School Visits and Workshops
It’s a joy to share my love for art and creativity for audiences of all ages — from young learners to those who are forever young at heart.
My presentations introduce students to my childhood interest in art, show them a behind-the-scenes look at my books, and include interactive games and draw-alongs! Picture book visits are best suited to students in kindergarten through the 5th grade.
I also enjoy sharing about my creative career journey and talking about how artists can make a living. Career talks are a unique opportunity to inspire middle and high school students.
As an experienced post-secondary instructor, I offer a college/university package that is suitable for education and art/illustration programs. This includes a one-hour talk, an illustration workshop and a book signing.
Presentation Topics
The Magic of Making Books!
(suggested for grades K-2, suitable for all ages)
In this presentation, I give an overview of my three picture books and what inspired me as I created the characters and settings for each. We briefly touch on themes from each book, and play a fun game at the end to bring it all together.
Creating Cool Characters
(suggested for grades 3-5)
In this interactive drawing presentation and workshop, I use This Is A School to introduce students for my process of creating characters. We play an interactive game to help students imagine building a new character, and draw together to explore character emotions.
Book-Specific Presentations
(suitable for all ages)
If your classroom is interested in a deeper exploration into a particular book, I’m happy to deliver a title-specific presentation for The Stories In You (beginning in 2027), A Computer Called Katherine, This Is A School, or Up Periscope!.
Crafting a Creative Career
(suitable for middle school, high school and college/university)
As a commercial artist, every project is an opportunity to explore something new! In this talk, I share my journey to becoming a working illustrator, and dive into the many avenues I’ve explored over the past decade - from print design to book illustration to mural installation, and more. This presentation touches on business, entrepreneurship, and professional communications and etiquette.
Presentation Guidelines
I’m happy to present in a classroom, school library or school auditorium.
Grades K-2: Presentations range from 30 to 45 minutes, with time for Q&A and an interactive game.
Grades 3-5: Presentations range from 45 minutes to one hour, with time for Q&A and a draw-along. Please make sure students have access to drawing materials (pencils, crayons and plain copy paper are fine!).
I highly suggest limiting the age range in a session to three grades (i.e. K-2, 3-5), to make sure I’m able to effectively connect with all the students in the program.
Presentations are so much more engaging if the students are already familiar with one of my books! Children often have observations and questions about books after they’ve read them, and it’s exciting to be able to talk about them.
Equipment Needs
I will need a projector connection and reliable wifi for all presentations, as well as someone who can help troubleshoot any tech issues.
For presentations in a large space such as an auditorium, I will need a microphone (either hand-held or clip-on is fine).
I will need an easel with oversized paper for drawing demonstrations.
Please allow at least 15 minutes between back-to-back sessions so I can reset my presentation (and myself!).
Pricing (2026-2027 Year)
In-Person Presentations/Workshops:
Single presentation (up to one hour):
$500 (Greater Philadelphia area only)
Two presentations (up to one hour each):
$750 (Greater Philadelphia area only)
Full Day (Up to three (3) presentations and book signing):
$1,200/day plus travel reimbursement. (Accommodations are required if location is more than 30 miles outside of the Philadelphia area.)
To help with costs, I’m happy to split my day across two nearby schools. Each school will receive an interactive presentation, Q&A and book signing.
Full-Day University Visit (suitable for college-level education and art/illustration programs)
Starting at $2,500/day + travel reimbursement. Accommodations are required if location is more than 30 miles outside of the Philadelphia area.
Includes one-hour talk, a 90-minute illustration workshop and a book signing.
Virtual Presentations:
Single presentation (One hour, includes creative activity)
$350
Booking
To book a school visit, please contact me at illustration [at] veronicajamisonart [dot] com.
Please include:
Your school name
Location
Proposed dates
Grade levels
Estimated number of students
The more information, the better!
Additional resources
Author Donna Janell Bowman created a thorough guide to Organizing the Perfect Author Visit. It includes tips on preparing for and paying for school visits.
Here’s a great resource on 35 Ways to Fundraise for Author Visits.
Check out the Teachers Guide for This Is A School.
Check out Teaching Tips for Up Periscope!.