“I cannot thank you enough for your engaging presentation for our students. I have heard so much positive feedback already from staff and students about it. Kids are REALLY excited to get their hands on your future books! (So do I, as a matter of fact!). Kids were really excited to hear about your process for writing and drawing, hearing a little about your background and family, and I think they were REALLY excited to see your computer drawing! Thank you so much!” — Rachel McCoy, Moline Schools
“Thank you, Jason!! You were beyond great!! I really appreciate it!” — Cory Johnson, St. Ambrose University
“Thank YOU! It was so great to meet you. We all really enjoyed hearing about your work and life! You are awesome!” — Frog Hallow Summer Camp
“What an exciting and engaging presentation by Jason Platt! Jason’s willingness to share his own struggles, as well as successes, was inspiring. My son went from a reluctant reader who doubted himself, to a reader who has begun to question if he could be an author or illustrator someday! Jason’s presentation ignited a passion in him that I hadn’t seen. Many thanks!” —Stephanie Hall, proud Mom
AUTHOR VISITS
If you and your school or library would be interested in having Jason come and visit (either IRL or virtually), please check his availability at:
https://www.authorsoutloud.com/jason-platt
Elementary/Junior High levels: Along with talking about his graphic novels, Jason shares his journey on how he went from being a kid who loved reading and drawing comics to becoming a professional. Showing examples of his early influences, Jason shares what his own art looked like when he was their age.
“It’s awesome to see a professional’s current work, but there are years of work and struggle for an artist to get to that point. If you want to encourage young artists and storytellers, show them where you came from. Show them the growing pains of your craft. They will not only see how far you’ve come but also encourage them where they can go.”
In addition to showing the process of how Jason creates his books, he also goes through a demo on how the kids can create their own graphic stories. This exercise is encouraging to anyone at any artistic level—including teachers! His demonstration helps encourage kids to read, but it also encourages them to create their own stories.
Artist biography/How He got started
His artistic/writing influences
Artist demo/Activity
Q&A
Simple drawing lesson for any artistic level
High School/College: While Jason’s books and art are geared more toward younger audiences, it’s usually adults who are creating the books for children. In this lecture for the upper levels of education, Jason still talks about his journey but goes into more detail on the career side of his work. His lecture can inspire not only the artistic but anyone who has a dream.
Artist biography/How I got started
Influences
How my books are created/Demo
Q&A