Ryan Smith Michael

Ryan- "I want to create stories that inspire the present moment, intrigue the senses, and motivate the heart. Stories both exciting and tender. They must connect with children and be fun! Characters should take risks, face challenges, learn and grow internally. My style is bright, loose, and expressive. I create simple yet awe-inspiring spaces- filled with rich, funny, relatable characters who come to life through a mixed-media style. My intention is for children to recognize my work and pick it up again and again.

My work is inspired by nature. My stories are about friendship, kindness, inclusion, presence, self-awareness, resilience, and responsibility for our natural world. My work and studies as a fine artist, eight years of teaching Pre-Kindergarten, and being a parent of two amazing kids has undoubtedly molded my expression.

I'm always learning, growing, traveling, moving... my perspective is always open and so is my work. I am a writer as well as an illustrator so inspiration comes to me two-fold. The story and the images appear as if woven together, a gift when I am fully present and not asking for anything. More often the imagery tells me the story. I start with loose, quick sketches to get my idea to paper. This sketch period is synchronised with the writing. When working on my final illustration my process includes digital painting and/or a combination of traditional mediums: pencil, pen, pastels, ink, watercolour, acrylic, collage, and photography."

www.ryansmithmichael.com

Instagram: @ryansmithmichael

Ryan Smith Michael is an American artist, author, and illustrator currently living in Budapest, Hungary with his wife, daughter, and son. Ryan studied fine art in New York City and Paris. He gained inspiration traveling across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Ryan's fine art has homes across the globe. His work is a reflection of nature and conscious awareness, inner presence. Ryan taught early childhood education for eight years in Providence, RI, and Los Angeles, CA. Ryan's students were some of his greatest teachers. His picture books combine epic stories with quiet and still moments. Characters and readers alike take self-discovering journeys. They take risks and uncover the power and beauty within themselves, each other, and our precious earth.

Ryan, what do you love about making children's picture books?

-I love hidden moments and stories within illustrations.

-I love how you don’t have to be serious.

-I love how it pushes me to places I would otherwise not have gone.

-I love my curiosity, exploration, freedom.

-I love the stories. I love the characters. I love going on the adventure.

-I love how much meaning there can be behind something so simple.

-I love the impact- how stories are read aloud, shared across generations and destinations.

-I love that it is a place filled with joy, love, presence and acceptance.