Seriously Funny

Anna Raff, celebrated children's book illustrator and professor in the MFA Illustration as Visual Essay program at SVA, takes us on a delightful journey into the world of humor in illustration. Drawing from her childhood memories of watching cartoons with her parents, Anna reflects on how these moments shaped her unique sense of humor and inspired her playful approach to storytelling.

In this engaging talk, Anna discusses the challenges and rewards of "seriously working on humor"—a process that goes beyond simple jokes to create meaningful, clever, and resonant visual narratives. She shares her techniques for using comedic timing, exaggerated expressions, and whimsical details to bring stories to life in ways that connect deeply with readers of all ages.

Whether you're an aspiring illustrator or a seasoned artist, this talk offers valuable insights into crafting humor that elevates your work and keeps audiences coming back for more.