Illustrator Spotlight: Margie Yoder

© Margie Yoder

 July 1, 2021

Today we are pleased to feature illustrator Margie Yoder and her Kidlit411 website banner design. Check out the winners of our banner contest for 2021. 

© Margie Yoder

Tell us about yourself and how you came to illustrate for children.

I grew up in coastal North Carolina, and for as long as I can remember, I loved to draw and make things more then anything else.

I went through endless sheets of paper, rolls of scotch tape, and crayolas. After trying photography and dabbling in fine art, my love for children, and my whimsical style, added to the fact that I “see” most of the words that I hear, illustrations won out and picture book illustration is the most wonderful fit for me. I have a dream of writing and illustrating a picture book of my own someday. 

© Margie Yoder

Two years ago, an editor friend and a writer friend and I created our own critique group. Its been great to be stretched and inspired by each other, and some truly amazing projects have come out of this group. Truly, find your tribe, we are better together.

© Margie Yoder

   

Congrats on your website banner design for Kidlit411. How did you approach this project?

Thank you for this opportunity. First, I had a very distinct picture in my head of what the banner would look like.

© Margie Yoder

I started with a rough sketch, then layered graphite on the back and transferred it onto my favorite illustration board, trying to keep as much of the energy of the original sketch as possible. Next, I added layers of watercolor, staying with pastels for a light airy look. I then scanned it into photoshop and made adjustments and added the text.

© Margie Yoder

 

What projects are you working on now?

I'm working on illustrating a children’s picture book project that I am not able to release information about at this time, and just for fun, I’ve been working through illustrating an alphebetized list of some of my favorite quotes in my spare time.

© Margie Yoder

 

What is your preferred illustration medium/process?

I love watercolor.  My favorite brand of paint is M. Graham & Co and my favorite color is their phthalocyanine blue.

 

I work almost exclusively on Canson illustration board. I love the smooth texture along with the way the colors react to it, also the ease of lifting color is a big plus.

© Margie Yoder

I'm constantly trying to add emotions and interesting gestures into my pieces. The top two artists that inspire me are Freya Blackwood and Marla Frazee.

   

What is one thing most people don't know about you?

A dream of mine is to get on the Caldecott list

Where can people find you online?

my online portfolio: margie yoder.com

and I’m most active on instagram @margieyoderillustration 

  

Margie Yoder is an illustrator of children's books, is passionate about art in general and childrens book art in particular. She is always on the learn for new techniques to make her a better artist. She loves to sketch, especially in new sketch books with smooth paper. She lives in Kenya, Africa with her husband and two teenagers.