Today we are very excited to share an interview with Author Takiyah Smith (I Love Me! Colorful and Creative)!
Meet the Author: Takiyah Smith
About the Book: I Love Me! Colorful and Creative
This carefully crafted coloring book was designed to cultivate imagination, inspire, build confidence and foster a positive-self image.
This revolutionary book teaches girls to love the skin they’re in. I Love ME! Colorful and Creative. A girl can be a leader, quirky, brainy, brilliant, sporty, inventive, entrepreneurial, musical, artsy, princess-like, or all of the above. Being a girl is limitless and knows no bounds. Girls colors outside of the lines, should she see fit. This book reinforces the notion, that girls can be and do whatever they choose.
~Author Chat~
YABC: What is the inspiration for your coloring books?
My inspiration for this book is little girls that look like me that dare to dream.
YABC: What is your favorite thing to draw?
Fashion.
YABC: What advice would you have for aspiring illustrators?
Follow your passion and if its illustration, “ Keep going!”.
YABC: How long did it take you to create the artwork for this book?
Approximately three months.
YABC: What inspired you the most for the artwork in this book?
Life and the inspiration from life.
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
The front cover is one of the scenes that I am most proud of in the book. It encompasses a lot in a small space. Beginning with the empowering title, “I Love Me! Colorful and Creative.” to the subtitle, “Doodle. Dream. Discover.” every part of the cover is designed to inspire and empower the reader. I love the heart at the center that is made partly with stars to represent the reader is star that loves herself. The diverse images chosen lets the reader know that they can be and do anything. The attractive colors are the beautiful bonus.
YABC: What is the main message or lesson you would like your reader to remember from this book?
Words are Powerful.
Every coloring page includes an “I am”, affirmation statement or words of empowerment. There are no drawings on the back so that girls can have a space to doodle and dream. The back sides of each coloring page features words of influence and elevation, such as, “Well-read and well-versed. A winning combination. Now that’s Powerful. or A girl that is happy and confident is always beautiful.”
Imagery is Influential.
Every single image was crafted with care and intention. This book highlights hundreds of well-thought out images with a focused theme for each page such as: entrepreneurship, traveler, music, science, art, math, sports, travel, princess, etc. Some of the beautifully crafted imagery includes: camping scenes, space ship, doctor, astronaut, scientist, microscope, beakers, math problems, musical instruments, braid salon, art supplies, gymnast, rock climber, golfer, skateboarder, soccer player, basketball, runner, unicorn, nature, rainbow, super hero’s, angel, dogs, cats, lizard, snake, turtle, bunny, deer, butterfly’s, candy, flowers, high heels, books, diamonds, sewing machine, hearts, music notes, stars, princess, crowns, and so much more.
YABC: Which techniques are your favorites to use?
Line drawing.
YABC: What do you do when you feel stuck or when you want to procrastinate?
I take baby steps. I simply begin, even if I put in just ten to fifteen minutes to start the momentum.
YABC: When did you start drawing?
I began doodling at a very young age.
YABC: Do you have a favorite genre to illustrate?
What ever I’m inspired to illustrate in the moment.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
I’m focusing on myself and happiness at this time
YABC: What would you say is your superpower?
My superpower is the ability to listen.
YABC: Is there an organization or cause that is close to your heart?
Support for Families of Children with Disabilities
Title: I Love Me! Colorful and Creative.
Author: Takiyah Smith and Niyah Spivey
Illustrator: Takiyah Smith
Release Date: December 8, 2020
Publisher: Single Mom and the City
Genre: children
Age Range: 3-12
