The Book Show

This past spring, I stepped down from my teaching position in the Illustration as Visual Essay MFA at the School of Visual Arts. It was a heart-wrenching choice given that I am a graduate of the same program. Years ago, I was asked to join the faculty by its founder, the late Marshall Arisman, who was a mentor to me and countless others. It has been an honor to be a small influence in the careers of so many burgeoning artists over the years. But I’ve struggled to find the time for my own work, so this year’s “Book Show,” now on view in the SVA Gramercy Gallery, is my last.

And what a show it is! The Class of 2026 created a diverse array of picture books, children’s books, comics, visual essays and we’ve even got one pop-up book. I hope you get a chance to see it before it comes down on December 13th. Also on view in the front room is the work of Lillian Ansell, who was my student a few years ago.

The SVA Gramercy Gallery is located at 209 East 23rd Street. For more information on the exhibition and the MFA Illustration program, click here.

Images from left to right, beginning with top row: Bernardo Bagulho, Casey Grenier, K Downs, Mansai Patankar, Kailee Finn, Nancy Xi Nan, Yiou Zheng Miki, Yuan Peng, Sitong Liu.

Zine Workshops at the Society of Illustrators

The Zine Workshop, packed up and ready for the road.

About seven years ago, when I was still relatively new to teaching illustration, I was hired to lead an after-school program as a follow-up to an all-day school visit. I needed to come up with a story-building activity that would engage a wide range of age groups—kids from grades 2 through 6. 

With equals parts storytelling, word play and drawing in mind, I developed The Zine Workshop to challenge students to create stories in 8-page, blank books. My concept was simple: participants would randomly select words to be combined with their drawings in short, visual narratives. And by using the book form, they would employ the so-called “engine” of the picture book: the page turn. Since that afternoon years ago, it has become a of favorite part of my school visits. However, because of the pandemic, I hadn’t had the opportunity to take The Zine Workshop on the road again…until recently. 

In conjunction with their community outreach programs in New York City, the Society of Illustrators invited me to present to two different groups of young people this year. I’m happy to report, both workshops were a resounding success, and The Zine Workshop still has it. 

SI/NYC Parks Winter Illustration Academy

The Society of Illustrators logo.

Each year, the Society hosts NYC Parks & Recreation Illustration Academies for underserved students, grades 5–8. On a Friday in late February, I met with a terrific group of 20 kids on the last day of their five-day program for a workshop. 

First, to get them into storytelling mode, I began with my short presentation called “What Happens When I Illustrate a Book?” explaining my process and how I come up with ideas using another author’s text. Then each student selected four words to be the back bones of their story. Generally, my audience is the picture book set, so I was pretty sure this age range would be up for the challenge. 

Everyone got to work, filling their blank zines with words and drawings. And as always, hilarity ensued. At the end of the session, each student got up in front of the group to share their handiwork with a read aloud. As an added bonus later this year, the Society will host the kids from the Academies for a dinner and exhibition of their work. I can’t wait to see it and this excellent crew again. 

NYPL Teen Reading Ambassadors 

Materials for the Society of Illustrators/NYPL Teen Reading Ambassadors workshop..

A few weeks ago, I went back to the Society for the second workshop as part of the New York Public Library’s Teen Reading Ambassadors program. To be honest, I was a little apprehensive about working with high school students. Would the word game be beneath them? Too silly? Too simple? Spoiler alert—they were amazing!

Since this was an older group, after my publishing presentation, we folded and cut blank zines together. (Here’s a link explaining how—it’s easy!) Then they chose their random words and dove right into the project. Again, I was so impressed by the group—their creativity, warmth, openness, and generosity with each other and me. 

Teen Reading Ambassadors mentor younger kids in after-school programs at neighborhood libraries across the city to help foster a love of books and reading. The Zine Workshop is now something they can share more broadly with their mentees. I guess it’s no secret that I love libraries, but kudos to the NYPL for creating this terrific program and assembling this stellar group. 

NYPL Teen Reading Ambassadors hard at work on their zines in the Society of Illustrators main gallery.

There’s nothing like seeing young people put their own stories together and then proudly share them, especially if they were reluctant at the start. The level of humor and originality that this little exercise of mine sparks always amazes me. 

Last, I have to extend big THANK YOU’s to the NYC Parks Department, the New York Public Library, and especially the Society of Illustrators for inviting me for these two special events! 

A MESSAGE TO EDUCATORS: I’d be delighted to visit your school or library to lead a workshop for the age range of your choice. For more information, please visit the School Visits and/or Zine Workshop sections of my website, or contact me here.

For more information about the Society of Illustrators, please visit their website here. And for information about resources and programs for young people at the New York Public Library, click here.

In Conversation with Joann Hill at Fanfaire NYC 2025

On Sunday, April 6th, I’ll be appearing at Fanfaire to benefit the New York City’s renown High School of Art & Design. I’ll be in conversation with my wonderful Art Director, Joann Hill, discussing my journey as an illustrator as well as our collaboration bringing Party Animals to life. Fanfaire is an incredible event for anyone interested in the visual arts. Here’s how the school describes it:

“FanfaireNYC is our annual multi-day festival created by the Art & Design High School Parent Teacher Association. It is a celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, and technology in the arts from cartooning and animation through graphic design, architecture, and fashion. 

The event features over 100+ artists and vendors selling comics, prints and merch. Award-winning guest speakers provide insights about their careers and creative process. Additionally, fans and aspiring artists attend costume contests, panel discussions, workshops and portfolio reviews.”

For tickets and more information, please visit the Fanfaire NYC website here. I hope to see you there!

Fanfaire NYC logo 2025
Anna Raff and Joann Hill promo photos for Fanfaire NYC 2025 event.