Kids at the Bay Village Library are inspired to create!
Nov. 13 was a very important day… at least if you are a kid. Jeff Kinney's new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, "The Third Wheel," was released. The Bay Village branch of Cuyahoga County Library celebrated the occassion with a cartooning workshop where students ages 8-14 learned about inspiration, line technique and showing action from artist Melinda Placko. Rome wasn't built in a day and masterpieces aren't masterpieces the first time they are sketched, Melinda explained; there's a process involved.
The first thing you need to do is get an idea from looking at your surroundings and also other people's work. Find something that inspires you. It could be something as little as a spring, but use it as you draw your character. Take a look at your sketch and see what you like about it and what you can change to make it better; then draw it again. Making some lines thicker, darker, wiggly or sketchy can add a lot. It might take several times to get your cartoon just right, but don't give up. Keep working till you get it just right!
If you would like to learn about creating some other forms of art, keep an eye open for more programs offered at the Bay Village Library. "Art on Wheels,""Animation Station: Animated Greeting Card Creation" and "DIY Digital Movies" are just a few programs coming up. We'd love to see you there!
Sue Grame
Teen Librarian