Jess Smart Smiley's Blog
May 2, 2024
Sketchbook #88 (Video Tour)
SKETCHBOOK 88 COMPLETE!
This book was my companion for nearly a year, as I developed work for:
Magazine illustrationsHalloween print & game boardColoring pagesValentine’s Day cards & mini postersLogosWebsite designsComicsBooks…and much more! Sketchbooks are my private playground, where I can explore, discover, and think out loud on paper.
What do you like about keeping a notebook/sketchbook/diary? Is it helpful? Practical? Have you used your sketchbook to develop finished work? Do you give yourself permission to explore, discover, and try new things in your sketchbook?
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Join my First Readers Club for sneak previews of upcoming projects at https://bit.ly/FirstReadersClub
April 9, 2024
New Book Out TODAY
NEWSROOM NONSENSE IS OUT TODAY!
Available online and from bookstores everywhere, this third book in my “What Happens Next” series of comics readers can play is a book readers can return to again and again for a different story–and ending!
This book (and series) was made while I was stuck in bed for years with debilitating pain. Seeing it in print outside of my bedroom is a wonder!
How To Celebrate:Get the book! (It’s good! It’s fun! And it’s available in hardcover, paperback, ePub, and Nook.)Join me at the Newsroom Nonsense book launch on Wednesday April 10, 7-8:30PM at Poppy Books & Gifts in Spanish Fork, UT. (Tickets are free but be sure to register!)Spread the news! Tell your family, friends, educators, and librarians. These books are MADE for young readers who need your help in sharing them.
March 28, 2024
NEW BOOK!
My friends, I am THRILLED to announce that NEWSROOM NONSENSE comes out in 2 weeks!
YOU are invited to celebrate the launch of my newest book “Newsroom Nonsense”! We’ll be drawing, playing games, and celebrating comics you can play!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10
>>> 7-8:30 PM <<<
56 West 200 North
Spanish Fork, UT
Newsroom Nonsense is the newest in my series of comics readers can play. There are more than 100 different story paths in each book—and book 3 works even if you haven’t read the previous books.
SEE YOU THERE!
*Tickets are FREE but registration is required. Preorders and attendees get a special something from me, plus I’ll be signing and doodling in books. https://bit.ly/POPPYNONSENSE
March 6, 2024
Peek Inside My New Graphic Novel, “Newsroom Nonsense”
Take a peek inside my new interactive graphic novel, “Newsroom Nonsense”!
1) Megan discovers that her pet hedgehog, Vincent, has nibbled her homework.
2) Weird Randall collects potatoes from the cafeteria so that he can mail them. “You can mail them to people. In the mail. It’s legal.”
3) Megan rescues Vincent, who is stuck inside the school vending machine.
4) Mitch leads the class in watching movies as part of his “Entertainment” section of the student newspaper.
March 5, 2024
NEW Graphic Novel Out April 9
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT (BOOK 3): NEWSROOM NONSENSE, OUT APRIL 9
In the third volume of the What Happens Next? graphic novel series, YOU decide whether Sunbright Middle School’s student newspaper is a hit—or if Megan and her friends will have to stop the presses forever!
Megan Hathaway was supposed to be helping put together a newspaper for her English class…but everything is going wrong.
Weird Randall keeps trying to mail potatoes, evil Vice-Principal Mr. Fisher has imprisoned the class’s best artist, and…oh geez…Olivia just yarked in a trombone! Can you help Megan save school journalism?! Or will you let Sunbright Middle School’s secrets remain hidden forever?!
With more than twenty-five different endings, Newsroom Nonsense is a breaking news saga you’ll be coming back to over and over.
Get it in hardcover, paperback, ePub, or Nook here.
March 4, 2024
Illustrations for The Friend Magazine
Illustrations for the February issue of The Friend Magazine.
I had so much fun coming up with different characters and situations to express the idea of friendship and rendering them all in a bright and colorful palette for young readers.
Major thanks to Art Director and friend Josh Talbot!
February 29, 2024
Leap Day (a Poem)
LEAP DAY
I hope that you celebrate
this intercalary date
(24 hours more
than were had years before)
and three-hundred-six days that remain.
February 13, 2024
LTUE This Weekend!
Join me this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for LTUE – Life, the Universe, & Everything Symposium at the Provo Marriott in downtown Provo, Utah!
I look forward to this event every year and am excited to share in 11 hours of programming, where I’ll be talking about everything from design basics for non-artists to generating ideas, illustration processes, editing graphic novels, getting the most out of your notebook, and more!
You can also find me at Friday night’s book signing from 7-9pm, where I’ll have some books and other goodies available for sale and vandalism ;P
I hope to see you this weekend at LTUE!
February 8, 2024
Froggy Valentine
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with this hand-drawn, frog-themed, paper money-style Valentine!
The downloadable PDF includes two full 8.5 x 11″ sheets (one black & white, the other green) with 8 print-and-cut Valentines.
Get it for just $1 here.
December 22, 2023
Winter Coloring Page
Happy Christmas break!
Enjoy this free winter-themed coloring page. Just click the “DOWNLOAD” button below, then print and color.
Feel free to make as many copies as you’d like, then share online. (Be sure to tag me on Instagram and Facebook so I can share your colored pages!)
DOWNLOAD
