Having recently graduated from Pratt Institute, Ryan Nelsen is one of our newest children’s illustration artists signed under Alex Gehringer. He shared with us his experience at art school, how he found his groove with his artistic process, and the value of joining artist trade organizations.

When did you discover that children’s illustration was what you wanted to pursue?

Drawing was such an important part of my childhood. I just absolutely loved making things. Whether it was building contraptions out of legos and cardboard boxes, crafting my own sketchbooks from scrap paper, or painting on an Etch A Sketch. I loved the feeling of making something from nothing, it was like magic. I took as many art classes as possible in high school and keeping a sketchbook became a regular practice outside of school.

When I arrived at college, everyone was drawing on iPads, so I followed suit. In a way, I think that influenced my art style because I didn’t quite know what I was doing. I relied on shapes and big blocks of color to communicate my ideas. I then became more comfortable and began trying to replicate my analog process digitally, and found myself in a massive creative rut. I didn’t really know what I wanted to draw, or how to draw it, but I wanted to draw something. You know?

Children’s illustration became a natural progression of the way I work with lines, shapes, and colors. I started experimenting with analog materials again, like tissue paper, origami paper, paint, glue… you name it, I made a mess with it! I let these experimentations serve as the basis of my work, keeping it simple using new techniques every day to inform my images. I want to tell stories and have lots of stories to tell. So why not tell them with pictures?

You’ve just graduated from Pratt Institute! How was attending a four-year art school? Any advice for those who are thinking about attending art school?

Pratt was an awesome experience. I met so many talented friends who are just incredible at what they do, and being in that environment every day is something I already miss. There is really nothing quite like it. Also, all my professors are working professionals in the industry, which is a massive help for making connections and getting valuable feedback and advice. If you are thinking about attending art school, I think it is a great opportunity to develop your skills while constantly learning from everyone and everything around you. I say go for it!

Talk to us about Fly-day. From conception to completion, how long has this project been in the works?

Fly-day is a story that I started writing in January of this year. The manuscript took around 2 months to complete, and I started the art in mid-February, just recently finishing everything up in late April. It was a really fun story to work on that kept developing as the art did. The illustrations informed the story, the pacing, the rhythm, and the overall themes of the book. It was a really rewarding experience.

I played with materials a bunch in the sketch and storyboarding phase. Experimentation was a big part of my storytelling and informed lots of the backgrounds and characters. I wanted to find a unique workflow that felt true to my experience and aesthetic values. It was also really fun to make big messes of paper, glue, and paint. Glue was everywhere. Seriously, everywhere.

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Are you a member of any artists or trade organizations? Do you find them a valuable tool for illustrators?

I am an avid member of the SCBWI and a proud student member of the Society of Illustrators. They are both incredible platforms that facilitate and encourage wonderful relationships with other authors and illustrators. I was able to work on and complete my manuscript for Fly-day at the conference during several workshops and peer editing sessions. I am so lucky to have met my wonderful agent Alex through the SCBWI conference in Manhattan in February. It was my first portfolio showcase and I was super nervous. This was definitely super intimidating, but I bit the bullet and showed what I had and it paid off. SCBWI is such a lovely organization, and I felt so welcomed at my first event even though I was so scared!

The Society of Illustrators has also been a huge part of my student career. I am super grateful to have been selected for the 2024 Student Scholarship Competition, where I exhibited one of my illustrations, I See You. On the opening night, I was able to connect with so many other graduating illustrators from all over the country who had incredible stories and motives. These organizations are golden. Join them!

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To work with Ryan, get in touch with Alex here.