About

Hi there! I’m Julie, a children’s book illustrator, artist and designer living in a dusty corner of the American southwest. Though I received my degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Phoenix and won the best-in-show award for my design skills back in 2016, my intuition and heart told me to pursue my true love, children’s book illustration and art product merchandising-which is what I’m lucky enough to do now! I have since illustrated several children’s books and have launched my own lifestyle brand, Myfriendsoftheforest, where I've professionally-manufactured products such as hard enamel pins, patches, bags, art prints, etc. When I’m not hibernating in my studio, you can find me wandering up in the woods somewhere, lifting heavy things in the gym, or reading some poetry by a rainy window with, likely, some Ray Lamontagne playing in the background. (Head over to my ‘Contact’ page if you want to inquire about wholesaling my products in your store or start an illustration or design project together.)