Children’s Author and Illustrator to Share His Process at Manchester Library

Floyd Cooper said he was "born with inclination."

“I was one of those kids that just wanted to draw,” said the children’s book illustrator and author who put his pencil to paper at age three and hasn’t stopped since.

Now, Cooper's illustrations are featured in over 85 published works.

Cooper has been traveling often, sharing his stories and techniques. He admits he doesn’t think he can draw as well as some of his friends.

But that has never stopped him.

“I got to where I am now on determination, not so much talent," he said. "On hope, never giving up.”

Since Cooper said he doesn’t believe his drawing skills are the best, he erases parts of his images to perfect them.What could have been seen as a shortcoming has become a unique effect.

“It creates a technique that people find interesting,” Cooper said.

The illustrator will share his process when he visits the Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library on Thursday, March 17, at 6 p.m.

Cooper will give attendees insight on how he puts a book together, from its beginnings in his studio to it finally being published.

Though the event is geared for children grades three and up, adults are welcome and the library will  provide Professional Development Certificates for teachers.

“If you want to be a good illustrator, read as much as you can, then read twice as much as that,” Cooper offered as guidance to aspiring illustrators. “I would give the same advice for someone who wants to write. Reading is the key to being good at creating.”

Early on, Cooper made his way by doing illustrations for advertisements. He worked with companies such as Land O Lakes, Time Life and Anheuser Busch, creating one of that company's Great Kings of Africa posters. 

Currently, he’s been primarily focused on children’s literature. Cooper made his transition into the world of children’s book by way of his agent, who was connected with the publishing industry. His work was put in front of the right people and it was decided that it would be a worthwhile endeavor.

Cooper originally only illustrated works written by other authors, but has now begun writing his own stories. Presently, he has completed four books that have been published under his name only. This progression occurred because of the suggestion by his editor.

“It opened up new possibilities to grow as an artist,” Cooper said about becoming an author.

Though Cooper still sees himself as an illustrator first, he is always triggered by the written word.

“I select text that is inspiring to me as an artist," he said.

Cooper uses a different approach when creating his own books, which are usually biographies. 

“I tie a person's life facts to a metaphor so it pulls you through the story," he said.

He designs his art that way so he can enjoy his favorite part of the creative undertaking.

“I enjoy the actual process of painting. That’s most enjoyable to me,” Cooper said. “The worst is signing my name over and over and over."

Cooper has been given numerous awards, including the ALA Notable, Parents Choice and NCSSCBC Notable Children’s Book prizes. He has also received Coretta Scott King Honors for three books written by other authors that he illustrated.

More information on the artist and his works is available on Cooper’s website.