Shoreline woman publishes first book: Have a little pun

A Pretty Big Dill!

Frida Clements is a Shoreline illustrator / author whose first book was published earlier this year by Chronicle Books. It is available on Amazon and can be ordered at Third Place Books and other book stores.

"Have A Little Pun" is an illustrated play on words that combines Frida's charming illustrations with clever puns on every page.

Born in Sweden, Frida has been a north Seattle / Shoreline resident since the age of four, and her Northwest roots have remained intact for over 35 years. As her professional career has evolved, her work has become synonymous with the vibrant music scene of the Pacific Northwest, having been commissioned not only to produce artwork for huge local events like Sasquatch! and the Northwest Folklife Festival but also for major touring acts like Sleater-Kinney, Modest Mouse, Wilco, Iron + Wine, Andrew Bird and many, many others.

"My personal style has developed over time," Frida commented. "A passion for poster design and love of local music led to my position as the senior designer for Seattle Theatre Group, where I really began to find my niche. Now as an independent illustrator I continue to focus on my growth as an artist through posters and personal projects." 

If you've been introduced to Frida's work, it's hard to mistake it. Her signature style is very nature-inspired, involving precise line work and a meld of Scandinavian and Northwest aesthetics. Seattle Weekly honored her in 2010 by naming her "Best Show Poster Artist," she's been featured many times as "Poster of the Week" in The Stranger, and her work has been featured in books "1000 Indie Posters" and "Gig Posters Volume II." 

With Frida's latest venture, "HAVE A LITTLE PUN," she highlights her wit along with her artistic skill.

Chronicle Books markets the book with: Having a bad hare day? Feeling a little antsy? What the hail, just dill with it, and for fox sake, have a little pun as a humorous description of this delightful collection.

For Frida, the love of puns started just a year and half ago and it was purely kismet. 

"I had been invited to participate in a sketch night at a local pub, but when I showed up, no one was there - turns out I had mixed up the date in my calendar," Frida recalls. "I decided to spend the night drawing anyway. I drew a whale, then spontaneously hand-lettered 'Oh Whale' underneath. Thus began my obsession with illustrated puns! It was fun, silly, and totally liberating in the best way."

There is a line of 16 notecards in conjunction with the book, featuring some of Frida's most hilarious and encouraging illustrations such as, "Hey Gull Friend" and "Gopher It."

Frida completed her first fully illustrated book, "The Wandering Goose" by Heather Earnhardt, in September of 2013 via Sasquatch Books / Random House.