For years, I daydreamed and thought about making children’s books. But without any formal art training, it seemed like I would always just be thinking about doing it, but not actually doing it! One story I had was my favorite of all : Starry Turtle. I loved the story so much that I decided to just go for it, and painted a picture for every page with watercolors. Here’s the first watercolor I ever painted, and it’s simple and not particularly talented, but I still like it:

Then I found out about an art program called Procreate, and soon I was using it daily - practicing! Over the last four years of drawing 4-5 days a week, I’ve gotten better and better. I see lots of folks online who have a story they’ve written in mind, but the art always holds them back. I went from a minimal digital art piece to what I feel like is my best art ever in my latest book, See You Later, Alligator! I love to create cute, appealing, beautifully detailed and COLORFUL animals and characters. Characters that are kind, and caring, and positive in the face of adversity. I want to create characters that make kids smile, that spark their imagination and make them wish they were part of the story. I want a child to see one and think, “I wish this animal/monster was real!”

I write all my books with the intent of being uplifting, fun, and appealing. My favorite part thus far of writing and illustrating are the parents who told me how much their child or children enjoyed a book. I’ve even received a few pictures of little ones, smiling and holding a book of mine. That a book I wrote brought happiness to a child - well that is the ultimate reward!

When I’m not creating children’s books, I enjoy drawing all sorts of other art - from surreal, to blacklight art, to Pop Art. I have created a very wide range of art. I also enjoy figuring out how to make unusual things, including jewelry and clay sculptures my son requests.

I have MANY more stories waiting to come out, if you‘d like to stay up to date, check out my blog on here or sign up for my mailing list. In the meantime, I hope one of my books brings a smile to all children and the adults who might share it with them!

To see my full art portfolio: www.juliaburkeart.com