WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
Amy is a children’s book author and freelance illustrator currently based in St. Louis, Missouri. She enjoys bringing to life the worlds of stories, whether real or imagined. The endless possibilities of how to craft a believable world is what sets her pencil in motion. She often depicts whimsical or mysterious scenes with a touch of magic. Clients can find her recent work in her first picture book, Shores of Gold: An Ode to Fife, Scotland (2024) and The Front Steps: A True Story About A Boy Who Loved To Read (2024). As a freelancer, Amy has produced a variety of artwork for clients. Her portfolio includes picture books, storyboards, marketing materials, and animations. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture at the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at WashU to develop an authorial approach to her creative practice.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
I am inspired to illustrate my own stories and collaborate with my peers in the MFA studio space, where we can exchange ideas and explore new perspectives.
WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN?
I am most interested in book design. I have designed book covers and interiors mainly for self-publishing, but am now seeking to transition into traditional publishing.
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DESIGN SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU DID NOT EXPECT?
When I learned how to illustrate for different reading levels, my professor showed me that I could subtract information from a picture to more powerfully engage the reader’s imagination.
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?
Today I look up to the award-winning illustrator, Victor Ngai, who is a master of line and pattern and (who) creates highly conceptual pieces that challenge my ideas about storytelling.
