Elementary & MIddle Schools Visits

I take great pride and pleasure in speaking with kids about reading, writing, illustrating and the world of books. I have been working as an illustrator since 2007 and have 14 children's books published with Harper Collins, Simon and Schuster, Candlewick Press, and Scholastics. I have been fortunate enough to illustrate books written by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Martin Luther King III, The Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nick Cannon and many more! Two of my books have been New York Times Bestsellers and I am the recipient of two NAACP Image awards. When speaking to students, I want to inspire them to work hard, set goals, and also teach them to be highly informed about anything they dream to become in life. In my presentation, I show them how a book is made from start to finish, as well as do live drawing to keep them interested and having fun throughout!

Presentation

-Duration :50 min-1hour

-Live Read Aloud of my latest book, or the book of teacher's choice (Book displayed on Data Projector and in hand)

-Powerpoint Presentation Showing the Picture Book Process from Start to Finish (e.g. Research, Reference Collecting, Thumbnails, Drawing, Painting)

-Live Fun Drawing Throughout! Fun, Exciting, and Educational

-Q and A time

-Book Signing

- (Extra hour- optional) Illustration Workshop - I have the students go through the steps of making a book, reading the story, thumb nailing, and starting there very first illustration

Ordering Books

If you would like to purchase books in advance at discounted rates, this can be arranged! I would be happy to sign the books for the children during my visit as well!

Honorarium

-One presentation- $500

-Two presentations -$1000

-Three presentations - $1500

-Four Presentations (Full Day) $2000

-Plus travel/Expenses (If flying or driving long distance)

(I'm located in the Dallas, TX area)

Any size audience can be accommodated.

Requirements-

-Data Projector and Screen

-Microphone for large crowds

Testimonials and Raves

-"When I first heard about the opportunity to host AG Ford I was so excited. To see his presentation made me appreciate him that much more. I was amazed by his talent, and the kids were in awe of his creative process. All too often young artist struggle to see how art can become a career. He was so informative and spoke about how being creative can be a fulfilling career with many different options. When he drew a few illustrations during the Q&A the audience was absolutely captivated - you could hear a pin drop. They were speechless; which is no easy feat for a group of middle schoolers. The kids are still talking about him. I would definitely book him again." Dana Phillips, Librarian, Pioneer Heritage Middle School

-AG Ford spoke to a group of inner-city boys ranging from grades 2-5. First, he inspired the boys with the message of Desmond and the Very Mean Word, engaging them in a discussion about bullying and forgiveness. Then, one highlight was when AG showed the development of an illustration: his initial sketch, the photographs of himself as a model, the book dummy, then the final painting. But the very best part of this wondrous morning was when AG engaged in conversation with each boy personally when he signed each book. What an inspiration! - Dara La Porte Founding Director, An Open Book Children’s Literacy Foundation

-"Mr. Ford came to speak to the third grade students at Rugel Elementary during a recent Library week. He engaged all students , and gave some very helpful and informative information about his career as an illustrator. While giving his presentation, the core focus was on his educational back ground and how it lead to his success. The highlight of his presentation came when he choose a student, and drew her." -Trae Watkins, Third Grade, Mesquite ISD

-"The Frisco Public Library was very fortunate to have local illustrator AG Ford present to a great crowd of all ages on his life as an illustrator. His presentation was entertaining and thoughtfully prepared, showing off his journey and creative processes. His talent and story engaged the audience and we cannot wait to have him back!" -Maggie Fox, Librarian, Frisco Public Library 

-"AG Ford is a great inspiration to my students. Knowing that he was once a student in a high school Art class as they are now and seeing his amazing work and success as an artist is so motivating to young artists. I look forward to future classroom visits." -Jeff Steed, AP Art Teacher, John Paul I I High School, Plano, Texas

"The students were thrilled they got to meet a real life illustrator! AG has a wonderful gift and we were so grateful that he got to come share that with us." Jill Brown 1st grade teacher, Whitt Elementary

-"AG spent a day at Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet and gave four presentations to our students who ranged from PreK through 6th grade. The presentations were tailored for each group so the students were fully engaged.  He talked about the wide variety of ART-related careers. The slide show which accompanied his presentation explained the illustration process. Students and teachers alike had a positive experience!
" Dorette Putonti, Librarian, Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet RISD

Staley Middle School was honored to host Mr. AG Ford last month. Our student and teachers alike were in awe of his incredible talent. Many who attended have already inquired about when Mr. Ford will be able to return to Staley for another visit! I personally appreciated that he took the time to explore all the different career avenues young artists have before them. Many students weren’t aware that there were so many options depending on their specific & individual talent. He explained that art is useful not only in books, but also in architecture, movies and even video games! (which really impressed the students) Overall, his visit helped them to understand that although some artists might specialize in drawing portraits, others might be more gifted in the art of scenery or settings. And there are career opportunities for both types of artists. I believe they walked away from the session with new ideas, a new appreciation for books and a hope for any artistic career in the future.” – Debbie Owen, Librarian, Frisco ISD

-"Mr. Ford spoke to 6th, 7th and 8th graders at Leonard Middle School to kick off Writing Camp. He demonstrated how drawing is a lot like writing. You picture the setting in your head, add details and depict the story through drawings and/or words. Several weeks later, he conducted a workshop with 30 students. Lizzy Holmes said, “I learned strategies to improve my drawing of faces!” -Karen Van Eaton, POC Coordinator, Fort Worth ISD

-"AG Ford gave a great presentation that was very engaging and informative. The students and staff were all amazed by his talented work. We really appreciate Mr. Ford taking the time to speak with our students about the illustration process."  – Cindy Tran, Plano ISD

College & High School School Visits

I find it extremely rewarding to be able to inform and educate High School students about developing their Portfolios for entry into Art College.  AdditionalIy, I am very passionate about  speaking to College students that are developing their portfolios for a career in the art and design world.  Both High School and especially College are very important steps in a career in art.  There is no other time in your life where you will be surrounded by this many creatives, that are all beginning their development as artists/designers.  I have been working as an illustrator since 2007 and have 14 children's books published with Harper Collins, Simon and Schuster, Candlewick Press, and Scholastics. I have been fortunate enough to illustrate books written by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Martin Luther King III, The Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nick Cannon and many more! Two of my book have been New York Times Bestsellers and I am the recipient of two NAACP Image awards.  I strongly believe it is important each person channel their creative energy into the right direction, so that they can maximize their abilities.   I tell my story, my path, how I developed as an artist, and how I was able to become a professional Illustrator who now works for the biggest publishers in the world.  Additionally, I give workshops on Illustrating books, portrait drawing and acrylic/oil portrait painting.

College Presentation 

Duration: 1 hour - 1.5 hours

-Powerpoint Presentation ( Showing the Picture Book Process from Start to Finish (e.g. Research, Reference Collecting, Thumbnails, Drawing, Painting, sketches, recent works and current projects)

-Artist Development/ Portfolio Development

-Picture Book Process From Start to Finish

-Getting the most out of Art College

-Professional Portfolio Development

-Becoming an Artist and Professional Illustrator

-The business side of Being an Illustrator

-Q and A

Honorarium (College)

One Lecture/Presentation - $1000

Drawing/Painting (3 hour) Demonstration in College Classroom/Studio $1000

-Plus travel/Expenses (If flying or driving long distance)

(I'm located in the Dallas, TX area)

Requirements-

-Data Projector and Screen

-Microphone for large crowds 

High School Presentation 

Duration: 50 min - 1 hour

-Powerpoint Presentation ( Showing the Picture Book Process from Start to Finish (e.g. Research, Reference Collecting, Thumbnails, Drawing, Painting, sketches, recent works and current projects) 

-Portfolio Development 

-Art Scholarships

-The Art College Experience

-Drawing and Painting Tips

-Q and A

Honorarium (High School)

-One Presentation - $500

-Two Presentations -$1000

-Three presentations - $1500

-Four Presentations (Full Day) $2000

-Drawing and Painting Workshop (*presentation add-on) (30 Student limit for workshops) - $400

-Plus travel/Expenses (If flying or driving long distance) (I'm located in the Dallas, TX area)

Requirements-

-Data Projector and Screen

-Microphone for large crowds 

 

 


 

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