Ryan Shaw Illustrations
 
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Happy 2010!  This year has already proven to be wonderfully busy.

I recently completed some character designs for Melissa Williams, author of the "Iggy the Iguana" children's books series. I will continue to work with her throughout this year and provide illustrations for an activity book she is putting together. I've had a blast working on Iggy and his friends.

This month I will be attending my first ever SCBWI conference.  I am looking forward to meeting new writers, illustrators, publishers and learning new information. Patrick Collins, Art Director of Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, will be critiquing portfolios and I'm excited to see what he thinks of mine.  My portfolio will also be displayed with other artist's collections in a contest at the conference.  Attending the monthly SCBWI meetings has been really invaluable.  I'm meeting a lot of new people and am enjoying the guest speakers.  The last guest speaker, Roxie Munro, was phenomenal to say the least.

Finally, I will soon be starting up work on, "I Want to Grow Up," the book written by Edsil "Eddy" Logan that won the 2009 ABC Children's Book Competition. I will meet with Rita Mills next week to officially get started on this project. I am fortunate to have had constant work for the past year now illustrating.

2009 turned out to be so amazingly awesome in so many ways.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for me personally and professionally.  I am living it and loving it.
 
Bobby's Book 12/08/2009
 
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On November 30, I had the pleasure of being a guest on "The Indie Author Show," hosted by my good friend Bobby Ozuna.  I had such a great time!  Bobby has promoting down to an art (pun intended).  I figured it would be a nerve-wracking experience, but Bobby really put me at ease.  His audience had dozens of questions for me and I think I came off pretty well.  Bobby and I will brainstorm on more marketing ideas soon. The business is really gaining momentum and I owe so much to Bobby for his help!
   
I recently received a journal in the mail from friend and author Melissa M. Williams, who was the first guest on "The Indie Author Show."  The journal, known as Bobby's Book (that I am pictured with above), is to be passed to each of Bobby's guests to sign, post pics and write messages to him.  It's a neat way for Bobby to get personal messages from his guests on the show.  Next, I'll be sending the journal on to author Ed Patterson in Allentown, PA, who was on Bobby's show on December 7!

Be sure to check out Bobby Ozuna's website: http://www.ozunapub.com/.  Also, check out "The Indie Author Show" every Monday at 7:00 p.m. and catch any shows you missed on the archives on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theindieauthor .

Keep checking in for more updates,
-Ryan-
 
The Latest. 11/21/2009
 
Lots of exciting things have happened this month. I recently participated in my first silent auction, the 1st Annual Color Me Well Art Exhibit and Auction Charity Event. My piece, Balancing Act, sold! It was an honor to participate in this event and all of the proceeds went to a great cause.

My third published work "A Puppy Not a Guppy" was released this month. It is my third book with 4RV Publishing.

I am also working with author Melissa M. Williams on an exciting project involving her Iggy the Iguana series. It is a pleasure to finally work with her. We have some exciting projects in the works!

On November 30, 2009 I will be featured live on the Indie Author Show hosted by Bobby Ozuna. If you have not had the opportunity to check out my good friend Bobby's websites in my links page do so soon. He is a talented individual.

Ryan Shaw Illustrations now has a fan page on facebook thanks to the help of my girlfriend Maddi Ochoa. She helps me out with all of my art activities. I am very fortunate to have her help.

More exciting things in the works keep checking in for more updates.

Ryan
 
 
This post is a little late. I have just had more wonderful news happen. I, along with Eddy Logan, have won 5th Annual ABC Children's Book Competition! I have so many people to thank on my end, as I know Eddy does too on his.

Let me go ahead and thank those right off the bat that I know had an impact on helping me win. I want to thank my Mom (I love you Mom), Maddi Ochoa (who is very special to me and the best girl ever!), Patrick Theriot (my best friend), Jason Diaz (BIG D), and all the others on facebook that got the word out for me. And also I'd like thank anyone and everyone I may have left out. There were so many of you that voted for Eddy and I and helped spread the word.

It is amazing how this year started and how it is ending. What a year 2009 has been. LOL. I will always remember it. I will keep updates coming with my other projects.

Ryan
 
The Latest 10/04/2009
 
I have sent off all the artwork for A Puppy Not A Guppy. That will be my third published illustrated work to come out this year. I am currently working on illustrating a self-published book with a local writer Larry Ward. He is a great guy and I am glad I have had the chance to work with him.

He has been very patient with me since I have been booked with the previous books and other art projects. I have been very busy this year and things are starting to pick up.

I have a couple of other projects after the book with Larry that are in the pipeline. 2009 has turned out to be a good year.

Ryan
 
 

Well, since my last post I was waiting to find out a couple of things. First, if I landed a spot in the 5th Annual ABC's Children Book Competition. Well, I did!! I am working on illustrating a great short story written by Eddy Logan. Second, I was eagerly awaiting to find out if I was selected to illustrate A Puppy not a Guppy, written by Holly Jahangiri and publishing by 4RV Publishing. Well, I was!! And am putting the finishing touches on the cover art! I am also working on Portia the Porcupine written by Larry Ward. On top of all this Bait for Lunch (my second illustrated published work) by K.A. Okagaki is being released in two weeks!

I am a very busy guy right now! But, it's a good busy! On top of these projects, I am working on getting book events to spread the word about the books I am working on, 4RV publishing, the ABC's competition and of course me! I a desperately looking for a part time job, because while I am doing all of this I am working full time! I am really pulling to get into illustrating full time and doing other projects with my art full time.

This year has really turned out to be a good year after all. I give HIM all the glory, and owe so many folks continued thanks. You all know who you are.

Ryan

 
This Month! 07/06/2009
 

This month is a busy month for me. My second published work Bait for Lunch is to be released at the end of the month. I also am working on getting some book events together at local libraries. I am trying out for another story to illustrate through 4RV Publishing called A Puppy not a Guppy. I am starting up my next book to illustrate Portia the Porcupine Visits the Doctor. It is an amazing educational short story written by Larry Ward. I am so glad he and I were able to get together on this project. He is a local writer and I love that we get to meet face to face. We might possibly have more books in the works. I am also waiting to hear back from Rita Mills on the results of the 5th Annual ABC Children's book competition. Last year I was not chosen, but I will hopefully change that this year. I also want to again thank my brother Justin for all the help and guidance he has given. I have a lot to learn and he has really helped me along the way.

 
 

My first published illustrated work came out recently. It is great to finally have the books in hand. Response has been great, and I went through 50 books in a week! Linda Asato wrote a great story for children. I am currently working on illustrating another book with 4RV publishing, Bait for Lunch written by K.A. Okagaki. I can't wait for this to be published as well. This year is turning out to be rewarding for me, eventhough it started out so rough for me. There is one person that I failed to acknowledge and neglected to give thanks to, and that is my younger brother Justin Shaw. He has helped me out so much. Thank you Justin.

 
 

Great News. I just got word today that Spider in Our Mailbox will be printed in two weeks from now. I can't wait to get some promotional events under my belt as well. I am currently trying to get an event setup at my former elementary school as my first event.

I want to thank Vivian Zabel for giving me the opportunity to work on this project. I also want to thank my Dad and Mom, Brothers and Grandparents for being there for me through these recent difficult times I've had. I couldn't have survived this without them. I also want to thank my friends for their support, but especially Ben Tuma and Patrick and Tera Theriot. Ben has helped me with taking time out of his busy schedule to tutor me. I learned so much and it has helped more than he'll ever know. Patrick and Tera have took me in and let me just vent and hang out with them. Thanks for opening up your home up to me guys, it means alot.


I am working dilligently to complete my next project Bait for Lunch. I will keep everyone posted on this as well.

Ryan

 
 

Great news! I have completed the book cover design for my first book, Spider In Our Mailbox. I am excited, because with the book cover, 4RV Publishing can start promoting the book and a release date towards the end of April. I will have more updates soon.