One of the most important things anyone can give children is something every child wants — power. And that's what I do. I empower them. All children like to draw. Encouragement and the right amount of knowledge can really give a child confidence. I know from personal experience that sometimes, meeting the right person can spark incredible curiosity, diligence, exploration... and creativity. And those wonderful qualities are tools that will serve them and others for the rest of their lives. So if I can ignite a child's imagination, a whole new world might open up for them!

HOW we look at something affects how we SEE it! It’s so simple that we often overlook it! Looking at things differently spurs

 

Imagination!

 

Here's a pdf file
that has the basic info you'll need:

Speaking Engagement Info Sheet

Faces with Feelings!

This very interactive presentation, one of my most requested, empowers kids... letting them know that they can draw expressions in a simple and fun way. I talk about the basics of the face, then draw - using fun props and input from the kids. What does macaroni have to do with drawing? You'll find out! You'll then see a few slides of my artwork as I discuss how emotions appear on faces. Then finally, everyone gets to draw! This visit is "hands on" for the kids. Children produce something they can take home and be proud of! Great for Kindergarten through 5th grade.

“Your program was great, and the kids' drawings were amazing! . . . It just takes someone special to help them learn that they can do it, and then, the sky is the limit!” ~ Maureen Sharp, Fredericksburg ISD, TX

 

 

 

A Toolbox for Great Stories!  
This program is aimed at students who are writing or about to write stories. Using an exciting PowerPoint presentation, Layne goes over some necessary elements that make stories not only good, but GREAT! Using colorful examples from his books, he covers some basics in writing such as beginning, middle and end, to more advanced ideas such as avoiding clichés - all the while using visual examples. This presentation includes some exercises and two Word doc leave behinds to use as reminders.
 

"One of the fifth grade teachers told me you are the best author/illustrator visit we have ever had!  High praise from a seasoned veteran who has seen a lot." ~ Angie Johnson, Lovejoy ISD, TX

 

 

How Did You Make that Book?
This is another of one of the most often asked questions. In this presentation, I walk through the step-by-step process with real examples - from manuscript, thumbnails, sketches, and color art - until the finished picture book is complete! Afterward, a short PowerPoint presentation visually shows several illustrations -- a magical transformation from the roughest thumbnail sketch to the final finished artwork. This is a great presentation for large assemblies.

 

 

 

What Schools Have to Say:
“Layne Johnson's presentation touches the heart, informs the mind, appeals to the eye, and facilitates the artist in all of us. Prior to his visit I booktalked his books, showed the "before the visit" DVD with music to compliment each book's illustrations, and did a "singing commercial" each morning on announcements to build interest.  An indelible memory was made with my students since they were still talking about him a month later.”

-Aileen Kirkham

Tomball ISD

 

"I just wanted to thank you for the fabulous visit you shared with the 5th graders at Hancock Elementary. I know that my students were able to gain a new perspective on the picture books they often overlook. This, I feel, is a wonderful gift to give them before they leave for junior high."

-Heather Jankowski

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

 

"I would like to thank you for sharing your "passion" about art with our second grade. It is people like you that truly make a difference in the lives of others."

-Dorothy Stroech

Katy ISD

 

"He was wonderful with the children and brought so much fun and information to them about illustrating books. He explains what illustrators do in great detail. He takes the children through the stages of publishing a book and shows slides of the many books he has published. The kids were quite impressed!

 

Mr. Johnson is a true professional who relates easily to the kids and understands how to educate in a fun and joyful way. He would be a blessing to any school!"

-Vanessa Albright

College Station ISD

 

Email me today to set up your visit! layne@laynejohnson.com

 

Member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators  

All images on this page are copyrighted by Layne Johnson
and may not be copied or reproduced in any form without written permission.