
A fateful trip to the library first sent me tumbling down the rabbit hole.
A spongey green rug underfoot, the smell of felt and book glue in the air, my three-year-old niece toddled across the children's section of the library with a book in her hands - what appeared to be one in a long series based on a well-known modern kid's show.
My animation bachelor's degree rumbled in my brain: "This is a multimillion dollar brand. I can't wait to see how they lovingly poured their resources into these books by hiring observant writers and thoughtful illustrators to form a wholly unique experience." I flip to the first page. My niece breathes softly from my lap. Before us stands a dog and a kid, rendered in the exact same style as the television show, with the same flat lighting and lifeless eyes.
"Is this a screenshot taken directly from the television episode?" I wondered, repulsed.
I finished reading the story, and my niece wanted to read another one, the next in the series. "The brand beckons," I thought.
I sighed, opened the next book and began to read, vowing that if I could develop my skills enough, I would make better picture books than this.
It's very rare that I'll meet a person who wants to work in picture books for the accolades- the the fanbase is made up of people who have no bank account and who may never know the name of their favorite picture book author or illustrator. I never set out to be rich or famous, but I did believe picture books were a lot less complex than other avenues of art - bright, appealing, and easy to understand words and pictures.
As with all deceptively simple industries, time and knowledge provide clarity. When I got started later that year, I kept running into walls. Finding an agent wasn't as easy as I expected. Editors are swamped with new picture book ideas every day - what makes mine so special? Publishers have widely varying ideas of what makes a 'good' picture book, and my ideas didn't always fit that mold. As more obstacles presented themselves in my publishing journey, time exposed the why behind my art. Questions like these arose:
"Why are you writing picture books when you could be a copy editor and make a salary?"
"Why are you illustrating picture books when you could be in a more stable industry, like graphic design?"
"If you're passionate about children, why don't you go into education? It's a much more direct way to work in kids' lives."
These questions came at me hard and fast early on in my career, and I think I've formulated my why enough to share it here, as a bedrock for all of my blogs and projects to come:
Giftings - I was Created to Create

Something you should know about me right away is that I am driven first and foremost by my Christian faith. Neither my career choices, my politics, nor my relationships inform my faith - in fact, it's the other way around. Out of an overflow from my faith I create, I dream, I love other people with my whole heart. My picture books are not an exception - there is nothing in my life annexed from my beliefs. I understand that some of you reading this don't feel the same way, and I don't want to ostracize you here. In fact, it's a very strong conviction of mine that exclusively "Christian" media pushes outsiders further to the outside. I'll go into that more some other time. The key takeaway here is that I believe the gifts I have been given equips me to serve people around me through art, and my passion for picture books is an extension of that.
Passion - For the Flourishing of Young Lives

My wife works in education, and nearly every day I hear horror stories about the situations young people and their families are living in daily. I think it's safe to say that kids are idolized, marketed to, pressured, overstimulated, and discarded more now than any other time in history, and my frustration in the library back in 2021 pushed me over the edge. There are plenty of people in this industry that feel the same - I am not alone in this. However, some of the biggest movies, shows, and books out there tell kids to be something other kids. Picture books should exist to nourish children, not to treat them like a consumer. I want to continue to be a writer and illustrator that asks only for kids to be themselves, and to give them the proper tools for the relationships, situations, and difficulties that might come their way.
Open Doors of Opportunity

It's been incredible to see what opportunities have come along since I started searching for work in picture books. Since my solemn, half-joking vow three years ago, I have since completed illustration for three different picture books (two of which you can see right now!), and are illustrating three others that are in the works as I'm writing this in late 2024! I have many ideas and a few manuscripts for books of my own - fully written and illustrated by me - but that road has continued to be rocky, and I assume will continue to be until the time is right and the perfect door opens.
I have a fire in my belly for picture books that has yet to burn out. It's taken me on an incredible journey of remembering why I decided to become an artist in the first place - I care a tremendous amount for the people that create and enjoy art, because engaging in art opens oneself up to imagining a better world. Before you snicker, remember how powerful imagination was for me: without my imagination of better picture books back in 2021, I wouldn't be here today. So, take this moment to think about the why behind what you do.
I look forward to you stopping by again next week as I write about the media that shapes us. Until then, safe travels!
You have a beautiful heart James. My hope is in your search for the right media. I think your books can be used in several medias at the same time and touch many different groups of children. I am praying for you.