TODAY'S FEATURED POST

Should Artists Create Alt Text?


Kirbi Fagan

Hello Muddies, I’ve come off an exciting month, launching We Are The Scrappy Ones. In other great news, my first author-illustrator project is launching this fall and I just heard news that the Junior Library Guild has selected it to be a gold standard selection.  We Are The Scrappy Ones was my first time creating alt text for my illustrations. While I was hesitant to put words to my artwork. This was where the illustration…

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YESTERDAY’S POST


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The Power of Preliminary Studies


Julie Beck

May 16, 2025 - Preliminary studies are crucial to my process. Each artist approaches prep work different but as someone who teaches both technical skills as well as the importance of design and composition, I emphasize the importance of massaging the design before you get into the nitty gritty. Preliminary thumbnails help in a multitude of ways: Planning: Sketches help you organize ideas and create a clear roadmap, saving time and reducing frustration. Problem Solving: They allow you to identify and fix issues early, ensuring a more polished final piece. Creativity: Experimenting in sketches encourages creative exploration and innovative solutions. Confidence: Working through uncertainties in sketches builds confidence for the final execution. Cohesion: Planning ensures all elements work harmoniously, resulting in a unified piece. Efficiency: Resolving issues on paper or digitally saves time AND money. I mean, time IS…

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