FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. I have a retail store. Do you sell your cards wholesale?

1. A.Yes, to brick and mortar stores only. Click here for Catalog.
   

Q. Do you do school and library visits?

1. A.Yes, a limited number. See School Visit and Library Visit info.
   

Q. Can I visit your studio?

1. A.I have an open studio once a year, on the last Saturday in November. I am not otherwise available for visits / field trips.
   

Q. Do you do art commissions?

1. A.I am not currently taking on any commissioned projects.
   

17. Q.I have written a story, will you illustrate it?
    

1. A.I don’t illustrate books for private individuals. I only work with publishers.
   

17. Q.I have written a story, will you read it?
    

1. A.No. I have been advised not to read other people’s manuscripts in order to not get their stories mixed into my own.
   

Q. How do I become a children’s book author or illustrator?

1. A.There is no easy answer to this, but joining the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators (SCBWI) is great first step toward getting into this field. SCBWI provides many online resources, conferences, and local critique groups.
   

17. Q.Do you teach art classes or private lessons?
    

A. No.

Q. Do you offer online classes?

1. A.No.
   

Q. How can I buy your cards and prints?

A. Check out my Etsy shop.

17. Q.I live in the area and don’t want to pay for Etsy shipping. Can I pick up my order at your studio?
    

1. A.No, I don’t offer studio pickups. But try visiting one of the local retailers listed below.
   

Q. Which local stores carry your cards?

A. The Eric Carle Museum Shop, Amherst, MA

    Historic Deerfield Museum Shop, Deerfield, MA

    Roundabout Books, Greenfield, MA

    Hope & Feathers, Northampton, MA

    Salmon Falls Gallery, Shelburne Falls, MA

    Boswell’s Books, Shelburne Falls, MA

Q. Do you ever make larger sized prints?

A. Yes! Check out my page on iCanvas.

Q. Do you sell your original paintings?

A. Yes. Check out my Etsy shop for small originals. Many of my book illustrations are in private collections.

Q. Can I use your art on my website, product, party invitation, etc?

1. A.No. I’m not licensing my art at this time. Any form of reproduction is illegal.
   

Q. I just saw a (random product) with your art on in it from (company name). Did you authorize this or was it stolen?

1. A.It’s most likely pirated, but not always. Please send me the url so I can check it out.
   

Q. I have seen your art posted on Social Media without credit. What should I do?

1. A.Tagging me in comments (@astridsheckelsart) and asking them to give credit is a wonderful way to help. Thank you!
   

Q. How do I buy your books?

1. A.You can request them at your local bookstore or easily find them online, wherever you buy your books.
   

Q. How many books have you published?

1. A.I’m the author/illustrator of seven (with three more in the works) and the illustrator of six others. See Books.
   

Q. How long does it take to make illustrate a book?

A. Anywhere from 4 - 9 months.

Q. What advice would you give to an aspiring artist?

1. A.Study. Observe. Practice. Draw. Never give up. Push yourself beyond your limits. Take some art classes to be pushed even farther. Take risks and risk failure. Look at good art. Visit museums with a sketchbook. Copy the masters. Listen to critique. Always keep drawing. Have fun!
   

Q. How do I build an online following?

1. A.No clue!! Seriously, the only things that I have found that seem to help are consistent, focused posting, and engagement. It takes time to build a following. Have a public and private account. If people like your art, don’t show them your breakfast and pets.
   

Q. Will Hector Fox be translated into my language?

1. A.My publisher (Islandport Press) handles all foreign rights and I have no influence over which publishers in which countries choose to publish them. I certainly hope my books will become available in your language one day.
   

17. Q.Which languages have your books been translated into?
    

1. A.English, Russian, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Greek, Vietnamese. (Coming soon: Italian, Chinese, Arabic). See Books.
   

Q. Will there be a new Hector Fox book coming?

1. A.There are no more books planned at this point. I’m now focusing on new characters and new series.