Illustrator Spotlight: Charlie Eve Ryan

© 2013 Charlie Eve Ryan

Today we welcome the very talented freelance illustrator/writer Charlie Eve Ryan.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

I grew up in Eastern Pennsylvania with my family and spent most summers camping, fishing and being a tomboy. In school, I spent many days splitting time between a variety of sports and art classes. I was equal parts art geek, book nerd, and athlete. Once out of school, I eventually went on to become an EMT working in a pediatric ICU and eventually as a nurse at a cancer center. I loved nursing but spent my nights and weekends building my bigger dream of becoming a children's book illustrator/writer.

What are you working on these days? What are your illustration goals this year?

I write as often as I illustrate so there are always manuscripts to revise and characters to explore. Right now, I am working on a new promo mailer and plan to send that out into the world soon. My goal for the year is to take on more freelance clients, land a book deal and continue to grow as a person and an artist. 

© 2013 Charlie Eve Ryan

What or who inspires you?

So many things from my kids to other artists to Pinterest. I love browsing Pinterest. I have far too many boards but it is slightly addictive and I keep adding more. I grew up loving Dr. Seuss, Winnie-the-Pooh, Charlotte's Web and Judy Blume. I am a big fan of Jon Klassen, Peter Brown, Oliver Jeffers and Patrice Barton. Their work is amazing! Being inspired is the easy part, it is in the finishing where the real work comes. I enjoy the process even when I'm hating it. Passion and drive can look a lot like love and hate but my days are always interesting. I feel very lucky and would not want it any other way! :D

  

We just heard the wonderful news of your signing with an agent. Can you tell us how that came about?

I had attended an SCBWI-EPA fall/crit fest in November and had an editor show interest in seeing more of my work as well as interest from two agents I had queried in late November. After many years of prepping, I was finally starting to feel more confident in my work. 

I am part of Julie Hedlund's 12x12 challenge which allows participants to submit to agents each month. When the 12x12 December agent was announced as Jennifer Starkman from the Transatlantic Agency, I began to research her and the agency more. I was impressed and a little overwhelmed by the level of talent and experience there. Based on her likes and dislikes I felt she could be a great fit for my work. I sent her a manuscript and a link to my online portfolio. 

She got back to me quickly, passed on the manuscript but expressed a lot of enthusiasm for my illustration work and said my writing was strong and unique, but we would need to find one that works in today's market. I spent most of the holidays with my stomach in knots, knowing people were actively considering my work after requesting to see more. Jennifer and I communicated the most through it all and I really felt like she was a great fit for me and the direction I wanted to go in. She was passionate about books and very knowledgeable. When she made the official offer in January, I was extremely excited.

© 2013 Charlie Eve Ryan

Tell us something most people don't know about you.

When I am not reading or playing with my kids, I spend my down time watching painting videos on you tube. I find it very relaxing. :D

Where on the internet can people find you and your work?

Website: www.charlieeveryan.com

Twitter: @charlieeveryan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieeve.ryan

Thanks so much for having me, KidLit411!