About

Hi there! I’m Julie, an award-winning children’s book illustrator, artist, and (trying to be) cool cat 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, 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 multiple children’s books focusing primarily on fantasy/whimsical themes and styles. I have also launched my own brand, Myfriendsoftheforest, where I've professionally-manufactured products such as hard enamel pins, buttons, vinyl stickers, art prints, etc. (Even though illustration is my main gig, I'm still doing graphic design for my clients, so reach out if you need a logo, menu, brochure, 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 sappy poetry by a rainy window with, likely, some Ray Lamontagne playing in the background. (Head over to my ‘Contact’ page to reach out if you want to work together on an illustration project or inquire about wholesaling my products in your store.)