School/Conference Visits

 

I'd love to come visit your school or organization. 

Types of Presentations-

SCHOOL VISITS:

I generally like to split the grades I present to into K-2 and 3-5 or 6. I focus more on process with the older groups and more on the books and fun pictures and language with the younger groups.

30 minute show- Introduces me and how I became and illustrator, Shows a little bit of my process and how a book gets published, Shows some fun Book Trailers and gets the kids excited about creating books.

45 minute show- Same as 30 minute plus one of two options: I read one of my books and go a little more into the process of illustrating a book OR have them help create a character which we draw and I sign and leave with the school (whichever you choose)

55-60 minute show- All the shows combined (background, process, and character creation)

Julie just before a presentation

One of the characters created with the school children

SCHOOL OR CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS:

Creating a Character Workshop- I go through the process of what it takes to create a picture book character, have the class help create one with me together, and then help them work on creating one of their own using the principles discussed

Creating a Dummy Book Workshop- I explain the process and need for creating a Dummy Book in the picture book making process. In the end, everyone has the ability and tools to create their own Dummy Book...another step to submitting a book for publication.

Writing and Illustrating a Picture Book- I go through the entire process step by step of writing and illustrating a picture book. I involve the class in coming up with their own ideas for books and start them on the path to book creation.

The Business of Illustration- I explain how to run yourself as a business...tax information, marketing, deadlines, contracts, etc. A great class for anyone interested in actually making a career out of illustrating books.


A COUPLE OF SHORT SCHOOL VISIT CLIPS

I have various types of visits and the cost is completely dependent on time involved, travel, and your organization's budget. I know not every organization is treated equally in regards to funding so I don't like to list my prices. I want to work with you so you can get a fun author visit that fits into the funds you have. I like to be reasonable, not greedy. So if you are interested, go to this CONTACT LINK and shoot me a message stating what you need and are hoping for. You are also free to ask questions in the comment section...other people may have the same questions as you.

TESTIMONIALS

"We loved having a visit at our school from Julie Olson.  Her presentation was engaging and fun, and very informative for our kindergarten, first and second graders.  The students were captivated as she spoke about becoming an illustrator and mesmerized as she drew a fabulous hippo character right there, on the spot, which they helped design.  It will hang in our school library.  A visit from Julie is a must for any grade school--she is a talented book illustrator and writer, and a delightful person!"

  

--Andrea Reynolds, Assistant to the Lower Schools Director at the Waterford School, Sandy, Utah

"Julie Olson's presentation to the students at our school was amazing!  Not only did she keep students engaged, but she also involved them in creating and illustrating a unique character whose picture now hangs in our library.  The students loved it!  As a teacher, I appreciated that in the midst of all the fun, Mrs. Olson encouraged students to write their own stories and also explained about the writing process in a way that younger students could really understand.  Students didn't know they were learning. It was fabulous!"

--Tina Peterson, Reagan Academy Librarian and Educator