Author/Illustrator Visit Info
We improvise with our drawing tools to recreate the dragon from My Love For You Is Always at Viewpoint School. Photo: Sue Jean Woodmansee
Book me for school and library visits or in-class workshops!
Thanks for your interest in having me visit! First of all, I LOVE kids and their creative brains! In my presentation, I share a bit about myself as a kid and the role drawing and books have played in my life since. Students come along with me for the journey of illustrating a picture book, and as I share my approach, I don’t leave out the frustrating, tough moments that I encounter as a “professional.” In fact, I try to highlight these moments and the ways I problem solve and work through my mistakes.
During my presentation, I set aside time for a draw-along or an interactive drawing demo (depending on the age/size/setting of my audience) and Q&As. This is always my favorite part of the visit because I get to see students’ personalities come out! They never fail to impress me with their humor.
I’m happy to sign books afterwards. Please let me know if this is the case!
Equipment needed for presentation: Laptop with powerpoint (or Pages for iOS), a projector and a large drawing pad and easel.
LENGTH OF VISITS
Single Presentation Visit : One 45-60 minute session.
Full Day Visit: Up to three 45-minute sessions plus book signing.
Full Day Visit with Overnight: If your location’s driving time is over two hours from Los Angeles (excluding traffic), or if the scheduled start time is early morning, overnight lodging may be necessary.
BOOK ME
Interested in having me visit your location? Send me a message via the contact form to coordinate!
Testimonials
“You inspired me to draw in different ways. I really enjoyed learning new things about drawing…”
— Tori, 5th Grader
“I enjoyed your sketches and books. I learned that everybody can be an illustrator.”
— Devin, 5th Grader
“You inspired me to draw more offen [sic]…”
— Liv, 5th Grader
“I especially loved the part where you showed us the storyboard for the illustrations!”
— Stella, 4th Grader
“Even though I hate drawing (because I’m bad at drawing) I enjoyed this lesson…”
— Juhyeong, 4th Grader
“Thank you for showing us how you made that book ‘My Lost Freedom.’ I loved the whole process of the book it was amazing!”
— Vaughn, 4th Grader
“I have heard a number of authors and illustrators during my career but was particularly impressed by Michelle’s session with our Year 3 children; it was a great mix of presentation, information, inspiration and topped off with a cracking piece of art in action. The children loved it - I could tell from both their interactions with her and from their quiet conversations with each other. Michelle had a lovely way with the children and seemed genuinely interested in their thoughts and responses. I wholeheartedly recommend Michelle and would definitely have her return to us.”
— Sarah Patterson
(Principal, Seoul Foreign British School)
Photo: Juhie Suh
Photo: Juhie Suh
“The presentation Michelle gave to the children was so relatable and inspiring! I think the connections to how she sometimes thinks like a scientist when she researches and experiments was wonderful. The pictures that were used to show examples of her thinking and work process, and the fact that she makes mistakes during this long process was a powerful message (growth mindset!). There’s a little girl in my class that said that she wants to be an illustrator like Michelle. She was inspired by Michelle’s examples of drawings from when she was a child. Thank you for the inspirational visit!”
— Kindergarten Teacher
(Seoul Foreign School)
“… She didn't just show up, she totally connected. Any school would be lucky to have her, and we are so grateful she made the long trip to be with us.”
— Mara Hakim
(Elementary Teacher/Librarian, Seoul Foreign School)
Photo: Juhie Suh