A classic tale: a weird kid with a very active imagination grows up surrounded by piles of books and not as many friends. As I grow up into the person and artist I strive to be, I often refer back to my inner child – would she be proud of who I became? If I illustrate enough books, maybe she’ll forgive me for not becoming an astronaut. Also, it’s close enough to a poet, another one of her many ambitions.

Diving into a new creative obsession is my favorite thing in life, seconded by connecting with people with whom I can share that side of me. Drawing has always been the center of my many creative endeavors and craft explorations! And nothing makes more sense than illustration, especially for books, even more for children. Today I’m confident that in the multitude of possible choices, illustrating for a young audience is what will fulfill me the most, and bring out the best contribution I can make to the world.