Inspiration Imagination Education
Public Appearances
I enjoy getting out of the studio and talking about illustration and writing with children and adults. I have visited schools, bookstores and libraries around the country. Sometimes it’s in support of a particular book but often it’s about the creative process or develops from working with a library or school to build an exciting visit which coincides with a special event.
Presentations
I update and revise different presentations for different age groups regularly based on audience reaction and advice from teachers and librarians. As my work appeals to students from Pre-K to 8th grade, I take into consideration the different attention spans and interest levels of students.
I strive to create a fun and engaging experience that leaves attendees excited to challenge themselves creatively and expands their interest in creating original work. If time permits I am happy to do sketching and quick drawing lessons on an easel and paper if provided.
I have also developed workshops and longer classes tailored around illustration, animation and picture books/graphic novels. I am happy to adapt a presentation to meld with issues that are relevant to current class studies or interests. I can schedule time for signing books but I do not provide copies of my books to sell at this time.
Please contact me for availability, references and fees. I look forward to hearing what topics are most interesting to you.
Recent school visits include: Princeton Day School, New Jersey - Lakeview Elementary, California - Jersey Avenue Elementary, California - Rancho Santa Gertrudes Elementary, California - St. Pius Parish School, California - Eddyville Charter School, Oregon - Warrenton Grade School, Oregon - Oceanlake Primary school, Oregon - Jacksonville Writer's Festival, Oregon - Kennewick School District, Washington - Sunset Primary School, Oregon - Cedaroak Park Primary School, Oregon- La Center School District, WA.
About Mark
Mark’s 12 feet tall and carries his car on his back when a tire goes flat. His house is a castle that can fit in a grocery bag. Mark likes to tell stories…But here’s the real deal:
Mark grew up in Minnesota, received a BFA from the University of Wisconsin, continued studies at the Graduate School of Film at UCLA in the MFA in animation program, taking additional classes at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and the Los Angeles Animation Institute.
He has worked extensively in design, illustration and animation and along the way found himself a manager at Walt Disney Television Animation, the art director of Sony Online Entertainment and a creative director at Pearson Television. Just to make this even stranger, Mark worked on versions of gameshows including: The Wheel of Fortune, JEOPARDY!, The Price is Right and many, many others.
Mark’s animated short films have been seen in film festivals around the country, broadcast on Nickelodeon Nicktoons and the G4 Network in the U.S. and on World of Wonder in the U.K.
Mark now spends his time writing and drawing picture books and graphic novels. His writing and illustrations have been published by Penguin Books for Young Readers, Candlewick Press, Hyperion, Chronicle Books, Knopf and a few others he can’t think of right now. He lives outside Portland, Oregon with his family.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange for an in person or online visit please contact me using the form below.
I am represented professionally by Sean McCarthy @ www.mccarthylit.com