I loved working on these super fun cartoon spots for Owl Magazines Summer 2022 issue! I did the line art background, too. I think the kids must be laughing at the silly choices of occupations they have come up with here! Below are some samples of the layout and spots!
Owl Magazine--April 2022 Issue: "Fooled You!" Spot Illustration Cartoons
Chickadee Magazine--March 2022 Issue: "Art Garden" Puzzle Illustration
Something New! Chirp Magazine: Take a Trip--A Space Museum Illustration
I had the pleasure to illustrate this October 2021 issue of Chirp magazine’s “Take A Trip”, featuring the Comosphere Museum in Hutchinson, Kansas. I had to really think about how to rearrange the reality of the space and most important items (lunar rovers, space capsules, etc.) to fit on a two-page spread! I did a lot of research and picture browsing to get things fun and cartoony, but with enough accuracy to be distinct to the items/space. All in all, I am pleased how it turned out! And the entire issue is about space so chocked full of interesting things to learn in a fun and informative package! Thank you, Owlkids, for your outstanding work, and letting me be a part of it so many times!
Below is the magazine spread, the original, and each page close up.
Something New! Chirp Magazine & Farmers' Market Puzzle Spread!
I get such fun projects! This is a magazine spread illustration for Owl Publishing’s Chirp magazine, the April ‘21 edition, depicting a farmers’ market, with a few puzzles built in. I debated over whether to use an outline/cartoonish style or not, and in the end went without. I like working both way and this one I felt would be just fine to do either way, so it was just a in-the-moment call. Since it’s still the covid era with restrictions, we opted to not do a large crowd, so that kept it simpler. I also added fun textures all over. Hope kids enjoy the puzzles and learn! I always do!
Something New! Magzine Spot Illustrations/Cartoons -- The Great Bear Rainforest!
It’s always a pleasure to work with Owlkids Publishing and Owl magazine on their many educational projects. This time, I did a spot illustration/cartoon & map for an article about The Great Bear Rainforest, located in British Columbia, Canada. It looks like a wonderful place to check out and perhaps hike and enjoy other activities. Someday I will go! In the meantime, I hope the kids enjoy learning about this place, and that the bear cartoon and map add to their fun of learning! Samples are below. The second bear was one of the sketches I sent to see what would be best to put in that spot. The bear sitting up was chosen, but the other is just too cute to not include! And please check out Owlkids and all the books and magazines they have to offer! Your kids will be glad you did!
Something New! "It's An Animal News Flash!" Spot Illustrations/Cartoons!
I created a few spot illustration/cartoons for the May 2020 issue of Owl Magazine’s “Incredible!” section, which is always so fun—and so informative! Presently, we’re living with the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and they aren’t sending sample copies at this time, so I have the spots mocked up in the spread. Sometimes the final changes a little, and certainly the designer makes it more sharp, clean, & clear, so thank you for overlooking these flaws on my samples!. : )
(c) Owl Magazine/Paula J. Becker 2020
Something New! Valentine's Spread Illustration
This was an illustration created for a kids’ magazine this last year. It just recently got my complimentary copy so posting a bit late, as you can see! But what a fun piece to work on! This was memorable to me because I worked on the colorizing while watching game 3 of the 2018 World Series. That game was 7 1/2 hours long, and I got a lot of work done! The Dodgers eventually eked out a win against the RedSox (3-2), but went on the lose the series to them. Second year to lose in a row. Poor Dodgers. But what fun to work on this piece while watching!
Something New! Dragon Boat Race Illustration
I created this illustration for “A Boat Race” for Chirp magazine June ‘19 issue. This fun magazine spread is both informative AND fun! There are several puzzles and games to play as you learn (Kids as well as adults!) I went with line art for this, since I had to get 20 people in each boat—plus the people on the side watching and waving for their favorite dragon boat! See if you can solve the puzzles!
