Larissa D. Elliott

If applying feels overwhelming, you can always seek out individual critique partners to help you grow in your craft. That said, I always went by the mantra of not telling myself no, and submitting whenever I had the opportunity. Even if it felt scary.

This is both appalling and entertaining. Well done!

Not hard! You can do it!

Yes the art! Statue of David! But also the old architecture. So beautiful. #kidlitart

Shameless plug for #diversifymyart. Maybe it will inspire you! #kidlitart bsky.app/profile/lari...

Prague or Florence. Maybe Bavaria or Ireland's west coast. All of these places are lovely and I want to go back! #kidlitart

Oh I loved the one episode I've heard (probably season 1)! I will have to listen to more! #kidlitart

Someone will say something in a podcast I'm listening to (while driving) and I'll get inspired and I'll have to pull into a gas station to add a note in my phone for later. #kidlitart

I'm strangely often inspired in the car while I'm driving to work. I guess it's like people getting inspiration in the shower, where my brain is doing something mundane and it frees up thinking space for creativity. #kidlitart

I'm often inspired when I'm on vacay in a cabin in the woods on a mountain by a river. But I think just being away from stress anywhere is what helps to clear my brain and make way for creativity. #kidlitart

I like following non-kidlit artists on insta for inspiration. Pottery artists and jewelry artists and landscape painters, pattern designers etc. #kidlitart

Oh I love Felicita Sala's work! Green on Green is a book I copied from when I was trying to "learn from the greats". #kidlitart

That's fantastic! And a great excuse to buy "just one more" pastry.

I think Micha Archer is inspiring in a "I'll never be able to do collage like that but it's awe-inspiring" sort of way. #kidlitart

That's actually a great idea! Or steal lines from other great works like "Call me Ishmael." #kidlitart

For me the "something else" is usually another creative pursuit. Fun fact, I started working on illustration when I had a creative block with writing picture books. I started writing picture books when I had a creative block with writing novels. #kidlitart

I have had those cafe-inspired break throughs. I think the change of scenery helps regardless, but the cafe treats are definitely a plus! #kidlitart

I did this for writing first, but it has worked for art too. When I'm trying to be creative every month (as a self-imposed deadline) I have had to force the muse. I sit down and GIVE MYSELF PERMISSION TO CREATE SOMETHING BAD. It might end up a blob of clay but I can shape it later. #kidlitart

Thanks for sharing that link! I might try that. #kidlitart

At the moment, I only have time for my own art challenge #diversifymyart (shameless plug) but I like mermay and doggust and then random ones that just happen to cross my feed when I'm in need of a prompt. I like combining from different prompts. #kidlitart

Yay! Congrats!

Ooh fun! I hope you had a good time!

I like doing online monthly prompts/challenges to get me to draw something specific that I can put my own unique spin on. It helps narrow down what to put on a blank page. #kidlitart

Jumping in late. Hi #kidlitart! This month has had lots of positive baby steps in the right direction for my publishing journey. I'll take those wins!

Such adorable art, Autumn!

I love my (picture book) book club. We all sign in to Discord to say hi then disappear for 5-10 minutes to go speed read before we can discuss. #kidlit

Graphic has a purple crocus blossom and purple text that reads: #DiversifyMyArt March 2026. Use these prompts to inspire diversity in your art this month! 1. Braids/locs. 2. Cerebral palsy. 3. Missing tooth.

Here are the #diversifymyart prompts for March. I was thinking recently how the target age range for picture books matches the age range for when children lose their teeth and yet I hardly see that visible in books. Let's fix that! #kidlitart

Snow falls in fat flakes
but the warm earth drinks them up.
Kids' wishes deferred.

#Haiku

12x12 Picture Book Challenge participant badge. Graphic shows young girl with medium toned skin, curly hair, and missing tooth who is reading a book. Text reads 12 picture books in 12 months, 12 by 12 participant.

@12x12challenge.bsky.social is such a welcoming community devoted to talking about picture books and supporting writers & illustrators. It is where I found my favorite book people and where I learned about the person who became my agent. Join by 2/15! #12x12PB www.12x12challenge.com/membership

While everyone's here, I thought I'd drop the #diversifymyart prompts for February. I'd love you all to try it! #kidlitart