Alumni success ‘spotlight’ interview with Devon Holzwarth

We are so proud of our Make Art That Sells Alumni, and we are pleased to feature a series of spotlight interviews showcasing their successes and artwork. We’ve asked them to share how the MATS courses have helped them learn and grow. You can see more Alumni Success stories here

Today, we have an interview with Devon Holzwarth who has taken MATS A, MATS Bootcamp, Global Talent Search, Creating Collections for Home Decor and Illustrating Children’s Books

Tell us a little about how you got started in art and design

As a child growing up in Panama with a teacher mom and an intelligence agent/artist dad, I was surrounded by many cultures, lots of books, art supplies, ginger and lemongrass on the stoop, chirping marmosets in the garden, and mahogany trees that rained helicopter seeds over the house. I’m still constantly inspired by my childhood. I attended the Rhode Island School of Design, studying textiles and playing with color and texture through screen printing and installation work. My work was narrative from the start but I didn’t understand what illustration was till after I’d worked as a graphic designer, ran a mural/fine art business around the SF Bay Area, had two kids, moved to Germany, and wondered what I was going to do next.

What are some of the key things you have learnt from the MATS experience?

I discovered MATS classes and was so taken by the approach to making art. It was so different than what I had known at home or in school. I took MATS A first, and realized that I was absolutely an illustrator, and from there I took more MATS classes – honing in on what inspired me and sharpening my skills with each assignment (and learning accompanying things too – like improving my website and social media). I’m forever grateful for learning how to break daunting projects into bite-sized parts, and for how to play my way into getting “stuck in” to what I’m working on at the moment. Also, I learned how to better listen to my intuition, and give myself breaks when I need them which is crucial as you grow.

DevonHolzwarth GranRuthieAndes Make Art That Sells Alumni success ‘spotlight’ interview with Devon Holzwarth

How have the classes helped your artwork evolve /grow?

After taking the Illustrating Children’s Book course (three times), I realized children’s illustration was the place for me. I started actively pursuing the children’s book market and sent my work to publishers, attended the Bologna Book fair, made lots of lovely contacts, and eventually signed with T2 Illustrators & Authors agency. I’ve been writing stories, and have some very exciting projects coming up! It has been & continues to be a lot of (sometimes nerve-wracking) work, but as I’m doing something I love, it’s all part of the process.

DevonHolzwarth Teahouse Journal Make Art That Sells Alumni success ‘spotlight’ interview with Devon Holzwarth

How would you describe taking a MATS class to a fellow artist looking to develop their art?

When taking MATS classes, I recommend jumping in all the way. When you’re fully steeped in the classes and assignments you’ll learn and grow immensely. Also, the nuggets that Lilla, Zoë, and Margo dole out really are golden. They are such lovely people and teachers, and leaders in the creative world, full of wisdom and insight, quirkiness and fun. Thank you all!

See more of Devon’s work here: Website | Instagram

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Would you like to get work in this fun and lucrative market? Can you imagine illustrating your very own children’s book?

Lilla Rogers is an art agent with more than 30 years of experience and Zoë Tucker is an acclaimed children’s book art director. Together, they will provide you with everything you need to launch your children’s book illustration career or to take it to the next level.

In this step-by-step, supportive and engaging five-week online course, they will help you create a brilliant pitch, and also give you all the tools, insight, and advice you need to succeed.

By the end of the course you will have your own killer pitch ready to send to clients, including character sheets, a gorgeous double-page spread, and a show-stopping front cover

Would you like to experience the Make Art That Sells classes yourself? Browse our live and self-paced classes here

Graduates of our courses have gone on to win work from clients such as Hallmark, Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Oopsy Daisy, Uppercase Magazine, West Elm, Midwest CBK, and more. It is industry learning that works in the real world. Find out more HERE and start today!

Learn how to get paid for illustrating children’s books!

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