Dorothia Rohner was the recipient of the SCBWI Mentorship Award at
the 2014 Summer Conference. Kidlit Artists would like to officially
welcome Dorothia to the blog, and ask her a few questions about the
Mentorship experience and about what she is up to these days.
Did the feedback you received during the mentorship critiques either change or confirm the direction of your illustration? Are there any specific examples you can share?
Each mentor confirmed to me that
the strongest, most successful portfolio pieces were the ones that were created
from a place of joy, without over-thinking the process or outcome.
Their specific input on
composition, focus, developing characters, body language, emotion, motion and
narrative storytelling helped me to see my work in a different light. I am so grateful to have this information to
integrate into my new illustrations and stories. I feel that I have a clearer
idea on what is working and what needs to change. A huge thank you to all the mentors!
Currently I am working on
picture book illustrations. After
returning from such an inspiring experience, I feel that I have a new vision of
where I need to go with my work. Besides
that, I am writing stories, painting, drawing and sketching every day. I browse
my old sketchbooks hoping to see if anything might jump out and grab my
attention.
Is there any type of illustration (or other work) that
you’re hoping for in the near future?
In the past, I’ve done many
types of illustration including; scientific, computer games, licensing,
educational, graphic design and technical drafting. However, I have always had
a burning desire to do children’s stories. Life is short and I plan to spend my
time doing what I love—reading and creating illustrations for children's books.
Is there one really helpful piece of advice that you’ve
gotten since pursuing illustration? Any
one piece of bad advice?
I’m fortunate to have been
blessed with many supportive people in my life that have encouraged me in my
art. My husband told me years ago. “Each
painting you do is a stepping stone. Where you are tomorrow will not be where
you are today.” That always helped me when I wasn’t completely satisfied with
my work.
The worst piece of advice on
illustration I received was, “Chase the trends.”
What was one of your favorite quotes or lessons from the
SCBWI Summer Conference?
It’s so hard to pick just one. Here
are a few favorites that I jotted down.
“Find the story no one else can
tell.”
“The most powerful tool you have
is your unconscious mind.” ~Meg Rossoff
“Live in the world of memory and
imagination.” ~Megan McDonald
“Being an artist is always a way
to live your life. Everywhere must have beauty.” ~Tomie Depaola
“Do not let anyone discourage you—if they do, get angry, not depressed.”~ Judy Blume
Last but not least, Judy
Schrachner’s talk on how to get to know your character by creating a character
bible. From knowing her characters so well, the plot unfolds.
What were some of your favorite books when you were a kid?
My favorite childhood memories
of books were fairytales. I really liked Rumpelstiltskin and always felt sorry
for him. I spent a lot of time looking at the illustrations and re-reading the
poems in the big orange Child Craft books.
I loved the old favorites: Are You
My Mother? Go, Dog, Go, Sam & the Firefly, (any PD Eastman or Beatrix Potter Books), Make Way for Ducklings, Frog & Toad, A Kiss for Little Bear, Trumpet of the Swan, The Secret Garden, Mouse
and the Motorcycle. When our boys were young, I read them many books and discovered
Graeme Base, Kit Williams, William Joyce and so many more.
Where can we find you online?
You can find me online in the
following locations:
Website: www.dorothiarohner.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dorothiarohnerillustration
Blog: dorothiasketchblog.wordpress.com
Twitter: @dorothiar
Thank you, Dorothia!
Really appreciate your sharing the experience and feedback here. Bets of luck to you, Dorothia!
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