What led you to become an illustrator? I’ve loved making art since I can remember. I was lucky enough to grow up with creative parents, and was always surrounded by art. Whether it was making crafts with my mom, or getting drawing tips from my dad, I spent a lot of time immersed in the joy of making things. Did you study illustration in college? I studied Illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Where did you grow up? I grew up in the Hudson Valley, about an hour and a half north of New York City.Do you have a childhood memory relating to art that you hold dear? No specific memory, but I have many fond memories of drawing on our kitchen table with my dad and making fun characters out of Sculpey clay with my family. Can you remember when you first saw art used in a commercial context?Illustrated movie posters.Where do you live now and what drew you there? After living in several different places, I've found my way back to the Hudson Valley. The birth of my son made me realize just how important it is to be near family and have a strong support system in place. It also feels inspiring to be back surrounded by the things that inspired me when I was young. Describe your studio for us My studio is currently under construction (in the process of moving), so for now it’s wherever I can find the most inspiration and natural light! My set up right now is pretty minimal: a sketchpad, my laptop, and my very old but reliable cintiq. Who or What is your biggest inspiration? Nature has always been my greatest inspiration. It never fails to spark new ideas while also helping me to feel grounded and re-centered.If you could collaborate with another artist or creative of any genre, living or dead, who would it be?Mary Blair.What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?Being in nature whether that be hiking, paddle boarding, or taking my son on a walk. What's your most prized possession and why?My first beanie baby, Hoot. I’ve had him for decades and he’s traveled many places with me. What causes are you passionate about?Wildlife conservation.Do you collect anything? Clothes, children’s books, and souvenir pennies. What do you listen to when you work? A little bit of everything. What's your favourite podcast?The Magnus Archives.What is the first record you bought? Madonna’s Ray of Light.Who is your art hero? Cheesy, but my Dad. Who is your design hero? Recently been loving Saul Bass’s poster designs What is your favourite book?I don’t have a favorite book of all time, but a book I recently read that I couldn’t put down was “Red Dragon” by Thomas Harris.What was your favourite assignment ever?My favorite—and by far most challenging—assignment was illustrating my first children's book, 'The Birthday Almanac'. It was the largest and most time-consuming project I've ever tackled, but the experience was not only incredibly educational, it was also deeply rewarding. There’s truly nothing like the feeling of seeing your illustrations on the shelves of a local bookstore!What is your favourite quote?One I’ve been repeating lately is, “Comparison is the thief of joy”.What movie can you watch over and over?Little Miss Sunshine and Shaun of the Dead.What is the last show you binged?Better Call Saul.What was the last exhibition you saw and loved?It’s been a while since I’ve been to an art exhibit, but I’m looking forward to going to Storm King Art Center once the weather warms up! What was the last concert you went to?My family and I watched a local bluegrass band play in Tennessee a few months ago. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Recently, I’ve been fantasising about a trip to Ireland. Is there any random thing you consider yourself an expert on?I have a pretty good knowledge of random animal facts.If you could only any eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?Any form of raw fish: crudos, sushi, ceviches. You are stranded on a desert island with no power or running water. What 3 art supplies would you take?Mini portable watercolor set, sketchpad (largest one I can take) and a pack of pens.If a client paid you enough money to take a year off and create whatever you want – an open brief - no constraints - what would you create?I’d love to help write and illustrate an interactive children’s book, something centered around local wildlife! Is there a type of job you haven't done yet, but would love to do?Textile illustration.Is there a work lesson you’ve had to learn the hard way?Tackle what you’re dreading first! I often procrastinate on the things I was most anxious about in a project, and kept pushing them off for later. But that only led to unnecessary stress and never helped in the end.How has your work or practice evolved over time?Over the years, I’ve become more decisive and confident in narrowing down my ideas. I’ve shifted from a preference for black and white to fully embracing the vibrancy of color.If you were not an illustrator, what would you be? Would love to work with animals, maybe work at a local animal shelter or help educate children on wildlife. What is the most challenging part of being an illustrator?Stability, not comparing yourself to others, social media. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Flipping the canvas! Either using a mirror or flipping digitally, this is often the quickest way for me to see what looks unbalanced.What career advice would you give your younger self?Be confident in your work and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. A little bit of “fake it til you make it” helps! Do you have any tips/advice for other illustrators?Just draw! Don’t get so fixed on the goals, and instead just show up and enjoy the practice.
