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Sometime back in kindergarten, I realized that I wanted to be an artist. I knew this for a fact all through High School. Then, sometime back in college, I realized how very impractical that was. I began a minor in art (just for fun, of course), and considered law, teaching, advertising, communications…you name it. By Junior year, however, I realized I just couldn’t escape art. I changed my minor to a Major, and got an internship at DC Comics (those are the guys who make Superman). When I graduated, I worked for Scholastic books (those are the guys who make Clifford). That combo of Superman and Clifford gave me a great start in learning how to make things look fun and interesting for kids.

Since then I’ve illustrated and authored over 20 books for children, including, “Eight Lights for Eight Nights (Barron’s Educational Series), My Jewish Counting Book (Shulsinger Judaica) and My Cousin Tamar Lives in Israel (URJ Press).

I also enjoy creating products of all kinds, and have designed everything from toys (Alma’s Designs), to calendars (Tide-Mark Press), to formal Ketubot (Private Commissions). Many greeting card companies such as Hallmark and Great Arrow Graphics have featured my work on greeting cards.
About the Papercuts

I create the papercuts with an x-acto knife, and a lot of patience. First, I cut complex designs from one or more sheets of solid papers. I then shift them around, to create interesting shadows, or matting effects. I then create the painted layer. This part is the most fun, because it usually involves splattering, spritzing, and overall mess-making with vivid colors. To create the final look, I layer the cut out papers over the painted paper. The contrast of loose textures against the clean cut-lines create a visual dynamic that I really enjoy.
About the Paintings
My painted illustrations are created with vivid acrylic paints, and are cheerful and inviting. They have included everything from a parachuting cow to a soaring penguin. My whimsical side definitely has the opportunity to come out and play in this style, and I enjoy bringing a fun perspective to even the most serious subjects.

I live in West Hempstead, New York with my husband Mark, and our three kids.
School Groups

Visiting schools is one of the most rewarding parts of being an illustrator/ author. Using my book illustrations as guides, my programs take students through the illustration process from first rough sketch to the final brush stroke. For younger students, I follow my talk with a hands-on activity chosen from one of my craft books. All of my programs include a question and answer period, as well as the option of a book signing session. My programs are ideal for grades K-5, and can be brought into individual classrooms or presented at assemblies for up to one hundred students.

Below are a few of my cherished references.
To whom it may concern:
I would like to indicate to you the type of highly successful program
Mrs. Koffsky led at our school last fall.
Mrs. Koffsky's book, Eight Lights for Eight Nights, had just been published.
She focused on the publishing process from an illustrator's point of view.
She led several workshops, walking students through the process from the
time she received the text to final drawings, describing and illustrating on
an easel as she went. She brought her original drawings and elicited from
the children, at age-appropriate levels, the decisions that went into style,
color choices, object placement on a page, etc.
She also worked with our children on one of the craft projects from the
book. In all, it was a VERY full day, and a year later, I can still refer to
the ideas she presented, and the children will recall the concepts and her
visit.
Mrs. Koffsky can undoubtedly present other types of programs, as she writes
and designs a variety of things. If you would like your students to really get inside the illustrator's experience, she is excellent!

I hope this is helpful to you.
Sincerely,

Davida M. Levin
Media Coordinator
Torah Day School of Atlanta
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