When I go on school visits, the question I get asked the most is how long I’ve been doing artwork. I have been painting and drawing for as long as I can remember. My favorite thing to draw as a young child was people, and that hasn’t changed.
After I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in illustration, I worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for various companies. It was only after my daughter was born that I got reacquainted with picture books. Like a long lost friend, books that I had read as a child flooded my memory. I read some of those books to my daughter, but found so many new ones that appealed to me. I enjoyed the combination of two of my favorite passions, which were writing and art.
I have illustrated five picture books written by other authors. After working many years on the craft of writing picture books, I am happy to announce that my debut picture book, as both author and illustrator, is now out.
Recently I received an email from a parent who had read one of the books that I illustrated to her child. She said that he pointed out and appreciated the art. I am always happy when I receive positive professional reviews of my work, but this really made my day.
