Saturday, October 04, 2014

Dream Come True: My Creative Journey

My work was first published in the Hong Kong newspaper when I was two.

"Fish", Age 2.
First published work. Milestone!

Over the years, I continued to submit work to the newspaper. I get to draw AND receive presents from the newspaper? Bliss!

"Children's Library", Age 5.
I was a library fan since childhood.

"Underwater Tunnel", Age 5.
The idea that cars could travel in a tunnel below water fascinated me.

With both parents as art majors and educators, my sister and I enjoyed participating in art activities. This 4-panel comic was for a Hong Kong school competition. I won third place for the primary school category. My lovely sister won first place for the high school category!

Civic Education Comic Competition, Age 10.

The creative journey continued when I moved to Los Angeles at age 11. Here is a snapshot of my comic for the middle school's publication.

Middle School's Publication "In Our Own Words", Age 13.

And in college, I was an editorial and comic illustrator for the college newspaper.

My comic column "The Leaf", Age 21.

In late 2011, I decided to pursue my dream as a full-time author-illustrator. Today, I am very excited to announce that my first written and illustrated picture book, MY LITTLE SISTER AND ME, will be published by HarperCollins!

An in-process art piece for my first book
"My Little Sister and Me", Age ♥.

A wholehearted thank you to my agent Joanna Volpe, my editor Nancy Inteli, my art director Martha Rago and Dana Fritts, and to everyone who supported and believed in me! Special thanks to my Dad, my Mom, and my big sister Denise! I love you all!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations - love the artwork timeline!

Sylvia Liu said...

Awesome, Maple! I'm so glad you grew up in such an artistic and supportive family and that your dream has come true. (And it's only the beginning!) Can't wait to buy your book!

Anonymous said...

Seriously proud of you!!!! It was just a matter of time! You were always brilliant!!!!
Can't wait to have a copy in my hands!
CONGRAAAAAAATS!!!!!!!!!
Julia moraes

JoSVolpe said...

I'm so happy we can finally share the news with the world!!! Congrats, Maple!!

Matthew C. Winner said...

Way to go, Maple! Congratulations!

Debbie Ridpath Ohi said...

WOOHOOOO CONGRATS! And I love your early work. :-)

Joan Charles said...

What fantastic news! Congratulations, Maple!

Anonymous said...

Darling, this gave me goosebumps. I'm so happy for you. Thank you for sharing the journey. You are the greatest. xoxo