Reginald P. Howard Brings Humour And Heart To Storytelling
PHOTO: Reginald P. Howard, celebrated creator of the Mini Tales Collection and Space Jelly series, brings joy through his stories and illustrations.
A Journey Of Creativity, Persistence, And Passion
Award-winning author and illustrator Reginald P. Howard shares his journey of transforming everyday moments into laugh-filled stories through imaginative books that entertain, inspire, and reflect his creative heart.
Reginald P. Howard is a storyteller whose work lights up the pages of books with humor, warmth, and vivid illustrations. As an award-winning author and illustrator, Howard transforms simple, everyday moments into compelling stories that captivate readers of all ages. With a career that spans over four decades of sketching and cartoon storyboarding, Howard has mastered the art of weaving humor into his narratives, making them not just entertaining but deeply relatable.
His journey to becoming a celebrated author and illustrator is both inspiring and grounded in persistence. After dedicating over 30 years to a career in the Federal Government, Howard made the decision to fully embrace his creative ambitions. Through his popular Mini Tales Collection, the Here Come the Mice: An Underdog Collection, and the whimsical Space Jelly series, Howard has established his voice in the world of graphic novels and storytelling. His works brim with humor, imagination, and heartfelt moments, reflecting a creative process that is as unique as the stories he tells.
Reginald P. Howard captivates audiences with his humour, vivid illustrations, and storytelling that resonates universally with creativity and warmth.
In an exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Howard offered an intimate look into his creative journey, from childhood doodles to publishing award-winning books that inspire readers to laugh, reminisce, and dream big.
From Passion to Publication
If there was one defining moment that sparked Howard’s journey as an author and illustrator, it came during a time of global uncertainty—the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic taught us the importance of adaptability and finding creative outlets,” he explained. A conversation with his wife about using his artistic gift to create something impactful led him to transform his love for doodling into published works.
Howard recalls how he immersed himself fully in his art during that challenging period, using creativity as a reassuring constant in uncertain times. What started as a personal passion evolved into books designed to bring joy and laughter to others, a mission that continues to shape his work.
Balancing Career and Creativity
As someone who successfully balanced a full-time career in government with a flourishing creative pursuit, Howard’s approach to time management is rooted in efficiency and determination. “There are 24 hours in a day, and I believe in making the most of them,” he shared. “Once my professional work is done, I carve out time in the evenings and weekends to fuel my creative passion.” For Howard, finding this balance is essential and achievable through consistent focus and using every moment purposefully.
A Unique Creative Process
Howard’s approach to creating his books is as distinctive as his storytelling style. His Mini Tales series and Here Come the Mice collections begin not with words, but with illustrations swiftly sketched on his phone. “Every story starts with the art,” said Howard. Inspired by real-life moments or humorous scenarios, he develops visuals before pairing them with words that bring the narrative to life.
Each Mini Tales collection, consisting of 10-11 interconnected stories, follows this process. While Howard’s editor helps refine the books for publication, he attributes much of their charm to Infinite Generations, his publishing partner, which ensures his vision becomes a reality. “Sometimes the editors are laughing so hard at the illustrations, they might miss a tiny typo!” he joked.
Overcoming Challenges as a Self-Taught Artist
Transitioning from traditional tools like pencils and notebooks to modern digital platforms has been one of Howard’s biggest challenges. He embraced this technological shift with the help of a supportive team, which guided him towards new tools and techniques to stay competitive in the fast-evolving world of publishing. Despite these challenges, Howard remained committed to his artistic roots while incorporating digital advancements—an adaptability that has allowed his creativity to flourish in new, exciting ways.
Inspired by Family and Real-Life Experiences
Family dynamics play a significant role in shaping Howard’s storytelling. Many of his tales in the Mini Tales series are drawn from personal experiences growing up. While humor and exaggeration are often added for a comedic twist, the essence of each story is grounded in truth. Howard sees this connection to real life as the heart of his storytelling.
“When readers pick up my books, they’re not just laughing at my stories—they’re reminiscing about their own childhood moments, reliving the mischief and joy of family life,” he explained. His hope is that these stories not only entertain but also inspire readers to cherish and reflect on their own memories.
Resilience and Curiosity: Messages Behind the Stories
The central themes of strength and determination shine throughout Howard’s Here Come the Mice: An Underdog Collection. The series celebrates resilience in the face of challenges, featuring characters who pursue greatness despite overwhelming odds. Inspired by his brother Warren’s Junior College Basketball journey, Howard recalls the moment that sparked the series: watching his brother’s poorly-rated summer league team surprise everyone with their victories. “I even started drawing little cartoons of his games in his notebook, just for laughs,” Howard revealed. That humor and underdog spirit eventually became the foundation of the beloved series.
Contrastingly, his Space Jelly series ventures beyond the ordinary, inviting readers on whimsical intergalactic adventures. Through these imaginative tales, Howard encourages readers to embrace curiosity, dream without limits, and tackle challenges with a sense of fun.
Advice for Aspiring Creators
For aspiring authors and illustrators, Howard offers straightforward but invaluable advice: “Stay consistent and never waver from your purpose. Your process should be your own, rare, and unique.” He emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity and pushing creative boundaries while pursuing personal fulfillment through storytelling.
Referencing Abraham Maslow’s concept of self-actualization, Howard said, “Achieving something greater in life comes from pushing ourselves creatively, chasing dreams, and turning passions into reality.” For him, his books are the culmination of that journey. He hopes others find the same joy in discovering and realizing their creative potential.
Reginald P. Howard’s work showcases the transformational power of humor, heart, and storytelling. Whether through tales of underdogs triumphing or intergalactic adventures, his words and illustrations inspire readers to find joy, tap into creativity, and connect with their own memories. Through his books, Howard continues to bring laughter and light to audiences, proving that the simplest stories often have the deepest impact.
Source: Reader’s House Magazine
