Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired you to become an artist?

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember and for me personally I never really saw myself doing anything other than making art when I grew up. Though, if it didn’t work out I’m sure I’d be happiest as a librarian.

What software do you use for your digital art?

I use Adobe Photoshop CC for my digital art. I’ve been experimenting with Procreate recently but I haven’t created any fully finished artwork in it.

What are your favorite tools for traditional art?

I don't work with traditional media as much as I used to but when I do, I enjoy using watercolor, gouache, and acrylic paint. For watercolor, I like using Daniel Smith and Holbein. When it comes to gouache, I use Winsor & Newton and Holbein. And for acrylic paints, I really love Golden and Liquitex."

What advice do you have for aspiring children's book illustrators?

My best advice would be to create the art that you want to get hired to do. Think about the kinds of stories you’d like to tell with your artwork and use that as your guide. I’ve seen some artists find success reimagining classic tales in their own style and it can be a great way to both learn about visual storytelling and have a really fun project to add to your portfolio. Get creative!

My head cannon is that online audiences can generally tell when an artist truly enjoys their work. While I won’t deny that posting consistently and community engagement is crucial for career growth, if that foundation is built on artwork you’re not totally in love with, it can be tough to course correct later on.

Do you work with self published authors?

Currently my schedule doesn’t allow for me to work on projects outside of those that come from my publisher or my agent. Thanks for thinking of me though!

How do you handle burnout as an artist?

I make it a point to step back and immerse myself in things that inspire me. This could include books, manga, anime, movies, a late night Pinterest scroll and more. The key is to reconnect with what brings me joy and infuse that energy into low pressure drawings to get the ball rolling. It could be as simple as noticing a flower's funky shape or the colors of an outfit in a scene. Take small steps and be kind to yourself!