“Brushing Up on Creativity: My Artful Journey”

Hi there. I haven’t posted much in the past few months. In August, we were on vacation, and I was following a course, MATS.- Bootcamp Special: Character Play 2023, after trying out the Freebie courses on MATS website. That’s when I decided to dive in to hone my craft. I’m now taking the ICB 2023 course Illustrating Children’s Books.

I want to share a few sketches for another mini assignment for the self-paced course- Best of Bootcamps Market Mix 1,2023. This is my take on Jell-O and molds. Next assignment-Color!!!

Who doesn’t love Jell-O?

Friends asked me which course I was attending; therefore, here’s a brief on MATS-Make Art That Sells.

The illustration courses at MATS completely exceeded my expectations. As a children’s book author with a deep appreciation for the world of art, these experiences are nothing short of fantastic.

What truly sets these courses apart is their unique approach. The teachers provide captivating texts for us to illustrate, allowing our creativity to flourish. It’s a dream come true for someone like me, who is passionate about storytelling through images. The opportunity to breathe life into words through art is incredibly inspiring.

But the magic doesn’t stop here. The addition of a toy agent providing assignments for toy projects adds another layer of excitement. It expands our horizons, pushing us to explore different dimensions of creativity—the fusion of storytelling, illustration, and toy design is simply brilliant.

Moreover, the course fosters an environment of collaboration and learning. The instructors are knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about nurturing the artistic spirit in each of us. Their guidance and support make the learning process a delight.

As a writer who loves diving into the world of children’s literature and illustration, these courses have left an indelible mark on my creative journey. It has provided me with a fresh perspective and enriched my storytelling skills. The skills I gained here have certainly been a valuable addition to my toolkit as a children’s book author.

In conclusion, if you love storytelling, illustration, and the whimsical world of toys, MATS courses are an absolute must. It’s a place where imagination knows no bounds and creativity is celebrated at every turn. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to embark on an artistic adventure.

Thank you to the incredible team of instructors for making these experiences so memorable and transformative.


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Author: eleanorannpeterson

I’m a nature-loving adventurer and children’s book author/illustrator whose life has been an exhilarating journey. Originally hailing from Ottawa, Canada, I developed a deep fascination for wildlife while chasing after wild animals in the swamps. Although I initially aspired to become a veterinarian, my path took an unexpected turn when I relocated to Italy. In Italy, I pursued my passion for nature by earning a BS in Environmental Sciences and Territorial Management. This educational experience further ignited my love of writing about the natural world and its diverse wildlife. I’m an active member of several professional organizations, including SCBWI, 12x12PB Challenge, ICWA, and the Children’s Book Academy. Constantly seeking growth and connection within the industry, I engage with fellow writers and storytellers. Despite my affinity for all creatures, I humorously admit that my nine cats can be the most challenging animals to handle. When I’m not wrangling my feline friends, I spend my time writing, doodling, playing with clay, gardening, and exploring the enchanting Italian countryside with my husband. I also love preparing homemade pasta, showcasing my culinary skills.

5 thoughts

  1. These look great, Eleanor! And I had to giggle, because we friends who met in Italy call ourselves the Jello Molders. A few of us even found some to bring home as souvenirs! 🙂

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