Welcome to my blog (scroll down to see individual posts), which was originally on a separate site at Inkygirl.com. I also have a separate Inkygirl newsletter on Substack at debbieohi.substack.com.
Also see: Inkygirl interviews – Resources
I’m honoured to be an official member of the VR Art Live Artist roster! You can see my Artist Profile here. Find out more about how I use VR to help me brainstorm visual solutions during my picture book process.
Like many other illustrators, I get asked for free art a LOT. I suspect I may get asked more often because my illustration process tends to look quicker than some other illustrators, and I sometimes give some of my art away on my social media. Here are some things to . . .
Last week, I had two separate conversations with fellow kidlit friends during which they commented how I managed to stay so productive during the pandemic. This took me by surprise, since in my own head I’ve been feeling like most of the past two years have been a fog that . . .
(Updated from an older post. Also be sure to check out my FAQ for more useful advice!) So many people think that short = easy, especially when it comes to picture books. And while yes, it’s easy to crank out a picture book manuscript in terms of wordcount, writing a . . .
Quick peek at the utterly gorgeous, moving and uplifting new picture book, SURVIVOR TREE, written by Marcie Colleen and illustrated by Aaron Becker. Also see Debbie’s Reading Journal as well as Debbie’s Bookstagram.
My goal every day, no matter how crazybusy things get: push myself to do SOMETHING, even a very small something, to work on improving my craft (art or writing) longterm. Keeping track of these tiny steps in my bullet journal helps ground me during chaostimes. More about bullet journals later . . .
Thanks to 13-year-old Abigail The STORY Teller, who was my 45,000th follower on Twitter! When I asked Abigail which of my books she would like me to send to her as a thank you gift, I was honoured when she chose my own solo picture books Sam & Eva and . . .
*****[Exciting update November 9, 2021, 3:30 pm ET: MY BOX OF CONTRIBUTOR COPIES JUST ARRIVED!!!!.] According to my social media followers, either librarians, squirrels, aliens or Ame Dyckman stole my books! 
Even though I’M SORRY launched over two months ago (Sept.7th), I have yet to receive my box of . . .
Try very hard NOT to compare your progress with someone else’s as your success/fail marker. Envy can be a creativity-killer. Set small, concrete, achievable goals, then celebrate each success (no matter how small).