PHOTO: Reginald P. Howard, award-winning author and illustrator, transforms everyday moments into laughter-filled stories that bring joy to readers of all ages.
A Journey from Doodles to Award-Winning Books
Reginald P. Howard shares his journey from a lifelong passion for drawing to becoming an award-winning author and illustrator. He discusses his creative process, inspirations, challenges, and the humour that defines his storytelling.
Reginald P. Howard is a storyteller in every sense of the word. A master of both illustration and narrative, he has dedicated over four decades to the craft of drawing, sketching, and cartoon storyboarding. His ability to infuse humour into his work is not just a skill—it is an art form. With an illustrious career spanning over 30 years in the Federal Government before fully embracing his passion, Howard’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability, and creative evolution.
Through his Mini Tales Collection, Underdog Series, and collaborations on his wife’s award-winning children’s books, Howard has crafted a distinctive voice in the world of graphic novels and entertainment literature. His Here Come the Mice: An Underdog Collection is a delightful example of his ability to transform simple, everyday moments into compelling, humorous narratives that resonate with readers of all ages. Likewise, his Space Jelly series invites readers into an imaginative universe filled with adventure, whimsy, and boundless curiosity.
In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Howard shares insights into his creative process, the inspirations behind his work, and the joys and challenges of balancing a full career with his artistic ambitions. From the roots of his childhood doodles to the digital storytelling of today, he offers a fascinating look into what it means to be a self-taught artist in an ever-evolving creative landscape.
Whether you are a longtime admirer of his work or discovering his books for the first time, this conversation with Reginald P. Howard is sure to leave you inspired, entertained, and eager to turn the pages of his next creation.
Reginald P. Howard captivates readers with wit, warmth, and vivid illustrations, crafting stories that entertain, inspire, and celebrate creativity with humour and heart.
What inspired you to start writing and illustrating books after so many years of drawing for personal enjoyment?
If the recent pandemic taught us anything, it was the importance of adaptability and finding creative outlets during times of uncertainty. It was a period filled with stress and unknowns, and like many, I searched for ways to stay engaged and inspired. 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 simple conversation with my wife about doing more with my creativity sparked a pivotal moment. That’s when I decided to take my love for doodling and storytelling to the next level—turning them into books that could bring joy to others.
How do you manage the balance between your career in the federal government and your passion for creating stories and illustrations?
There are 24 hours in a day, and I believe in making the most of them. 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. It’s all about using time and resources efficiently—some of the most successful people juggle multiple responsibilities without letting one interfere with the other. The key is to stay open, stay inspired, and make every moment count.
Could you share the creative process you go through when developing a story for your books, particularly with your “Mini Tales” series?
Funny enough, my publisher recently asked me the same thing and was amazed by how unique my process is! Everything starts with the art—every single story begins as illustrations on my phone, without a single word written. I spend a lot of time thinking about real-life moments or relatable, humorous situations that fit into the Reggie Mini Tales or the Here Come the Mice series. The words are in my head, waiting to be paired with the art at just the right time. Once I merge the visuals with the story, I have a fully developed storyboard ready for editing. Each Mini Tales collection consists of 10-11 stories, and Here Come the Mice follows a similar structure.
Editing is always the toughest part—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.
“Funny enough, my publisher recently asked me the same thing and was amazed by how unique my process is!” – Reginald P. Howard
What challenges have you faced as a self-taught artist and writer, and how have you overcome them?
When I first began identifying as an artist as a young child, all I needed was a pencil, crayons, markers, and a sheet of paper—often just a school notebook. But in today’s digital era, those same tools exist in a whole new way, with technology making it possible to create and share artwork globally with just a few clicks.
One of my biggest challenges has been keeping up with the ever-evolving digital tools that other illustrators and authors use to bring their creativity to life. The industry moves fast and staying ahead of the curve requires adaptability. Fortunately, I have an incredible team around me that helps guide me toward new tools and techniques, ensuring I can continue to evolve as an artist while staying true to my unique creative style.
How do your family dynamics influence your storytelling, particularly in the context of your books that highlight family moments and humor?
Every tale in the Reggie Mini Tales series comes from a real-life moment—something I experienced growing up. While I might add a little exaggeration here and there for comedic effect, at their core, these stories are true. And that’s what makes them so special.
Beyond just sharing my own experiences, I believe that everyone who grew up in a family like mine has their own funny, unforgettable stories. 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, reliving the joy, mischief, and humor of family life.
What do you hope readers take away from your books, especially those in the “Underdog” series and “Space Jelly”?
At the heart of the Here Come the Mice Underdog series is a simple but powerful message—the pursuit of greatness, even when the odds are stacked against you. I’ve always been drawn to stories of resilience and triumph, whether in books, movies, or real life. There’s something exhilarating about watching an underdog rise, and I wanted to capture that same spirit in my series.
This story is inspired by my oldest brother Warren and his journey playing Junior College Basketball and summer league tournaments. I’ll never forget watching one of his summer league games and thinking, “This might be the worst group of five players I’ve ever seen.” And yet, somehow, they kept winning. It was remarkable. I even started drawing little cartoons of his games in his notebook, just for laughs between us. That moment sparked the idea for “Here Come the Mice.”
For “Space Jelly”, it’s all about fun, adventure, and imagination. I want readers to embrace curiosity, dream big, and never be of the challenge. Whether I’m telling stories about basketball or intergalactic mayhem, my hope is that readers are simply entertained in the end.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors and illustrators who are just starting out on their creative journey?
My advice is simple—stay consistent and never waver from your purpose. Creativity is the key to book writing. Your process should be your own, rare, and unique to you. If it works, it works.
Abraham Maslow (Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs) referenced the importance of achieving something greater in life. Our careers and daily responsibilities are important, but true fulfillment—self-actualization—comes from pushing ourselves creatively, chasing a dream, and turning our passions into something greater. These books are that for me, and I hope aspiring authors and illustrators find that same joy in their own creative journeys.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Hilarious, heartwarming, and full of charm! Reggie: Total Chaos is a delightful, laugh-out-loud adventure with brilliant storytelling and endearing characters.
