John Nez School & Library Visits Inspiring Kids About Books, Art & Reading. Visits to schools, libraries and bookstores.
My School Visits: It's always inspiring to talk to students about bookmaking and writing.I share my techniques on making books from the rough sketches to the finished book. I show how books are created with computers and real paints. My Presentations: Presentations are a combination of slide-shows, sketches, rough book projects and finished books... about an hour in length. I demonstrate how picture-books are created. I show the process used to go from rough ideas about artwork and writing to the finished book. I use the same process in making art and writing stories. They all begin with an idea and inspiration and rough sketches. Grade Levels: I speak to schools and libraries in all grade levels from K-12. I tailor the information to the grade levels, especially with digital details about making computer art. Making Books & Technology: In my visits I demonstrate how picture-books are created. In this process I use a wide range of materials... pencils, computers and creatvity to refine the idea from the rough draft, to final published book. Studies suggest that many students are 'visual learners', so keeping all students motivated is critical.	Visit my online portfolio to see my books and tour the studio... click below
Making books & artwork fun & inspiring	Curriculum & My Books: Teachers might like use my book talks as tie-ins for their curriculum. ‘Cromwell Dixon’s Sky Cycle’ is the amazing true story of a boy who built his own flying bicycle in Columbus Ohio, in 1907. As a curriculem project, this book might be appropriate for projects in history. The time period is the same as the recent Seattle A.Y.P.E. exhibition from 100 years ago. Topics might include changing technologies of the times. Study themes could be on invention, transportation, pioneers of flight and technological change. ‘One Smart Cookie’ is book about a family where the main reader is a dog! It’s all about how electronic gadgets are taking over from reading. A very topical subject. Topics of discussion might be the role of electronic gadgetry in their lives, social networking, and the importance of reading to succeed in the modern world.
How do all those picture books get made? How can you make books with a computer? Digital Tools in Bookmaking: In today's world, expertise in computers is fast becoming a necessity. In my talks I give an outline of the steps involved in creating digital art. I talk about creating art from scanned images, Photoshop, drawing with a Wacom tablet and online sources. I talk about my online portfolio, blogs, social networking. I describe how books are developed with InDesign, sent with PDF files and stored on moved with FTP servers. In this modern age, every child needs to keep up or risk being left behind. But I think digital art can be as fun as it is challenging, and I hope to convey some of that in my talks. * Computers & Bookmaking * Making books from blank page to the printed volume. * Drawing... everyone can be an artist! * Cartooning vs. realistic drawing * The stages of making a book. * Editorial changes... doing things over! * Who needs books when there's computers? * A picture is worth1,000 words... it's true! * Licensed Characters ~ Who draws Big Bird? * Drawing Animals * Why everyone has a story to tell * Ideas for books children can make as gifts * Why art is cool! * Comptuer graphics* * What life is like as a book illustrator
	* Sessions: Presentations last around an hour for each session and focus on creating artwork and stories to make a book. Maximum of 4 sessions a day. * Books: I explain how books are put together from the blank page to the printed book, sharing rough layouts, first sketches, how type & art relate. I share ideas for books that students might make. * Art: I do drawing demonstrations of simple art techniques that can help anyone to draw better. I show how a book begins from rough sketches and progresses to a finished dummy. I talk about developing characters and how the editorial process works to come up with the final book. * Computers: I work in both digital and real mediums, so I can also cover various technical and computer related aspects of making digital artwork. * Fees: $600 / full day $350 half day for local school visits. Four talks a day maximum. Schools more than two hours distance might require an overnight stay or extra travel fee. * Book signing & ordering: I'm happy to sign any books, including older books brought from home. Schools and libraries can order books if they like from my publishers or online. There is no obligation to buy books, it's just an option. * Locations: My school visits usually are in the Seattle area. But I'm open to traveling to new places.
My school visits are flexible depending on each situation. So please e-mail me with questions if you're interested! PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: (founding member) PictureBookArtists.org Membership: The Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators