Hello, Ocean City!
I wrote and illustrated the children's book, "Hello, Ocean City!". This is a book that takes young readers on an illustrated journey through the beloved shore town of Ocean City, New Jersey. The story follows Pip the Sandpiper who is searching for her Grammy while exploring the town’s iconic landmarks, local businesses, and beachside attractions. The book teaches resilience even when things get tough and highlights well-known spots in Ocean City, making it a nostalgic and engaging read for both visitors, locals, and kids.
Why Write A Book?
I grew up in Northfield, New Jersey, just a few miles from Ocean City. With a deep passion for art, I have always found joy in storytelling through both words and illustrations. The creation of this book was an eight-month process, encompassing extensive research, mock-ups, sketches, final paintings, design revisions, and print production. I collaborated with local businesses throughout the town to feature them in the story and continue to nurture these partnerships!
Key Features
Printed with FSC Certified Paper
Painted With Watercolor
Printed With Soy Ink
Edited with Photoshop & InDesign
$1 Donated For Every Book Purchased
The Process
1
Research & Writing
The first thing I did in the process was enroll in an online children's book course to gain a deeper understanding of storytelling techniques tailored for young readers. Additionally, I conducted thorough research on eco-friendly printing companies to ensure sustainable production. To refine the book’s lyrical quality, I studied proper rhyming schemes and syllable patterns. After drafting the initial story, I underwent multiple rounds of revisions and edits to enhance its flow, readability, and overall impact.
2
Illustrations
The illustration process involved creating 24 hand-painted watercolor artworks. I began by sketching the initial concepts digitally on an iPad before drawing them on watercolor paper. Each illustration was meticulously painted using watercolor and then outlined with pen and ink to enhance detail and definition. Once completed, the paintings were scanned into the computer and refined using Photoshop to ensure color accuracy and print quality.
3
Editing & Print Production
The final stage focused on editing, print production, and publishing the book. I refined the final layout to ensure a polished and cohesive design, followed by creating print mock-ups to review quality and accuracy. The production and shipping process took approximately one month to complete. The entire project—from the initial concept to final printed book—spanned eight months. Once the book was in hand, I launched marketing efforts to introduce the books to readers and retailers.
Examples of Artwork from the Book
