ART DIRECTORS PANEL: Karen Li

Karen Li

Karen Li is the publisher of Groundwood Books. Founded in 1978 Groundwood publishes fiction, picture books, graphic novels and nonfiction that is unafraid of tackling stories that may be considered difficult or controversial — but always centered on a child’s point of view without sacrificing warmth, beauty, playfulness or humor. 

Some titles that Karen calls 'Groundwoody' would include: Moderator TeMika Grooms's upcoming book! As well as picture book called BOOBIES, written and illustrated by Nancy Vo which Karen says is, "Literally about breasts, udders, etc. I call it hilarious and secretly feminist, you know, normalizing a normal body part."

Karen also mentions brand new graphic novel WILDFUL, illustrated and written by Kengo Kurimoto which came in through Groundwood's slush/unsolicited portal.

Temika asks about trends, Karen's reply echoes the other panelists: Groundwood does not go for trends and are certainly a publishing house that enjoys an organic feel to the art, not only interested in diversity of stories but also a diversity of styles which Karen does not see as a trend. Specificity is a window to the universal, Karen says lean into what makes your art different as that is the thing that'll catch an editor's or art director's eye. 

Karen also echoes the answer of where publishers are finding illustrators which is everywhere. Groundwood is fortunate to be in a large city center, so art schools with their end of year shows, outdoor art festivals, etc. And Groundwood has found illustrators from their artwork used on local public transit and subway stations murals, art is everywhere! And organizations like SCBWI, in Canada CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers), The Brown Bookshelf, and Women Who Draw are all great spaces to see a broad range of illustration talent.

When asked what Karen and Groundwood are looking for in a portfolio, Karen's guiding question is "Can they carry a narrative?" It's not just the technical talent, but the "brains" behind the operation—can you interpret a story? A character? Can we see this same character in a couple different settings? Can you create dynamic layouts? Whatever your style is, lean into it, and show that you can do it more than once.

Check out Groundwood's social media like Instagram for updates on their submission windows.