Tim Davis lives in Travelers Rest and regularly teaches writing and illustration in upstate schools. He works with schools that participate in the SmartARTS program of the Metropolitan Arts Council. I met Tim when he taught a class for children’s book authors at Furman and have been a fan for a long time.
We recently talked a little more in-depth about his career. I’d like to share a few facts with our readers.
360: When did you first become an illustrator?
I’ve been an illustrator for as long as I can remember. Practically every picture I did as a kid had a story behind it.
360: How did your illustrations to Highlights begin?
Pictures and story are completely intertwined for me. This led me to work with Highlights magazine—Hidden Pictures. I suppose it will become my legacy. Through a quarter century of creating these popular puzzle illustrations, I came to appreciate the joy of utilizing patterns, negative spaces, and look-alike objects to fool the eyes and cause a viewer to read the story within the illustration.
360: You’re not only an illustrator, but a writer too.
My Island Rule trilogy offers readers a glimpse into indigenous cultures’ conflict with imperialism, the corruption of riches and conquest, and even a critical eye at those who come to “help.” The books reflect on the value of traditional roots, yet progress beyond expectations toward relationships with differing cultures. This is enveloped in songs inspired by the islands of the Caribbean, and the comic operas of Gilbert & Sullivan.
360: I know SmartARTS is a big part of your days. Can you share a little about this MAC program?
I enjoy using a light-hearted style, both visual and verbal. My themes often feature pattern recognition—drawing similarities from animal societies to real life issues such as environmental respect, building cross-cultural bridges, and exploring patterns of the past to apply today. I’m hoping to challenge kids to explore and love the natural world —a world full of patterns and hidden wonders!
I have the opportunity to address many issues facing elementary-age children both visually and verbally. Literacy for kids is my passion. I believe that an engaging story, with inviting illustrations, often provides the necessary inspiration reluctant readers need to get them into books. Letters and testimonials from parents and teachers have provided encouraging evidence of this. Nothing is better than meeting former young readers, now adults, who share the impact my work had in those early years, through textbook stories, chapter books, or Hidden Pictures in Highlights.
I spend time in schools of all economic and racial backgrounds. Connecting with young students offers opportunities to influence the next generation. I want to instill in them a sense of adventure in reading and a love for nature through my words and illustration. I can think of no greater gift to give them than a thirst to find out more.
Tim’s Newest Adventure
Those of us who grew up with Highlights Hidden Pictures will fall in love with FIND-ITZ: A Hide-N-SEEK Adventure Puzzle! Parents, Educators, and those of you who want to simply live out your hidden puzzle glory days, check out Tim’s socials for all the exciting (3D) details!
To learn more about Tim and his creative work, visit his Facebook page here.
