Search | Menu Profiles from the Pack: Courtney Dicmas
Madison College graphic artist instructor Courtney Dicmas believes that every person in the world has a superpower--something unique that can transform and uplift those around them. Find out more about what inspires her and why her kindred spirit is a caterpillar.
Can you share an experience from your travels that inspired one of your children's books?
When I was in grad school for children's books in the UK, I took the Eurostar train from London to Paris. I still can’t believe you can hop on a train, whizz through a tunnel and in two hours and sixteen minutes you are in the heart of France! The smell of fresh pastries, strong espresso, and the dappled tree-lined streets inspired my first book, "Harold Finds A Voice". It's a story about a parrot who lives in Paris who is very good at copying sounds but escapes into the city to find its own true voice!
Is there a character in one of your children’s books that you relate to?
I am a lot like Parsley the caterpillar from “For the Love of Lettuce”. I live my days joyfully (with my head in the raspberry bush) and trying not to worry too much about what the future holds. Sometimes I forget to plan ahead. I am very thankful to my husband, Tom, who always makes sure we have enough snacks in the fridge. Haha.
What was your favorite Crayola color as a child?
Mac’n’Cheese orange. Hands down. Best color ever.
You often inspire people to find their superpower. What is yours?
My superpower comes from my dad. He had the goofiest sense of humor. He taught me everything I know about being a good listener, being honest with your emotions, being present with people, and showing people your true heart. It makes you vulnerable – especially in the classroom, but it also fills your days with joy, laughter, belonging and purpose.
What advice would you give to students who may want to pursue a career in illustration or graphic design but feel uncertain about their abilities?
Who you are - your life experiences, your point of view, what you notice and what you think is beautiful – that is what flavors your work and makes it unique. The things we often think we should hide away (because they make us stand out or go against the flow) are what make our work amazing. Also, NO one is born knowing how to draw. It’s a completely learned skill. My favorite phrase is "putting in the pencil miles" - a phrase coined by naturalist and illustrator, John Muir Laws. If you enjoy something, you'll practice it. If you practice it, you get better at it. The enjoyment must come first, though. That’s the part that fuels the rest of it.
How do you incorporate storytelling and personal experiences into your teaching?
In my Advanced Illustration course, we do a daily warm-up discussion called the “Freelance Fandango”.
It’s an open-ended discussion based on topics that come from all the challenges and mistakes I made when starting out as a freelance illustrator. Don’t worry – I’m still making glorious new mistakes! Haha! I think it’s important to share not just our successful professional experiences with our students, but also the failures. That’s where all the good learning happens, anyway.
Finish this sentence: If I weren’t a graphic designer and children’s book artist, and writer: I would be…either eating a burrito or running through a field of sunflowers.
Describe your perfect day.
I wake up to the smell of coffee wafting up the stairs. I give my hubbs, Tom, and my dog, Charlie, a big smooch. Then, I drink that coffee. Haha. I go for a ride in my kayak (named the Toodle-oo) on the Yahara River in Cherokee Marsh. I draw all day – in my studio upstairs, or out in Governor Nelson State Park and get charcoal pencil fingerprints all over my forehead. I end the day with a grilled cheese sandwich at the Tip Top Tavern and a rousing game of euchre with my best friends.
What else would you like people to know about you?
I have the best job and the best colleagues in the whole wide world. Madison College – you are my lifelong buddy and my heart’s best work.
Profiles from the Pack spotlight employees, students and alums who make the Madison College community vibrant. Enjoy entertaining, informative, and inspirational Q&A profiles from the WolfPack twice monthly.
