Diana DeBolt Johnson

Freelance Children’s Book Illustrator & Graphic Designer: Specializing in educational publishing, vector art, and surface design.

I am an illustrator, designer, and educator with over two decades of experience bringing whimsical characters and engaging educational content to life. A graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design (BFA in Illustration), I began my career creating lovable artwork for Carter’s before advancing into a Senior Art Manager role. Over the years, my work has spanned consumer products, stationery, and gift markets, appearing on shelves at stores like Michaels, Walmart, and Home Depot.

My expertise extends deep into children’s educational publishing, where I specialize in designing and illustrating student books, curriculum materials, and published book covers. From 2020 through 2026, I combined my passion for art and storytelling by teaching graphic design and animation, giving me a unique classroom perspective on how layout, visual hierarchy, and illustration drive learning and student engagement.

As a lifelong lover of literature, I also write and illustrate chapter books and middle-grade fiction, bringing my signature whimsy to every project. An active member of the kidlit community, I am a Pitch Wars alum and a Storymakers First Chapter winner. Whether crafting educational materials or designing published book covers—with six titles to my name—I focus on creating visual art that captures the heart, imagination, and soul of every story.