For anyone who loves the arts, getting published for the first time is a memorable occasion. Camden Middle School student Makenna Johnson has had the honor of reaching that milestone a lot quicker than most could imagine.
The eighth grader recently had her illustration work featured in the new book “I Finally Got Through to Someone!” by local author and Oneida YMCA leader Hank Leo. This young adult science fiction novel tells the story of main character Joe Jerdon, an intern at an Alabama space station who ends up getting a phone call from extraterrestrial life. The two beings spend the story working through their differences and disagreements about their lifestyles.
Throughout the pages are carefully detailed demonstrations from Johnson of a remarkable scene. And for Johnson, the feeling of seeing that published is also a remarkable scene of its own.
“I was really happy and really excited because this is the first book i’ve ever illustrated,” Johnson said. “I’ve thought that now that i’ve done this, maybe this could be helpful for a career in the future.”
Johnson has had a passion for art from a young age, and has observed that her skills improved greatly over the last few years. She typically enjoys drawing fantasy art, such as dragons, so drawing science fiction content is not out of the ordinary. Her interest in the arts also extends to music. She plays baritone saxophone in the jazz band and marching band at CMS.
The amount of practice she’s had in art led her to an illustration opportunity she didn’t expect, and it came from a place you might not expect: An archery class.
Johnson had been taking a year-round archery class taught by Leo at the Oneida YMCA, when her parents brought up that she did art. She soon brought in a sketchbook for him to review. After reviewing her art, Leo offered Makenna an opportunity to illustrate.
“I didn’t think he was being serious at first,” she said.
As it turns out, he was completely serious. Johnson soon found herself in meetings about the direction of the story and what she would need to produce to complete the book. In her estimation, the process took a few months.
While she may see a possible career path in illustration, Johnson remains undecided on her long-term future at the moment. For now, her greatest reward from her art may come from a job well-done, and the admiration of those who see it.
“I like seeing the finished product and hearing compliments from others who have seen my art,” Johnson said.
After this experience, owning a piece of her art is now as easy as picking up a copy of the book. It’s available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble’s website, and other book retailers. The book is intended for ages 12 and up, and is 102 pages long.
