PHOTO: Reginald P. Howard, award-winning author and illustrator, transforms real-life moments into creative and heartfelt stories.
Award-Winning Author And Illustrator Who Turns Everyday Moments Into Laughter-Filled Narratives
Reginald P. Howard, award-winning author and illustrator, shares his journey, creative process, and the humour that defines his storytelling. His family-inspired tales celebrate imagination, resilience, and the simple joy of life.
Reginald P. Howard, an award-winning author and illustrator, is a masterful storyteller with the rare ability to transform simple, everyday moments into laughter-filled stories that resonate with readers of all ages. With a career spanning over four decades of drawing, sketching, and cartoon storyboarding, Howard expertly blends humor, heart, and imagination into each of his creations.
Before embarking on his creative journey as an author and illustrator, Howard spent over 30 years working in the Federal Government. However, his lifelong passion for art and storytelling eventually inspired him to develop books that bring joy and entertainment to readers worldwide. Howard’s work, including his Mini Tales Collection, Underdog Series, and the Space Jelly series, exemplifies his dedication to imaginative storytelling and unique humor. His collaborations on his wife’s award-winning children’s books further demonstrate his commitment to crafting memorable narratives.
Reginald P. Howard masterfully blends humour, heart, and imagination, crafting stories that inspire, entertain, and leave readers across generations smiling.
Howard shared his inspiring journey and creative process with Reader’s House Magazine in an exclusive interview, offering insights into his artistic evolution and the inspiration behind his many works.
From a Lifelong Passion to Published Works
The pandemic served as a turning point for Howard, reigniting his creative spirit and pushing him to do more with his art. “If the recent pandemic taught us anything, it was the importance of adaptability and finding creative outlets during times of uncertainty,” he explained. “I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember—doodling whenever I had the chance—but during that time, I had more opportunities to truly immerse myself in my art.” A conversation with his wife became a pivotal moment, sparking the decision to turn his love for drawing and storytelling into books that bring others happiness.
Balancing Passion and Career
Howard’s ability to balance his career in the Federal Government with his creative endeavors exemplifies discipline and resourcefulness. “There are 24 hours in a day, and I believe in making the most of them,” he explained. “My professional career takes priority during work hours, but once that’s done, I carve out time in the evenings and weekends to fuel my creative passion. The key is to stay open, stay inspired, and make every moment count.”
The Creative Process Behind the “Mini Tales” Series
For Howard, every story begins with art, and his creative process is as unique as his published works. He starts with illustrations on his phone, drawing inspiration from real-life moments or humorous, relatable situations. From there, he pairs the visuals with text to create a fully developed storyboard. His Mini Tales series, which comprises 10-11 stories per collection, follows this method, resulting in a delightful union of art and storytelling.
Editing is often the most challenging aspect of the process, though Howard finds humor even in this stage. Sharing his experiences, he said, “Sometimes, even the editors get caught up laughing at the artwork and might miss a tiny typo! Thankfully, I have an incredible publishing partner in Infinite Generations, who helps bring my vision to life and ensure my books reach the right audience.”
Overcoming Challenges as a Self-Taught Artist
Throughout his artistic journey, Howard has faced the challenge of keeping up with constantly evolving digital tools. However, thanks to an amazing support system, he has continuously adapted and embraced new technology while staying true to his creative style. Looking back on his early days as an artist, Howard recalled drawing with nothing more than a pencil, crayons, and a sheet of notebook paper—a stark contrast to the digital art tools of today.
Family as a Source of Inspiration
Much of Howard’s work is influenced by his own family dynamics, with many stories rooted in childhood experiences. “Every tale in the Reggie Mini Tales series comes from a real-life moment—something I experienced growing up,” he said. While Howard often adds creative exaggerations for comedic effect, he emphasizes the authenticity of these family-inspired stories, which evoke humor and nostalgia alike. “My hope is that when readers pick up my books, they don’t just laugh at my stories—they start reminiscing about their own childhood moments.”
Impact and Messages in Howard’s Stories
Howard’s series “Here Come the Mice,” part of his Underdog collection, embodies resilience and the pursuit of greatness despite challenges—a message that resonates deeply with readers. Inspired by his brother’s journey playing junior college basketball, Howard captures the spirit of determination and triumph through his tales.
On the other hand, his Space Jelly series invites readers into an intergalactic world filled with curiosity and adventure. “I want readers to embrace curiosity, dream big, and never be afraid of the challenge,” Howard shared. Whether exploring themes of perseverance or imagining whimsical worlds, his ultimate goal is to entertain and inspire.
Advice for Aspiring Creatives
Howard encourages aspiring authors and illustrators to stay consistent and embrace their individuality. “Creativity is the key to book writing. Your process should be your own, rare, and unique to you. If it works, it works,” he advised. Reflecting on Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, he believes in striving for self-actualization and encourages others to push creatively, chase their dreams, and achieve fulfillment.
From childhood doodling to crafting award-winning books, Reginald P. Howard’s journey as a self-taught artist and storyteller is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and creative passion. As he continues to captivate readers with his humor and imagination, his work serves as a joyful reminder of the power of storytelling to entertain, inspire, and connect.
Source: Reader’s House Magazine
