Samantha Cotterill – Artist/Author Visit

Program Description

VIRTUAL EVENTS: All programs will be adjusted and catered to grade level

Live Q&A (grades k-12) (30 min/45 min options)
Ask Samantha anything! Take an initial virtual tour of Samantha’s studio while she answers any questions about her job as an illustrator and author. The 30 or 45 minute sessions can fly by quickly, so she finds it helpful when schools compile a list of 5-6 or 7-8 vetted student questions that she can answer. Samantha will open the event for impromptu questions at the end of each live Q&A session.

Virtual Storytime/Q&A: (45 minutes)
Join Samantha as she tunes in virtually to read aloud from one of her published books (please reach out ahead of event to discuss book options). Each read aloud will be followed by a quick tour of her studio, while simultaneously answering questions about the book and art processes behind it. Please send 5 questions ahead of time for this segment of the workshop. Samantha will make sure to end the program with several minutes of open time for impromptu questions.

An Artist’s Journey: From Sketches to Finished Books (grades k-12) (45 min)
In this presentation, Samantha takes students along her journey as a published author/illustrator of picture books and answers questions she’s often asked along the way.
Samantha shares stories behind several of her books – brainstorming, sketching a first draft, revisions with publisher, book interiors and cover design, and test printing. Her presentations focus primarily on her 3D books and the visual aspect of her job, with show-and-tell moments of props created for these bodies of work. Samantha will share behind the scenes moments and give students a glimpse into life as a picture book creator. Samantha’s presentations highlight the need for hard work, perseverance, creativity, and flexibility when making books.