During a school visit Bill will show some of his original artwork, sketches and discuss how he came up with the concept and execution of his artwork. The presentation centers around creativity and how to conceptualize a drawing. Bill’s favorite part of the presentation is when he gets to draw for the group. He works on a large piece of paper representing a page layout, the audience takes the role of an author and Bill uses their ideas for characters, their activities and the setting direction he is given. The idea is for the audience to see “there are no boundaries” when it comes to creativity. Bill prefers an audience size no bigger than 150 children for this type of presentation.

PRESENTATION 2

Bill can also set-up a small easel during a book fair and do individual drawings “with specific direction from the child or adult.” Using pens and crayons Bill uses materials familiar with the children so it takes the mystery out of creating a drawing. The idea is for the individual child to have their own character created especially for them.

The goal of Bill’s visits is to promote creativity, trial-and-error, and the process of being a piece of the literary puzzle.

PRESENTATION 3

Bill also offers illustration presentations that would interest aspiring illustrators or those interesting in the writing and illustration process as it concerns storytelling. This presentation can be given in the evening or on a weekend, and is ideal for high school career day events.