Keynote: Frank Morrison

Frank Morrison is the illustrator of over 20 children’s books, including the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winners Standing in the Need of Prayer and R-E-S-P-E-C-T, the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award winner, Jazzy Miz Mozetta, and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor books, Little Melba and her Big Trombone and Let the Children March. You can find out more about Frank at MorrisonGraphics.com and Instagram.

Natta Rabin (Publisher and Creative Director of Klutz, a division of Scholastic) introduced Frank.

What an inspiring and energy-filled keynote! Frank reminisced about his early interests and influences, like graffiti and dancing. Yes, I said DANCING.

Frank played an old music video where he was dancing in the background (wow, so impressed!), and told us about his teacher Mrs. Moore (sp?), who encouraged him when he was young. 

When he invited to Europe to tour with his music group, he was blown away by the art at The Louvre in Paris. 

His love of jazz and rhythm also influences his art. Some of his Frank's art is influenced by the African-American experience. He said he put the water gun in this piece, for example, because his own kids can't safely do this because some police may assume it's a real gun.

Frank wants kids who read his books to be able to see that they can find ways to be creative and find their own space in any kind of environment. 

He encourages us all to persevere. Frank received many rejections but didn't give up, and Lee & Low offered him his first picture book project.

From graffiti artist and dancer to a published book creator (over 50 books!); Frank says that he shares his story with kids in hopes of inspiring them to pursue their own dreams, and for them to know that anything is possible.

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If you want to view this session to hear the full content, along with the rest of the conference, register at https://www.scbwi.org/events/summer-conference-2023. Replays of the conferences will be available until September 10th, 2023. See the index to all 2023 SCBWI Summer Conference blog posts.

Also be sure to check out the Faculty Conference Bookshop and the Portfolio Showcase!