Hello

I am married to my best friend, Jimmy, we just celebrated our 20 year anniversary and together we have two incredible children. I have been an artist my entire life, some of my first memories are in front of a fresh sheet of paper while swirls of excitement churned within my mind. Like many artists, my gifts were not valued in school and I was taught to put my love of art to the side as a hobby. Instead of pursuing my passion I became a hair stylist and eventually ran my own salon out of the back of our house for many years. In 2018, I began writing and illustrating my own little childrens stories and became fascinated with the world of publishing. I became a member of SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and took as many workshops as I could.

 

In March of 2020, my salon was shut down due to the pandemic and I was approached by a local author about illustrating her childrens book that she had written nearly 20 years before. I spent the covid quarantine illustrating the book and loved every minute of it. It was life changing and the book itself just so happened to be about embracing life changes. The Changing Story by Ahriana Platten, was published and won the Silver award at the COVR Awards in 2022. The book became a best seller on Amazon and is available at Amazon, Target and Barnes and Noble. 

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After heavy consideration I decided to close my successful salon and pursue my dreams. I attended at Pikes Peak State College for my Illustration Certification to which I graduated with honors in 2022. Today, I am a full-time illustrator and fine artist, my clients include Walmart, Brave Kids Publishing, musicians and community businesses. I teach lectures about illustration at Pikes Peak State College and Pikes Peak Art Council. 

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I am currently getting ready for my first solo exhibition at Kreuser Gallery in October of 2024. I’m also writing and illustrating a YA novel. When I’m not submerged in creating I’m spending time with my husband and children. We enjoy theater, hiking, movies and rummaging through thrift and antique shops.