A classroom with children wearing yellow and red striped uniforms, some raising their hands. sits at the front with a laptop, engaging with the students. Several children and a woman in a gray blazer are smiling and listening. The room has bookshelves and a window showing green trees outside.

School Visits & Lectures

From elementary school workshops to university lectures, I love sharing the ins and outs of my life as a picture book maker.

One of the best parts of being a storyteller is meeting readers. During my visits, I share my books and creative process, answer questions, draw with students, and introduce ways they can tell stories of their own.

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School gymnasium with children sitting on the floor, raising hands, listening to Tracy Subisak on stage in front, some holding papers, with a large projection screen behind them.

My Approach

I want students to see that they can tell stories, too.

I love interacting with an audience, whether I’m sharing how a picture book comes together, drawing live, or building a character with students.

My presentations and workshops give students a behind-the-scenes look at making books while giving them plenty of chances to participate, ask questions, and try storytelling for themselves.

Close-up of a series of red loops forming a continuous pattern.
Close-up of a series of red loops forming a continuous pattern.

“Her program was well prepared, interactive, engaging and kept even our wiggliest kids in their seats. As a librarian wanting to share the magic of reading with a diverse group of children, I'm delighted by Tracy's commitment to representing diverse characters in her artwork.”

—Quinn Sanford
School Library Media Specialist, Abernethy Elementary, PPS

Brown wavy line pattern on a white background.
Brown wavy line pattern on a white background.

Presentations

I offer presentations for elementary students, university students, and aspiring picture book makers. Each presentation gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at storytelling, illustration, and the process of making books.

A simple drawing of an open book with two visible pages showing a circular design.
A simple drawing of an open book with two visible pages showing a circular design.
Pixelated black and white drawing of a person with one arm raised and one leg up, wearing a shirt and pants.
Pixelated black and white drawing of a person with one arm raised and one leg up, wearing a shirt and pants.

My Experience, My Story

I share some of my books and talk about how experiences from my own life have influenced the stories I write and illustrate. I’ll also share a little about myself and lead an interactive exercise where we build a main character together.

BEST FOR: Grades K-5

How I Make a Picture Book

I share my process of making a picture book as both an author and illustrator, including where I work, the tools I use, and the steps I take to bring a story from sketchbook to published book.

BEST FOR: Grades K-5

How to Make a Picture Book

This presentation covers the ins and outs of picture book making, including character development and research, making a dummy, developing final artwork, and preparing a project for submission to a publisher.

There’s also extra time for Q&A about the creative and publishing process.

BEST FOR: University students and aspiring picture book makers

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Workshops

My workshops give students more time to create, experiment, and develop their own story ideas. I introduce an element of my own process, lead the group through an activity, and then give students time to work while I brainstorm with them and answer questions.

Storytelling Workshop

We learn how words and drawings can work together to tell a story. I’ll share a peek into my own process, then we’ll create a story together before students have time to work on stories of their own.

While they work, I’ll move around the room to brainstorm with students and answer questions.

BEST FOR: Grades 3-5

Character-Building Workshop

We go step by step through building a main character for a story. Together, we’ll create a character while I draw live and the group helps brainstorm character details and story ideas.

Students will then have time to develop characters of their own while I walk around, brainstorm with them, and answer questions.

BEST FOR: Grades K-2

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. [Confirm current virtual availability and preferred platforms]

  • I’m based in Portland, Oregon and am available for [confirm travel availability].

    Travel and accommodation requirements will be shared when we discuss your visit.

  • I love when students have the opportunity to get signed books! For in-person visits, I recommend working with a local bookstore to coordinate book sales before the event.

    For virtual visits, book sales are optional, and I may be able to provide signed bookplates for participating students.

    Please allow at least [confirm timeframe] before the visit to coordinate book sales.

  • [Confirm current technology requirements.]

    For workshops, schools may also need to provide printed activity sheets and writing or drawing materials for participating students. I’ll share specific requirements before the visit.

  • [Confirm current recording policy.]

Close-up of set of orange plastic hooks attached to a surface.
Close-up of set of orange plastic hooks attached to a surface.

What Educators Have Said

“They were fascinated by how you draw art right in front of them! And your research about sharks! I was surprised how much 4’s and 5’s can get out of your presentation! I had no idea how much of the book author and illustrator visit would impact children.”

—EMI NAKAJIMA
Coordinator for Healthy Starts Author/Illustrator Visit

“You have a way to connect with kids. We appreciate you inspiring the young minds. Our experience was uplifting. I hope my little writers will enjoy writing even more.”

—LILY WAGONER
First Grade Teacher and School Visit Coordinator, Darby Woods Elementary

“Her program was well prepared, interactive, engaging and kept even our wiggliest kids in their seats. As a librarian wanting to share the magic of reading with a diverse group of children, I’m delighted by Tracy’s commitment to representing diverse characters in her artwork.”

—QUINN SANFORD
School Library Media Specialist, Abernethy Elementary, PPS

Handwritten cursive text that says 'hello' in brown ink on a white background.
Handwritten cursive text that says 'hello' in brown ink on a white background.

Inquire About a Visit

I’d love to learn more about your school, organization, or event. Use the form below to share a few details, and I’ll get back to you within [timeframe].