Cover Artist Spotlight: Izzy B.
How would you describe yourself, as a person and as an artist?
As a person, I'm bald with a beard and mildly overweight. As an artist I use digital art, but I'd love to learn other methods. I tend to lean toward the humorous side when it comes to my illustrations. My style hasn't changed much, but my methods are ever changing as I learn more.
What got you started creating?
I started writing picture books when I worked for SuperStart. We spent a lot of time on the road, and I felt like it was a fun way to pass the time. I wrote the first and was hooked. I had a lot of close calls when it came to publication. I actually worked with an editor at HarperCollins on Count Spatula, but the book wasn't right for them in the end. With each step closer I realized I would bridge the gap if I learned how to illustrate as well. One day, out of the blue, I bought a drawing pad and started watching YouTube videos on how to do digital art. I used A Tighty-whitie Wind as my guinea pig book and kept going after that.
Who inspires you?
I'm a big fan of picture books. They are a marvelous combination of art and story that takes a lot of skill to master. So my inspiration comes from those who do it best. Some of my favs are Mo Willems, Oliver Jeffers, Dan Santat, David Shannon, and Jon Klassen.
What's the funniest thing that's happened to you as an artist?
I had a kid who used my book A Tighty-whitie Wind to do their Book Box project at school. They used their father's whitie tighties in the actual box as a demonstration.
What does your creative process look like?
Stories are what comes naturally to me. I start with the story. Once it's solid the characters seem to form on their own. Once the characters are solid the illustrations aren't as challenging. Then all the parts seem to come together.
What's your biggest dream? Where would you love to see your work take you?
I'm working really hard to get an agent. I feel like I'm getting very close.
What's your favorite tool (app, pen, brush, whatever)?
Funny thing is my favorite Photoshop brush is Crayon.
What's your favorite spot in the Joplin area and why? (restaurant, coffeeshop, pothole, whatevs)
I really like ice cream. I also like books. If someone made an ice cream parlor that sold books, I'd be there everyday.
But my favorite place to create is the Joplin Public Library. They give me my own little work space and it's nice to know that just a few steps away is a room filled with inspiration.
If you could give advice to young artists who are inspired by your work, what would you say?
Don't give up. I've wanted to give up numerous times, but little sparks of inspiration or opportunity always changed my mind at the right time. Also, don't stop learning. There's always something more. There's always room to grow.
What's your favorite Nicolas Cage movie?
Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse. What an awesome movie!
Check out Izzy B’s books atwww.izzybbook.com, buy one from our own Vintage Stock, search “Izzy B” on amazon, or check them out from your local library!