinelli
Thank you Courtney for your tip to, “Think on it” and for walking us through your illustration process. So helpful!
January 7, 2024 at 4:10 am
cravevsworld
Thank you so much for the behind-the-curtain view of the creation of this year’s awesome banner and badges. Much appreciated!
January 7, 2024 at 5:34 am
ellecarlinauthor
I really loved seeing your thought process! Now I will go and think on it…😉
January 7, 2024 at 7:40 am
mbhmaine
It was so interesting to read about your process! I also love your recognition that time is an essential piece of writing. I know this is important to me as a writer. It is something I struggle with as a teacher within a school curriculum–trying to make sure kids have time to ponder, to allow ideas and/or pieces to simmer and brew before having to move forward. Thanks for sharing! Love your bear, especially those stickers!
January 7, 2024 at 10:14 am
ramonapersaudwrites
I like the “think on it” approach; reminds me that there are different ways to “write every day”. Thanks and welcome to the world Storystorm Bear.
January 7, 2024 at 10:26 am
Pam Barton
I love your process of how you come up with your characters.
January 7, 2024 at 10:31 am
chrisynthia
I do a ton of thinking on it! My issue always seems to be where to keep all those ideas in an organized place. Love your bear but I admit I like the lion better. Can’t wait to see where he ends up.
January 7, 2024 at 12:32 pm
Mandie Speese
Thank you for sharing your process!
January 7, 2024 at 12:33 pm
JenFW
Artist sketches are a thing of wonder to me.
January 7, 2024 at 12:37 pm
Barbara Farr Renner
Thank you for sharing the process in creating your illustrations. I marvel at people who are excellent illustrators. I love the badge you created.
January 7, 2024 at 12:41 pm
Naomi Danis
Think on it. Think on it . Think on it. I love that. I think I can. Thanks, Naomi naomidanis.com
January 7, 2024 at 1:58 pm
taracho4
Thank you so much for sharing your creative process. Such a great post!
January 7, 2024 at 3:08 pm
ransonpatti
Thank you! Starting with visuals:)
January 7, 2024 at 3:17 pm
cathystenquist
It was great to get an illustrators perspective on coming up with an idea. Thanks!
January 7, 2024 at 3:36 pm
Deborah Buschman
Thanks Courtney! I am forever “Thinking On It”. The shower is my favorite place.
January 7, 2024 at 3:52 pm
donnacangelosi
I love your adorable bear, Courtney! Thanks so much for the reminder to think on it to let ideas evolve.
January 7, 2024 at 5:33 pm
Debora From
It’s always facinating to me to watch an artist work through their process and see the final piece. How fortunate we are to see yours. Thank You 🙂
January 7, 2024 at 5:36 pm
Debora From
PS…. I love your bear!
January 7, 2024 at 6:20 pm
jilltatara
Loved getting a peak into your creative process! And I love the idea of a Think On It session. I do it a lot, but having a great name for it makes it seem more official. 🙂
January 7, 2024 at 7:04 pm
Jenn
I love your process! I tend to overthink and get frustrated. I’ll keep this in mind the next time I’m sketching and revisit older sketches and doodles that frustrated me!
January 7, 2024 at 7:47 pm
Patricia Tiffany Morris
Thought I’d commented, but I don’t see it. Appreciated the process drawings. Made me want to try some more ideas from older stories. Thanks.
January 7, 2024 at 7:59 pm
mnlfam
Thank you for your post. I love that the little lion was not cast out, but put to the side for a later ‘thinking on it’ session. One never knows how the little pieces will find one another. I keep post-its in my car and they eventually make there way to a notebook until they start to scream at me that it’s their time.
January 7, 2024 at 8:16 pm
topangamaria
INSPIRING Indeed !!!
January 7, 2024 at 9:51 pm
vgraboski61gmailcom
Thanks for sharing your inspiration process. I do like that we can think on the idea anywhere! I think that is probably where we do most of our work! I LOVE the bear art as this year’s theme. Great job!
January 7, 2024 at 10:45 pm
Melissa Stoller
Thanks Courtney – I loved hearing about your process! And what a cute bear!
January 8, 2024 at 1:39 am
Jill Friestad-Tate
I enjoy hearing about your process and love the final banner!
January 8, 2024 at 9:28 am
Christine Fleming McIsaac
Thanks for sharing your process, Courtney! And for the lovely StoryStorm art!! ________________________________
January 8, 2024 at 11:36 am
melissajmiles1
Oh my goodness, those stickers are adorable! I love the image and it was so interesting to see your process from start to finish. Thanks for sharing!
January 8, 2024 at 1:13 pm
Gaby L
Hi Courtney, I have a special attachment with bears, they are so adorable, so it is a great idea to start with things you love. Thank you for letting learn from your spontaneous work.
January 8, 2024 at 1:30 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
What fun to hear how these cute badges and banners came to be! Courtney, did you know that many writers also use a series of scribbly twists and turns? Thanks for making StoryStorm art!
January 8, 2024 at 1:39 pm
daydreambelievin
So cute!
January 8, 2024 at 2:42 pm
jyillustrates
Thank you!
January 8, 2024 at 4:32 pm
authorlaurablog
Thank you for the adorable banner and StoryStorm art this year to inspire us and for sharing your process! I also love that you mentioned the collaborative piece with Tara of choosing a font because I feel like everything ‘takes a village’ and I’m also quick to ask for help from those whose expertise in an area exceeds mine! Great job!!!
January 8, 2024 at 6:06 pm
sunwalker2013
Love Think On It. It’s perfect for us!
January 8, 2024 at 6:12 pm
kdgwrites
Love your thought process. And your bear is too cute.
January 9, 2024 at 9:22 am
mlyablonaolcom
The banner is great! Love your process 🙂
January 9, 2024 at 2:36 pm
Susan Contreras
Thank you for taking us with you on your journey to think on things.
January 9, 2024 at 4:09 pm
Carmen Swick-Author
Super Cute!
Carmen Swick
January 9, 2024 at 4:14 pm
Carmen Swick-Author
I never thought of the concept, door.
thank you for sharing.
Carmen Swick
January 9, 2024 at 5:14 pm
Mary Ann Blair
I love your artwork! Fun to hear about the steps it took to get there.
January 9, 2024 at 9:55 pm
tracyschuldthelixon
It was so much fun to learn more about the creative process behind the logo. Thank you!
January 9, 2024 at 10:33 pm
goodreadswithronna
Courtney, what a treat to be taken on your banner brainstorming! That bundled-up bear is adorable!
January 9, 2024 at 10:43 pm
stacyallen
Love the lion and the bear!
January 9, 2024 at 10:53 pm
Naana Amissah
It was fun watching the art evolve beautifully. Thanks for sharing your process.
January 9, 2024 at 11:51 pm
Angie
Great post! Thanks!
Angie Quantrell
January 10, 2024 at 2:53 pm
Sandra Nichols
A great reminder that so much of the creativity process takes place in our head, to allow oneself space for developing the idea. And all ideas seed other ideas.
January 10, 2024 at 3:47 pm
Viviane Elbee
The bear is so adorable and I love how you combined a bear, lightbulbs and a blizzard!
January 10, 2024 at 4:19 pm
dlapmandi
I love the participant badge and banner. I think my favorite THINK ON IT place is in the car driving from place to place. Great post and loved the artwork.
January 10, 2024 at 5:30 pm
kyavorski
I love the bear! Thanks for the story behind it.
January 10, 2024 at 10:00 pm
Linda Staszak
I love hearing how the darling bear came to be. Thanks!
January 11, 2024 at 1:14 am
Myrna Foster
I love your illustration for this year’s Storystorm! Thank you for sharing your process.
January 11, 2024 at 2:27 am
jilliangschmidt
Process posts like this one are the best! It’s always so interesting to follow the journey and see how the ideas evolved. Thanks so much for sharing your sketches and delightful characters!
January 11, 2024 at 4:37 pm
dianemungovan
I need to doodle more!
January 11, 2024 at 6:23 pm
Anita
How fun.
January 12, 2024 at 2:15 pm
shirley301
I love your bear. Thanks for sharing your creative process.
January 12, 2024 at 2:53 pm
Deborah Ishii
Loved reading about how you developed the banner! I always doodle my ideas before finally applying to creation of final product!
January 12, 2024 at 8:28 pm
Megan McNamara
I love the stickers. I love that purple scarf!
January 13, 2024 at 12:59 am
Katherine Pew
Thanks for your adorable bears & thoughtful ideas, Courtney!!
January 13, 2024 at 10:36 am
Deb McGarvey
I love so much about this. The process, the reminder of the ongoing nature of creating, and also I love that in the banner the bear is outside gathering his ideas! Wandering outside always helps me clear my mind and collect snippets of ideas.
January 13, 2024 at 6:24 pm
Annette Martin
I LOVE everything about this! Thank you for sharing!
January 13, 2024 at 8:55 pm
Earl @ The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer
Nice image. Fun theme. Very appropriate as we’re having a snowy day here in Portland.
January 14, 2024 at 10:14 am
nycbgriffin
I love that bear! I often deliberately THINK ON IT when I go on long runs. I send a story question to my subconscious on my longer runs and wait for suggestions as the miles tick by.
January 14, 2024 at 12:01 pm
brilawyer
100% agree! I always THINK ON IT and love that I can do it anywhere. I loved hearing how the storystorm picture came to be. Thanks for sharing!
January 14, 2024 at 12:28 pm
alambertallen
Loving the very welcoming bear with winter design elements-it’s the essence of Storystorm and the tone of all the posts-inviting. Thank you for the think on it reminder-all of the posts speak to me as kindred spirits. I think on it while on walks or driving places.
January 14, 2024 at 5:28 pm
sburdorf
I wish I could draw. But I use my words instead. Thank you for sharing.
January 14, 2024 at 10:47 pm
Melissa Hastings
Thank you for creating this enchanting Storystorm scene and sharing the story of this adorable little bear to inspire us.
January 15, 2024 at 2:13 am
Sherri T. Mercer
Thanks for sharing your process .
January 15, 2024 at 4:46 pm
Susie Sawyer
Your Storystorm bear is adorable! Thank you for creating him and for sharing your process for generating ideas!!
January 15, 2024 at 5:03 pm
kaleegwarjanski
So fun seeing your brainstorming sketches!
January 15, 2024 at 5:30 pm
alanadevito
I love this, Courtney. It’s so true that “thinking on it” and not trying to force it is often what makes those light bulbs turn on! Or at least figure out which bulb you like the best.
January 16, 2024 at 9:16 am
Lauri Meyers
I got a great idea AND i get to play a Highlights-esque find the lightbulbs game?! A perfect day.
January 16, 2024 at 12:40 pm
snor5bddfeabba4
love the reminder to ‘think on it’
January 16, 2024 at 6:14 pm
Jennifer Kraar
It was a treat to see how the StoryStorm bear evolved. Thanks for sharing.
January 16, 2024 at 11:29 pm
Lisa M. Horn
Thanks for sharing your creative process (and thinking things through – from lightbulb, to the revisions, to the final product. I love the bear and my 2024 Idea book!
January 17, 2024 at 10:10 am
Johanna Peyton
Love the phrase ‘think on it’! I definitely do this with my MS ideas.
January 17, 2024 at 8:01 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
I love this! “It used to frustrate me, but now I accept it as part of the process … ” I can relate to it in terms of writing. Speaking of love, your Storystorm bear couldn’t be any cuter and I don’t even have to think on that. 😉 Thanks for the inspiration!
January 18, 2024 at 1:09 pm
Amy M. Miller
Thank you for sharing your process, Courtney. I love your bear and his beautiful scarf. How fun that you hid lightbulbs in the banner!
January 18, 2024 at 2:45 pm
Dawn M.
What a cute bear! The lion was cute too, can’t wait to see him in the future. Thanks for sharing.
January 18, 2024 at 3:16 pm
Sasha
Love the Bear! “Accept your process with all its scribbly twists and turns.” That’s my takeaway. Thank you, Courtney!
January 19, 2024 at 6:37 pm
Christina
Love the bear. Thank you for sharing the process.
January 20, 2024 at 7:36 pm
michellehlosardo
Thanks for reminding me to use sketching as a way of generating ideas!
January 22, 2024 at 4:30 pm
Kari Lavelle
I love this illustration! Thank you for giving us a behind-the-scenes tour!
January 25, 2024 at 3:59 pm
Laura De La Cruz
Love the illustrations, Courtney! Thanks for sharing your process.
January 26, 2024 at 7:32 pm
streetlynn
Thanks for sharing your process!
January 28, 2024 at 11:12 am
Rachel Rizzuto
Thank you, Courtney!
January 30, 2024 at 4:56 pm
sylviaichen
Wow, so cool how this came together, thank you for sharing with us!!
January 30, 2024 at 6:46 pm
Pravin Kaipa
Thank you for explaining your process on drawing, as an indian American with little ones, I’m excited to see your Holi book come out soon!
January 31, 2024 at 2:06 am
amandalittleauthor
Love the hidden ideas!
January 31, 2024 at 5:34 pm
Nazanin Ford
Super cute art for this year and a great story!
February 1, 2024 at 1:14 am
Adrea
Mulling it over is definitely part of my writing process! Thank you for reminding me, Courtney! (And what cute art!)
February 2, 2024 at 2:05 pm
vijikc
Thank you for taking us through your process! It gives us a good idea of how to think!
Sent from my iPad
<
div dir=”ltr”>
<
blockquote type=”cite”>