Balancing an illustrator and author can be tricky, but I was an illustrator mostly before I wrote my books. Tony DiTerlizzi authorbalancebook Change image and share on social
My fifth grade teacher Mr. Straussberger noticed I was having trouble with some of my book reports, but he knew I loved to draw. He gave me extra credit if I did a drawing from the book that I was reading. Tony DiTerlizzi bookcreditdraw share on social
If I rewind back to that period, I was 8 in 1977 when 'Star Wars' was in theaters. I saved up money, or my parents got me the 'Art of Star Wars' book. Tony DiTerlizzi artbackbook Change image and share on social
I must confess that although I am quite passionate about the books I create for children, I am not the best oral storyteller. In fact, I stink at it. Tony DiTerlizzi bookchildconfess Change image and share on social
I never want to dumb it down. If there's any simplification, it's just a simplification to make sure that the reader understands the point that the character is trying to make. Tony DiTerlizzi characterdumbmake Change image and share on social
Now, as Global Ambassador for Starlight Children's Foundation, which brightens the lives of poorly children, I visit hospitals and tell stories to the young patients. Sometimes I read. Sometimes I draw. Tony DiTerlizzi ambassadorbrightenchild share on social
I can't remember a time when I wasn't inspired by 'Star Wars.' Tony DiTerlizzi inspirerememberstar Change image and share on social
Illustrations can be a big window: a looking glass into the author's imagination. Tony DiTerlizzi authorbigglass Change image and share on social
My outlines can be 10-20 pages in length and focus primarily on the physical active plot over the emotional plot. Tony DiTerlizzi activeemotionalfocus Change image and share on social
I read a lot of fantasy and grew up on 'Star Wars' and 'Star Trek.' I loved going to Middle Earth. 'Dungeons & Dragons' was a huge influence. Tony DiTerlizzi dragondungeonearth Change image and share on social