Get ready to see the work of an extraordinary artist. You’re going to see a fresh talent who has an almost otherworldly ability to create mood and storytelling through light and shadow. Meet one of our newest artists, Jennifer Potter, and see why she’s already heavily booked.

Jennifer writes: This piece (below) is inspired by the Japanese folktale, The Fire Quest. A poet sits, reading by his lit candle, and is saddened by the little moths and other insects who fly too close to the flame and burn their wings. He tries to stop them by telling them of the Firefly Queen, most beautiful and wicked of insects, who sends her many suitors on a fool’s errand to bring back fire. All while they are searching and burning, and dying, and being swept away without a thought, she remains cozy in her lotus flower with her lover, the Lord of the Fireflies, who doesn’t need to get fire, for he already carries it with him. I decided to try designing this piece like a book cover.

This appealing image shows off Jennifer’s graphic novel style.

Jennifer Potter’s love of video games is evident in the dramatic views of her environments which beckon you to explore further.

It’s lovely when a digital artist can also immerse themselves in traditional media, as Jennifer has done here.

We are delighted to show you the work of one of our newest artists, Global Talent Search winner Julia Christians. I first discovered her in my Illustrating Children’s Books course. Her wit, the animated quality of her characters, and gorgeous color palettes make for a winning combination. Enjoy!

Julia was given a line of text (below) to illustrate for our Global Talent Search. Look how she takes a simple sentence and creates a believable, soft, and appealing world laced with a variety of characters. I knew when I saw this she would be a star children’s book illustrator.

It’s astonishing how Julia Christians made not just a graphic novel page, but a whole story with quirky characters, a fully-realized scene, and even a plot line! When we saw this piece, we knew we were looking at something special. We could envision getting her lots of graphic novels, book covers, and picture books.
Read more about Julia including what movie she has seen several times here.

See more of Julia’s studio here.

With her delightful wit, fresh style, and ability to create wacky characters, I believe that she will be a big name in the children’s picture book market. Enjoy the show! See more of her work here. She’s booking quickly, as you might expect.

Asa writes: I’m rather obsessed about old photographs of people. This was inspired by a photo of a Lombok nobleman and his son from 1920, possibly of Balinese origin considering they were photographed with a dog. I love that the boy is wearing European-style suspenders under his embroidered short pants.

Asa writes: My dad was a mapmaker who’d spend summers outdoors detailing aerial photos. I’d pass time in the car, drawing creatures and folks entangled  in perplexing drama. I’m still pretty good at drawing in a moving car.

To encourage everyone to get out and vote today, I asked my artists to create VOTE banners. Feel free to share these images (with artist credit).

Asa Gilland

Sarajo Frieden

Anne Bentley

Julia ChristiansSarah Papworth

John Coulter

Jennifer Potter

Kendra Binney

Mara Penny

Katie Vernon

Terri Fry Kasuba

Jenn Ski

Marco Marella

Jennifer Potter has a brilliant way with light like no other student I’ve ever had in class. She illustrates warmth both literally and figuratively.

Julia Christians is booked heavily with children’s book illustration work and you can see why. She even brought Buzzy the Pillow to life beautifully, from my text Find Fuchsia Food Fast.*

Sarah Papworth makes the most charming little gnome! Her color sense and style are gorgeous.

The fun part about being an art agency is getting all the cool products illustrated by our artists delivered to the Studio almost daily. Then I get to share them with you. Enjoy some of our latest projects!

Sarah Walsh for Flow Magazine

New work by Jessica Allen

Above: Fun stationery set by Sarah Walsh for Sellers Publishing, Inc.

Part of Zoe Ingram’shome decor collection for Creative Co-Op

Decorated gift cards for Macy’s by Bonnie Dain

Above: Charming greeting card by Flora Waycott for Papyrus

As you may know, our Global Talent Search is how we primarily take on artists for representation. It’s an intense and thrilling event that offers us the honor of choosing our next artist from the very best artists working today. From over 1,000 entrants, we were beyond delighted to award Kendra Binney representation as our grand prize winner this year. I’ve known and loved her work from her participation as a student in my Make Art That Sells (MATS) courses over the years.

Kendra Binney’s stunningly beautiful and highly original, lush, and modern style is a treat for the eyes. We’re looking forward to placing her in everything from home decor lines to picture books, and everything in between. We would be delighted to put you together with Kendra for your next project. See more of her gorgeous work here.

I’m delighted to show you our latest illustration projects: a juicy mix of chocolate packaging, wooden cat beads, full page travel editorial, and more. Enjoy!

A charming book fully illustrated by Katie Vernon

Quirky packaging for Seattle Chocolate. Below: Carolyn Gavin.

Below: Anne Bentley

Above: There’s a reason Helen Dardik gets such cool illustration gigs. Everything she does has magic.

Sarah Walsh’s HerStory book now out in several languages.

Oven mitt and tote by Kate Mason

Above: Packaging by Helen Dardik for Fika

Above: Halloween ornaments by Kendra Binney

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Sarah Papworth, one of our newest artists, was a student in my Make Art That Sells courses who I had my eye on for quite a few years. (The cool part is that I get to watch the artistic growth of my students.) So naturally I was delighted when she entered our Global Talent Search, and then, when the judges chose her for the third round.

I want to introduce her to you, if you are not already familiar with her incredible work. Get ready to see lots of her work out in the world. I am quite sure that she’ll get flooded with commissions because of her mastery of varied media and diversity of subject matter. See her at work in her studio here.