Illustrator Saturday - Marit Menzin

As a child Marit Menzin doodled pictures, stories, and songs. As she grew older she decided she wanted to be an inventor, so she studied chemistry and biology, and later computer science.

After having her children she was drawn to become an inventor of books.  Her award-winning collages have been seen in galleries, magazines, and publications. She has loved art since childhood, and Song for Papa Crow, her first picture book, combines her love of nature and art. Song for Papa Crow celebrates diversity, spring, birds, and caring fathers with colorful cut-paper illustrations and a moving narrative.

Song for Papa Crow received a Mom’s Choice Awards Gold Honor for distinguished illustrations on December 2012. 

Here is Marit explaining her process:

I draw the rough sketch on paper (first image) to get the right composition. Once I’m pleased with the result, I refine the sketch, I scan it, and then I print out a copy (Grey illustration).

Choosing the Color Skim: I sort through different papers and put different patterns/colors together until I get the ‘Aha’ moment—a combination of colors that I find uplifting. I love a good contrast and I’m very passionate about colors and texture.

I choose a decorative paper as the background. I cut the bunny figures, and then I tear pieces of fabric/paper, glue them on top of the figures and paste the figures onto the background (Third illustration).

I color the background with pastel colors for extra depth and to make background more interesting.

When I’m satisfied with the result, I scan the art and use Photoshop for small touches. I add the text to make sure that it works well with the illustration. The publisher chooses the font.

Here’s another example from my book, Song for Papa Crow:

I start with a rough sketch.

I choose the color skim – RedCardinalPapersBefore.jpg.

I assemble the collage and enhance the color with pastels. I scan the collage and I add final touches — Red Cardinal Song for Papa Crow.jpg.

For ‘Song for Papa Crow,’ I used different sheets for different parts of the project. In the last image, I layered two sheets of paper, one of them transparent. I used a decorative paper for the background of the other images and colored portions of them with pencils and pastels.

Is Song for Papa Crow your first published book?

Yes, Song for papa Crow is my debut book!

How did the idea for the book come to you?

The idea for Song for Papa Crow was conceived when I helped one of my children with her school project on birds. When I found out that father crows take care of their offspring longer than most other birds, and that the whole flock would come to help a wounded crow, I just knew there was a classic story in those factual tidbits.

I asked myself, what would happen if a little crow was teased by the songbirds for his unique song? And, what if in his quest for friends he learned the other birds’ songs, but when he was in danger, his father wouldn’t recognize his song? I was also thinking about my children. Each one of them has his own special song.

The illustrations for my book came first. I drew the characters again and again. Little Crow visited different places, met different North American birds, and he tried hard to make friends. But in the end, Little Crow realized that that his father’s love and his family support are what really matter.

How did you connect with Schiffer Publishing?

When I participated at an art exhibit at my local library, the head of the library foundation who loves my art, suggested that I contact Schiffer publishing with whom she had published a few books.

Did you go to school for art?

As a high school student, I had an oil painter as a mentor. Later, in college, while studying chemistry and biology, I also took art classes, like oil painting, figurative, and abstract painting.

Have you tried your hand at watercolor, or other painting techniques?

Yes I have. I also loved to work with charcoal, pen and ink and pastels.

How long have you been illustrating?

I’ve been illustrating for the last thirteen years.

What was the first piece of art you did where you got paid for you talent?

I was a finalist at the 2005 SCBWI winter conference showcase in NYC. My art was then sold in an auction and I also received a cash prize.

How long have you been illustrating?

I’ve been illustrating for the last thirteen years.

What started you wanting to write and illustrate a book?

As a child, I loved writing in verse. I also drew but these two passions didn’t cross. After my children were born, I read to them many children books and I connected these two passions into writing and illustrating picture books.

Have you done any illustrations for Newspapers, Magazines, or Cards?

Yes. I’ve done work for magazines such as Ladybug magazine, a bunch of educational projects, and I have a line of my own greeting cards.

What started your interest in doing collage?

When my son was a baby, we both enjoyed interactive books by Eric Carle, Robert Sabuda and Eric Hill. Inspired by those authors, I engineered my first lift the flap book and I joined Robert Sabuda’s Movable Book Society. I then I took classes with author/illustrator Ilse Plume on how to illustrate picture books and collage was my natural pick of medium.

Do you collect paper for future collage work?

Yes! I always collect paper for future projects!

Have you put together a portfolio geared for the children’s book industry?

Yes, I have a portfolio for which I received plenty of feedback from publishing professionals.

Have you won any awards for your artwork?

Song for Papa Crow received Mom’s Choice Awards Gold Honor for Distinctive Illustration in December 2012.

I was a recipient of the Ann Barrow Scholarship from the NESCBWI in 2010.

I was a finalist at the 2005 SCBWI Winter Conference Showcase in NYC.

How do you keep the kids from interrupting your work? Is that possible?

I work on my art and my manuscripts during the day and late at night.

Are you working on another picture book?

I’m currently working on a few picture books.

What type of things do you do to get your work out there for people to see?

I have a website, http://www.maritmenzin.com, and I also built and expanded my social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads and Linkedin. I’m also on the picture-book site and I have art displayed at galleries and at public places such as the Children’s Hospital in Boston, pediatric offices and their online sites, and the local art center.

Are you represented by an artist rep or agent?  If yes, how did you connect with him or her? If not, would you like to find a rep.?

I’m not represented by an art rep, but I would love to find one who would help to take some of the marketing load of my shoulders so I could have some more time to create.

Do you take research pictures before you start a project?

I don’t take pictures but I do extensive research on the subject. After my study, I love to draw from my imagination and interpret the reality and beautify it.

What are you working on now?

I’m perfecting two manuscripts. I’m also working on a series of collages to be displayed at a gallery.

Are there any marketing tips you can share? 

I’m not the first writer who uses the following metaphor, but a book is comparable to a baby. You can’t expect your baby to change the world right away. You have to nurture him, take him to the right doctors, activities etc. you must be patient, plan your steps carefully. You have to built your social platforms, blogs, website BEFORE your book comes out. You have to be careful not to over promote, be fun and informative on your social media platforms, supportive of other authors/illustrators and target the right audience.

Do you have any words of wisdom for your fellow illustrators that might help them become more successful? 

Here are my words of wisdom: Have a space of your own to create. Make a doable plan. Have small goals. Practice! Practice! Practice! Be patient! Rejections help you grow as an author/illustrator! Go to conferences. Join critique groups. Have fun in the process!

Thank you Marit for sharing your talent and process with us.  I am sure your books will continue to win awards.  If you would like to visit Marit, you can find her at: www.maritmenzin.com

Talk Tomorrow,

Kathy