#Repost @bluemanateepress ・・・ Check out this behind-the-scenes look at our talented author and illustrator, Erin Barker, working on MR. PUMPKIN'S TEA PARTY! This counting picture book full of quirky characters comes out this fall! 😀👏🏻 . . . . . #bluemanateepress #picturebooks #childrensbooks #kidlit #behindthescenes #bookrelease #sneakpeek #mrpumpkinsteaparty #fall #halloween #earlyliteracy #alwaysreading #bookstagram #readingtime https://www.instagram.com/p/BxfRUUUFbZT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7dpr4i7lgzt

So pleased to officially announce that my first picture book, Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party, is coming out this September from @bluemanateepress! I’ve been working really hard on this for the past year, and I’m excited (and nervous) for you all to read it. It’s very nerve-racking to share something you’ve poured so much time/effort/love into. But I’m proud of it, and I want to share it regardless of my own insecurities. So here you go. 😊 #mrpumpkinsteaparty #kidlit #childrensliterature #picturebook #illustration #watercolor #erinbarkerillustration https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwu3rLZFlsE/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ixr21bqqzcuf

Did my last storytime at @bluemanateebooks today (for the time being) and you all packed the house, which was incredible. I’m optimistic for the future, and hopeful that it won’t be the last time I get to do this. Thanks to everyone for their support for this lovely store and amazing community. My heart is full 💖 #bluemanatee #bluemanateebookstore #childrensbookstore #localbookstore #independentbookstore #shoplocal #shopindependent #smallbusinessowner #cincinnatibusiness #cincinnatibusinessowner #booksoninstagram #bookstagram #bookworm #booknerd #writersoninstagram #illustratorsofinstagram #cincinnatiparent #cincinnatimom #cincinnatidad #kidlit (at blue manatee children's bookstore) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsd6b2oB03Z/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=kdc4p0w2uk62

Commission for the Guthries, some of my family’s oldest friends! At the ripe age of 5, I wanted nothing more than to be @mallorydarcy - I thought she was the coolest thing on the planet. Y’all are awesome and I love you all bunches! 💖 (I think my fave piece is @jordy_guthrie with all the nieces. Don’t tell the others, Jordy 😬) #illustration #watercolor #familyportrait #erinbarkerillustration https://www.instagram.com/p/BsGhTAKBzBd/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1qlqb4wufypk9

Final commission of the year! (Swipe for process vids) Now I just gotta go make a book. Simple. #illustration #watercolor #couplesportrait #familyportrait #erinbarkerillustration https://www.instagram.com/p/BrjRFCGBvtE/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1uxr8slsz61hm

Almost done with commissions for the year! This one is for @amykaylindqvist and her husband. Commissions are closed for the time being, but if you want one, they’ll open back up in January. #illustration #watercolor #couplesportrait #weddingportrait #erinbarkerillustration https://www.instagram.com/p/BrarVNNBEdA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=qp858uuupxyi

Commission for my cousin Sarah and her husband Les! They are hilarious and awesome, and their kids are insanely cute. So there’s that 💖 #illustration #watercolor #familyportrait https://www.instagram.com/p/BqcqgfBh5g8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=prs3m5g0vdj6

I’m running the @bluemanateebooks booth at @theoffmarket this weekend from 10-4! I got plenty of copies of my book, and a bunch of other cute @bluemanateepress books. Come say hi! #kidlit #bluemanatee #bluemanateebooks (at MadTree Taproom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqSZd1th_7N/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ni0d1r1j634e

All the Beatles feels 💖😭☺️🌿 It’s been a long time since I’ve done a lettering piece that wasn’t just loosey goosey casual with a relaxed, hand-written feel. More structured letterforms take time and practice to make them look good (there are some incredible experts out there), and I often shy away from styles like this because of that fact. - But this project called for something more than just the organic style I usually use for commissions (35th wedding anniversary for a client), and I risked stepping out of my comfort zone. I stretched myself, and while the piece isn’t perfect, I’m really happy with the result, and proud of myself too. - So here’s to feeling uncomfortable, and the growth that comes from it. - #illustration #watercolor #handlettering #lettering #beatles #inmylifeiloveyoumore #wedding #anniversary #erinbarkerillustration https://www.instagram.com/p/BqATmbHBpUr/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=l6ef2jyhr9er

Throwback to a couple weeks ago at Books By The Banks! Had so much fun nerding out with new and old friends alike about books and illustration. Finally got to meet several people I respect and admire (and only fangirled once or twice). Love being a part of the @bluemanateepress family 💖 #booksbythebanks #cincinnati #bluemanateepress #erinbarkerillustration https://www.instagram.com/p/BprxtRVlEWb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=hkxgkggi7277

Happy Halloween from Dr Cairo, who brought you a bouquet of poison hemlock. 🎃💀🌿💖 #halloween #inktober #inktober2018 #drcairo #poisonhemlock #illustration #erinbarkerillustration https://www.instagram.com/p/BpnPG55BHS8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=x15lydcg4h5y

Made this b-day card for the awesome @kelligleiner a while ago and forgot to post it! #wilco #haygurl #sloth #illustration #watercolor #erinbarkerillustration https://www.instagram.com/p/BpNQq69Bu2J/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bqq50967bi32

Happy birthday to my insanely talented sister @megesanchez! You’ll always be cooler than me, ya butthead. Love you so much 💖 #inktober #inktober2018 #illustration #erinbarkerillustration (at Sanchez Studio) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bom8NP5hDf6/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1v2k6m4wm6xl6

Here’s Lady Nightshade! #inktober #inktober2018 #illustration #ladynightshade #erinbarkerillustration https://www.instagram.com/p/BojbvU6B9Tl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bm7kmeuatp4j

Sir Bones. #inktober #inktober2018 #sirbones #illustration #erinbarkerillustration https://www.instagram.com/p/Boe9oCdBNE0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=nitffx29l2xc

A quick little Mr Pumpkin for today’s #inktober! #inktober2018 #mrpumpkin #illustration #erinbarkerillustration https://www.instagram.com/p/Boc2UUpBPE1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1a5wv3h2nip3o

HAPPY OCTOBER EVERYONE 🎃🍂🧡 Self portrait with my new super poofy perm #ootd #inktober #illustration #ink #erinbarkerillustration https://www.instagram.com/p/BoajOUCBPRr/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=70k879w9ps7z