OK, so…It’s been a while. I haven’t checked in with you all since last Spring!!! What?! There’s so much exciting stuff to share. Here are a few highlights.

I am over the glittery, disco ball moon to share Ballroom: A History, A Movement, A Celebration, a groundbreaking new book I’ve had the pleasure of designing and photo-editing. With the cruelty and political attacks hurled at the trans community and the ongoing challenges to DEI initiatives, this book couldn’t be more timely and important. Author Michael Roberson—an influential, multifaceted voice in the LGBTQ+ and Ballroom communities—infuses this deeply researched work with soul, insight, passion, and decades of personal experience living the Ballroom life honoring both the origins of Ballroom and its present-day impact. The book explores and showcases Ballroom’s essential role in supporting the Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ community. Working with stunning photography from top talents in the scene, I had a blast bringing these stories to life on the page, and I was grateful to be a part of this important project. As ever, working with the co-producers Susan Knopf and Chris Navratil was a treat. Last but certainly not least, with the dedicated work of the Running Press Books team, Ballroom delivers both an authoritative and captivating look at this dynamic cultural movement.

Hitting the shelves on June 3, 2025...but you can pre-order now!

For the past couple of years, I’ve been taking on more and more of a role with self-publishers. At first a book design referral from a literary/illustration agency, I’ve been able to help these authors in so many other ways including artist “shopping” and acquisition, art direction, editorial services and printing/ebook conversion liaising . It’s been really fun and gratifying to see people outside of the publishing world step into it. Helping them turn their book idea into something beautiful has been insanely rewarding and fun. Pictured above are three books I’ve produced in 2024.

The Kitty of Knoxville
Written by Wesley Bennett, Illustrated by Finn Dean
Wesley wanted to celebrate his favorite city. With his insanely researched and cleverly written story, accompanied by Finn Dean’s spot-on and rich artwork, The Kitty of Knoxville is already crushing it and heading into a second printing.
www.kittyofknoxville.com

We Never Kick Alone
Written by Christopher Clothier, Illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell
The soccer-centric Cancer Kickers organization delivers customized player kits that connect children across the globe as they face their common opponent – childhood cancer. Through resources and online communities, families are able to connect and know that they are not alone…The team of cancer-kicking kids is growing. They are stronger than ever! We Never Kick Alone follow’s one boy’s journey along with his fellow kickers. The book is on the way for a Spring release.
www.cancerkickers.com

Just Like Caitlin
Written by Allie Obermeier, Illustrated by Makenzie McCarthy
Concepted and written by friends and former coach of Caitlin Clark, Just Like Caitlin is the first children’s picture book on the market celebrating Clark’s massive achievements in basketball.
From their website:
Every second grader in the state of Iowa received a "Just Like Caitlin" book, thanks to the generous donation of the Dickson and Luann Jensen family. As a former coach of Caitlin Clark, Dickson is proud of Caitlin and believes she is a great role model for all kids. The Jensen family desires to make a positive impact on the next generation and hopes this book inspires kids to believe their future can be greater than they imagine…
Based in Ames, Iowa, Youth Athletics Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides facilities and financial aid for youth athletic programs that develop and inspire the next generation of leaders. Our goal is to partner with programs to help boys and girls be disciplined and to work hard while emphasizing fundamental skills necessary to succeed in all areas of life…not just in athletics.
www.justlikecaitlin.com

A few years ago, along with a longtime project partner The Willow Creative, I designed the website for the Southport Conservancy in Southport, CT. This beautiful town has a long and storied history. Decades ago, local resident and Oscar-winning actor Jason Robards recorded (for audio cassette listening) a narrated walking tour of Southport. In the works for a while now, The Willow Creative and I worked with the Conservancy to bring new life to this gem. I created a “microsite” optimized for a desktop and mobile device touring experience, cleaned up the old audio and created “chapters” for users to learn about Southport in person . . . at their own pace.

SOMEONE HAS MADE A TERRIBLE MISTAKE…and hired me as an adjunct profession at Middlesex Community College. Currently, I’m teaching Messaging Design to art and communications students. It’s an unexpected pivot, but I’m over the moon happy! I’m still Tim Palin Creative. This is an addition to my usual hustle. ;-) Just one class this semester, but there’s a lot more coming in the Fall. Stay tuned!

COME ON IN! This next Western Ave Open Studios is a 2-day affair this May 3rd and 4th. Swing by and check out some of my new art and my studio’s facelift!
The Open Studios at Western Ave are a blast. TONS of art, a cafe, a brewery, food trucks! It’s nifty!!!!

This winter was my first gallery experience. The McCoy Gallery at Merrimac College celebrated “Artists at Work” with a beautiful 2-month gallery installation. So thrilled to have three pieces selected for this special event.

Several years ago, I scribbled a quick Pinocchio sketch. I liked it..a lot. But I set it aside and kind of forgot about it for a looooooong time. (Get it? LOOOOOOONG?) Anyway, I revived and refresh this piece recently. I can’t lie. Absolutely love where it’s headed. In fact, there just might be a fun future in store for this piece. Stay tuned.

Honored to be nominated by a fellow artist to be the latest Creative featured in CanvasRebel. This awesome online mag's mission is to create a space for artists, creatives and entrepreneurs to be able to learn from their peers through the magic and power of storytelling.

The TPC Etsy store has some swell new art prints up!

As a publishing and marketing professional, I pledge to continue to bring more inclusion of all types of individuals into my stories, art and other work. Let’s show all young people that there is love and a place for them in the world. Tim Palin Creative is a safe space.