Kevin Luthardt
Children's Author / Artist
Kevin Luthardt is the author and artist of four children's picture books: Mine! (Simon and Schuster - Atheneum), Peep! (Peachtree), Larabee (Peachtree), and Hats! (Albert Whitman). He has three more books due to be published, including Zoom! (2005, Peachtree, written by Diane Adams), and You're Weird! (2005, Dial). His paintings and drawings are represented by mars Gallery in Chicago. He is also a muralist creating large-scale mural projects for schools, libraries, and other venues. Kevin is active in using his work to teach and inspire students of all ages. he has spoken at over 200 schools, libraries, and conferences.
Session 1: How I broke into the Publishing World
In this presentation, Kevin Luthardt will take the students through the process of how a picture book is created and published from basic idea to published book. He will tell the story of how he got his first book published and he will share insights into publishers, editors, agents, illustration portfolios, manuscripts, rejection letters, contracts, and everything in between.
Session 2: Trial and Error: Creatively Finding Avenues for Your Work
Rejection...Failure...If you are a professional in any sector of the creative arts world, you will doubtlessly experience both. Kevin Luthardt has learned the art of not only taking rejection and failure gracefully, but also using it to his advantage. In this presentation, he will talk about his own search to find successful avenues for his work. He will discuses how dealing with the reality of rejection can positively challenge you to seek alternative ways to market your work.