You cannot get any more real than Laura Wellington. Her story of survival and how she turned her family’s devastating misfortune into an experience of inspiration and motivation for all to follow is amazing.
Laura is a successful entrepreneur. She owns a financial and technology company in Fort Lee, New Jersey and has also added television series creator to her resume. While her husband was dying of cancer, Laura turned beloved drawings from her teenage years into a hit television show that can be seen worldwide since September of 2007 on Trinity Broadcasting Network, Smile of A Child, The Australian Christian Channel, and Sky Angel's KTV Block. Laura used her artistic talents as a way of escaping her everyday sadness which led to an all out crusade to give back and make this world a better place. What Laura didn't realize is the impact her actions would have on others. Laura looked at what was missing in children's television and decided to give moms what they wanted: family friendly television that really teaches core values such as responsibility, friendship, respect, and acceptance that differences unite rather than divide and we are all special in our own way. Her multi-colored, multi-cultured characters bring educational lessons to families through entertaining story lines and upbeat songs.
When did you first come up with the idea of The Wumblers?
I came up with the original idea and characters when I was fifteen years old. Drawing them became a hobby of mine.
How did you create your characters?
Quite frankly, I don’t know. I woke up one morning and the characters were in my head. From there, they naturally developed through the stories I wrote and the drawings I rendered.
What inspired you to take your illustrations of The Wumblers and write a TV show for children?
I wanted to help make the world a better, more hopeful place for children to live and grow. After seeing the pain and suffering my own children were enduring at the loss of their father and so many other children were enduring through the loss of their own loved ones during the tragedy of 911, the need to begin making positive changes to this world became even more apparent than before. Television became my method of change, as even the youngest of children watch television. The earlier change begins, the better the opportunity for permanent change.
What types of art do you like to draw?
Fun art—art that makes people smile and even laugh.
How long does it take you to illustrate a Wumblers’ show?
Each Wumblers’ show takes about two weeks to fully create, including writing and illustrating.
Can you tell us a funny story about making The Wumblers’ TV show?
One of the actors we hired performs six voices within the series. I asked this actor if he ever becomes confused, as there are moments when two of his characters must speak with each other, leaving him to feel as if he was talking to himself (which, in an essence, he is). Admittedly, he does.
If you could live in any book or children’s TV show, which one would you choose and why?
Without a doubt, I’d live in The Wumblers (or Wumbleton as we call the town), as it is a fun, interesting, warm, safe, and enjoyable place to grow up. And I could be as different as I was meant to be and still feel valued and loved.
What are some of your favorite books to read?
When I was a child, all Dr. Seuss books. Also Where The Wild Things Are. As an adult, I read just about everything.
If you had to pick a children’s character that is most like you in personality, which would you choose?
Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Did you always want to be an artist?
I think you are born an artist whether or not you want to be an artist in your profession. I actually wanted to be a doctor when I was young.
What do you do when you’re not working on The Wumblers TV show?
I spend time with my children, bake, enjoy time at the ocean, read, go to the movies…regular activities like everybody else.
What TV stations can I find The Wumblers on?
You can find The Wumblers on Trinity Broadcasting Network on Saturday mornings. Beginning in October we will also be airing on a Spanish language children’s network. If you check our web site we will be posting the network, times etc.
Are there plans for DVDs for those who don’t get The Wumblers in their hometowns?
DVDs are currently available on www.tystoybox.com along with our other merchandise like toys, games, plush, t-shirts, and CDs.
Where can we purchase Wumblers’ merchandise, if any?
Currently the easiest way to purchase Wumblers’ merchandise is through one of our online retailers, Ty’s Toybox at www.tystoybox.com.
If you could give one piece of advice to every aspiring artist and writer, what would it be?
Remain passionate about your art. Never give up. And always be yourself. Combining those three elements will give you the best chance at living your artistic dream.
Other Interviews and articles with Laura Wellington:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaAF-XpoAao
http://www.multi-taskingwoman.com/Meet_The_Gals_Bio.aspx?id=78
http://www.hispanicmpr.com/2008/07/30/watch-video-cartoon-series-designed-to-promote-bilingualism-becoming-popular/
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=8752710&nav=menu29_2_23At 04:55 PM 3/