With his trademark, child-like art, Todd Parr celebrates mothers, whether they drive a minivan or a motorcycle or work in a big building or at home. Full color.
I like the fog
I like sea lions
I like to paint
My favorite color is Blue
My favorite food is macaroni and cheese
I spent my childhood in a small town in Wyoming. It was a great place to grow up but I knew the world was out there waiting for me.
In high school, art was a passion of mine, but I failed art class. Because of that failure, I lacked the self-confidence to pursue it further. But it wasn't all my teachers fault.
I worked at many things before finally coming back to my original dream of painting, but again I faced rejection. Despite the rejection, I continued on with my work because I knew being an artist was what I wanted to do with my life.
After not having success with galleries, I was able to show my work at one of Wolfgang Puck's restaurants, Postrio, in San Francisco, where I have lived for the past 13 years. With a little luck and persistence, this exhibit led to many other things, like creating merchandise for Macys, and then on to my own line of clothing for kids.
I first got into children's publishing in 1998. I was able to take the messages that are part of my art and put them in a simple reading about acceptance, differences and empowerment for kids to feel better about themselves in a simple, fun way.
I have a lot of fun creating my books and I'm proud to know they are helping someone feel better about themselves in a silly, fun way.
Here are some of the fun, cool things that have happened to me and my books:
My work was displayed in the windows of FAO Schwarz in NYC and San Francisco, with interior displays of some of my product, including my first four books.
Todd Parr Shops within Toys R Us Japan were launched at all 101 stores with products exclusively available in Japan.
My Books have won several awards and have been featured on The Rosie O'Donnell show. Currently I have written and illustrated 28 books with two more for 2007 and 2008.
In 2004, I appeared in a Panasonic commercial and print ad.
I have partnered with Target, Reach Out and Read, People Magazine and several other organizations to promote reading.
In November 2005, my children's preschool show, ToddWorld premiered on TLC and Discovery Kids. The show has since been nominated for an Emmy and has won several other awards including the iParenting Media Award and the 2005 Humanitas Award for the episode entitled "Who's Your Best Friend"?. The Bronze medal in the New York Film Festival and an award for "Pizza on Earth" in the Chicago International Children's Film Festival. ToddWorld is now airing in almost every country around the world with a second season is in the works.
With the support of my family, especially my Dad and Grandma, I have been very successful but I do have another passion. I'd like to own my own restaurant!
As my Grandma used to say:
"You're a little lost now but I know you'll find your way".
