Madison Reporter

Madison College graphic artist instructor Courtney Dicmas discussed her creative process, teaching approach, and inspirations in a recent profile. Dicmas shared that she believes everyone has a unique quality that can positively affect others.

When asked about the inspiration behind one of her children’s books, Dicmas described a trip during graduate school: “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!”

Dicmas also related to one of her characters: “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.”

She recalled her favorite childhood Crayola color as “Mac’n’Cheese orange. Hands down. Best color ever.”

Discussing personal strengths, Dicmas said: “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.”

For students considering illustration or graphic design careers but feeling uncertain about their abilities, Dicmas offered advice: “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.”

On incorporating storytelling into teaching practices at Madison College, Dicmas explained: “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.”

Dicmas noted that if she were not working as an artist or writer she would be “either eating a burrito or running through a field of sunflowers.”

She described her ideal day as follows: “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...I go for a ride in my kayak (named Toodle-oo) on Yahara River in Cherokee Marsh...I draw all day – in my studio upstairs or out in Governor Nelson State Park...I end the day with grilled cheese sandwich at Tip Top Tavern and rousing game of euchre with best friends.”

Reflecting on her role at Madison College she said: “I have the best job and best colleagues in whole wide world. Madison College – you are my lifelong buddy and my heart’s best work.”

The "Profiles from the Pack" series highlights members of Madison College's community including employees such as Dicmas.