Brad Sneed

School Presentations / Planning an Illustrator Visit
Book Order Form / Bookmark Sheet

I enjoy visiting schools to talk with students and teachers about illustrating and writing picture books. School visits provide a wonderful opportunity to interact with children and to shed light on how a book is created. It is very satisfying to hear from a teacher that after my presentation, her students couldn’t wait to return to their desks to write a story and draw a picture!

Presentation content: The focus of my presentation is the Process of illustrating a picture book. Each step is examined:

reading the manuscript
using the most important tool I have—my imagination
creating a storyboard
reference and research
doodles to dummy book
“What do you mean it’s not perfect?!” Revising with the Art Director
finish artwork

Digital images projected on a screen illustrate how a doodle evolves into a completed painting. Roles of the author, editor, art director, and illustrator are explained. Cooperation of those involved in the creative process is stressed, as well as the notion that in order to excel, practice and perseverance are essential. I wrap up the presentation by answering questions and drawing a picture.

Presentation length: Each presentation is 45-60 minutes.

The audience: I enjoy speaking to kindergarteners and adults and all ages between. Because I adjust my presentation to fit the audience, I prefer to address groups of similar age if possible. I do not limit how many people can attend one presentation, but generally speaking, smaller is better.

Materials I will need:

A digital projector on a rolling media cart (please have someone familiar with your projector available to assist with set-up, including adjusting focus & keystone distortion.)
An extension cord
A screen (The bigger, the better—especially if the presentation takes place in a gymnasium)
An easel
Drawing paper (19 x 24 in. is a good size)
A table at the front of the room
A microphone, if necessary (I prefer the lapel-type…I talk with my hands!
Bottled water

Venue: The room you select should comfortably accommodate the audience and be conducive to viewing projected images. It’s a good idea to do a trial run in advance to be sure the room can become sufficiently dark and that all of the equipment is in working order.

Schedule: I will perform up to four presentations in a school day.

Book signing: There are two ways to handle book signing. One is to have the children present when I sign their book. This can be done between presentations or after the final presentation. The other is to collect all of the books and schedule a block of time when I can sign. In either case, please place a sticky note on the title page with the child’s first name (or for whom the book is to be inscribed). I don’t sign scraps of paper (or shirts, arms, shoes, etc.). I am not an autograph snob, and would gladly sign autographs freely, but in the school setting, there simply isn’t time to sign something for everyone. I provide a signed bookmark sheet that you may copy and distribute to the students.

Honorarium: Please email me to inquire about availability and fees.

If you’d like more details on planning an illustrator visit, please read "Planning an Illustrator Visit" at the top of this page.

Once we’ve arranged a visit, I will mail a packet including book ordering information, my photo, a bookmark master sheet, and a letter of agreement.