Meet Ms. Rietz

Please welcome Kathleen Rietz to Karin Won’t Stop Talking. Ms. Rietz has been the illustrator on numerous children’s picture books, and I am delighted to share our interview with my visitors.

You have illustrated four children’s picture books, with a fifth one, Prairie Storms, releasing this year. Discuss the mediums you use?

The 1st one I illustrated was back in 1996.  It was a book titled “Prayers for Children”.  It is out of print now.  It gave me a taste of illustrating books for children.  But it wasn’t until 10 years later that I decided to pursue children’s book illustration full-time.

My latest book, “Prairie Storms”, which is set for release in August 2011, is my best work as an illustrator to date.  I feel that the writing of the story, by author Darcy Pattison, is very strong.  Her wonderful descriptions made the book exciting to illustrate.  Besides, what better combo is there than wild animals and storms?  What a great combo for a picture book!

Most of my book illustrations are a “hybrid” of traditional and digital art.  The one exception is “Little Black Ant on Park Street”, which was all painted traditionally in acrylics on board.

I prefer to use the aid of a computer, though, for the special effects that can only be achieved digitally.  One example is the book “Prairie Storms”.  I had to illustrate a dust storm, fog, a rainbow, and a blizzard, among other storms, and a computer is irreplaceable for that kind of work!  I began each piece in watercolor, then scanned them and finished them in Photoshop.

Beside your illustrations, you also have an array of fine art, licensed and product design. Why branch out so much?

I began my career as an illustrator, product developer and designer.  The combination of being able to do all 3 equally well gave me a name in the industry.  I loved all art, so it was fun doing something different every week.  Back then, I always hoped to get back into fine art.  So I began drawing and painting from life a couple of years ago.  I find it strikes a nice balance for me between my illustration work for children, and my fine art for adults.  I started creating fine art exclusively for the love of it, but friends encouraged me to show my art, and have sold several pieces and receive commissions from time to time.  Studying the work of other fine artists and experimenting in my studio have also made me a better illustrator.  I have learned a lot about color, light and atmosphere, which I have learned to apply to my illustration work.

What got you started as an artist?

I was born an artist.  It’s really all I have ever known.  I have other interests, but I could never deny that my destiny was to one day make a living as an artist.  Art has been my best friend throughout my life.  As odd as it may seem to some, I usually work in solitude, but I rarely ever feel alone when I do.  I enter a very contemplative and meditative state when I am creating.  Time passes hours at a time.  For me, it is bliss.

Discuss how Licoricegirl came about and the differences between your two Esty shops.

Licoricegirl is one of my shops on Etsy.  I sell all kinds of items on Licoricegirl, from “up-cycled” mosaic containers to prints of boutique children’s art to block prints that I have created.  You never know what I will stock in the shop.  It’s something different all the time.  I hope to create and add new mosaic items this summer.  My mosaics sell out pretty quickly.

My other Etsy shop is Kathleen Rietz Fine Art, where I sell fine art originals and reproductions.  I felt that my fine art needed its own shop.

If you could re- illustrate any book what would it be, and how would it be different?

I often wish I could go back and make changes to the illustrations in my books.  I am a perfectionist in that sense.  But, I think it also shows that I am constantly evolving and growing as an illustrator.  I am always seeing something in a new way, something I wish I could change in my books to make the illustrations better.

What do you wish for other artists and illustrators to know, either newbies or veterans?

There are 2 things I would like to say.

First off, never work for free or for the promise getting “exposure”.  It may be tempting to do so when you are starting out and trying to earn a name in the industry.  Realize that your art has worth, and set a standard.  When you work for free or for less than you feel you are worth, you bring down the perceived value of all artists in the industry.  There is a reason for the cliche “starving artist”. Don’t be one of them.

Second, never put your name on a job that you don’t believe in.  Whether it has been for personal or ethical reasons, I have never regretted turning away a job that did not feel like a “fit” for me.  Again, set a standard for yourself, and be true to it.

To stay in touch with Ms. Rietz, or to purchase items please visit the following: