Jess Smart Smiley's Blog, page 2

Original Handmade Gifts by Jess Smart Smiley

Happy holidays!

I’ve just stocked my shop with a batch of 17 handmade paper mache cats, as well as a dozen mixed-media portraits of Joseph Smith on reclaimed wood.

This is the first time I’ve offered any original art through my website and I’m hoping you’ll love at least one piece enough to add it to your home or give to a loved one.

Thanks for taking the time to check out the news. All my best from Utah!

Utah Events This Weekend

Utah events this weekend and Monday:

FRI 2PM-8PM: Wasatch Comic Con at Valley Fair MallSAT 9AM-6PM: Teen Author Boot Camp WeberMON 7PM-8PM: Comic Jam at Poppy Books & Gifts

I’ll be talking about creative processes and selling comics, books, and more. Should be a good time.

See you there?

FREE Halloween “Eye Candy”!

Happy Halloween!

Every year, I make a little picture to give out to trick-or-teaters. (I call it “eye candy” but we also have sugar :P)

This year’s mini print is a 4 x 6″ Straw Man tending the corn field.

If you happen to find yourself in Orem, Utah tonight, then swing by my place to pick up this year’s “eye candy”—otherwise, enjoy this FREE PRINTABLE STRAW MAN!

Book Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Maria in Brooklyn—she is the winner of a signed copy of Science Fair Frenzy!

Thank you to everyone who entered and spread the word about the release of this second book in my new series of interactive graphic novels.

For a chance to win future giveaways and to sneak a peek at new projects in the works, sign up for my First Readers Club at www.jess-smiley.com/frc.

New Graphic Novel: Science Fair Frenzy

In the second volume of the What Happens Next? graphic novel series, YOU decide whether Sunbright Middle School’s science fair is a success — or if it all goes up in flames!

Megan Hathaway came to Sunbright Middle School’s Science and Invention Fair expecting to have fun—she and her friend Charlotte had prepared a presentation on crow calls, and their table gave her a great view of her crush, Dillon. But for some reason, everything is going wrong.

There are lemons all over the hallways, Megan’s parents insist on embarrassing her, and there are rumors that the monstrous Sunbright Muck Man is on the hunt! Can YOU help Megan get through this day with her dignity and her life?! With over 25 different parallel realities to explore in Science Fair Frenzy, there’s gotta be at least one where Megan gets a happy ending…right*?!

*We cannot confirm the existence of a happy ending in Science Fair Frenzy.

Last Chance to Win My New Book (Signed!)

Today is your last chance to enter to win a signed copy of my new interactive graphic novel, What Happens Next: Science Fair Frenzy!

To celebrate the book’s release tomorrow, June 20, all you have to do to enter is sign up for my First Readers Club. That’s it!

The First Readers Club is my newsletter, where I’ll be sending previews of my books before they’re published. I’ll also share behind-the-scenes looks at other things I’m working on, and the creative processes involved, and get your thoughts on things I’m not yet ready to share publicly.

1 winner will be chosen at random and announced tomorrow, June 20.

Good luck!

WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE?

I took your feedback from my rough poster ideas and fleshed them out.

Now I need your help in picking one image to use for the poster of my What Happens Next series of interactive graphic novels.

I’ll be giving the printed poster to people who buy the books from me.

Thanks for your help!

WIN MY NEW BOOK (Out June 20!)

I know, I know, I just had a new book release 2 months ago—but this is book 2 in the series and it’s so fun and I’m very excited to share it with you!

Science Fair Frenzy is the second in my new series of interactive graphic novels, featuring 240 pages and more than 25 different endings. The book is available in hardcover, paperback, and electronic formats and is available for pre-order everywhere books are sold!

WIN A SIGNED COPY

Enter to win a signed copy of Science Fair Frenzy by joining my First Readers Club. (The First Readers Club is my my of sharing works-in-progress and previewing books before they’re published!)

All members of my newsletter will be automatically entered to win a signed copy of Science Fair Frenzy.

1 winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Tuesday, June 20.

Good luck!

New Mural for Orem City Center Park

I’m thrilled to share this 3-sided, 9-foot mural I created for Orem City Center Park!

The mural is my celebration of our community and its many cultures—our individual colors rich and vibrant, and playing off each other. One person’s smile becomes another’s hairline, as we are united in our differences and varieties. (You might also spot a UFO or two!)

The mural is beside the track on the south side of Orem City Center Park, and can be seen from State Street when driving by, as well as from atop the hill where my family watches the Oremfest parade each year. 

My family and I have enjoyed picnicking in the park, playing on the All-Together Playground, attending local concerts, performances, and hot dog eating contests on the Outdoor Stage, walking the Walking Path, and watching baseball games over many years. 

>> Did I mention that the park is right next to the Orem Public Library—my home away from home?! <<

I jumped at the opportunity to create this mural for this special place (thank you, Cindy Clark!) and I’m grateful for all that Orem means to me and my family. 

Here’s to Orem!

Oremfest Coloring Page

(Repost from City of Orem Government)

𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓

Orem artist and illustrator extraordinaire Jess Smart Smiley brewed up a custom Oremfest coloring sheet and we’re excited to announce the first ever Oremfest Coloring Contest.

Contest Details:

-Ages 12 and under are eligible to participate

-Coloring sheets can be picked up at the Children’s Desk at the Orem Public Library​ or downloaded and printed off.

-Submissions must be turned in to the Children’s Desk at the Orem Public Library by Tuesday, June 6th at noon.

-Write the child’s full name and a parent’s texting phone number on the back of the submission.

-There will be various age categories.

-Winners will receive free unlimited wristbands to ride the rides at Oremfest.