Storybook worlds. Expressive characters. Art that feels alive. From watercolor whimsy to Pixar sparkle — I bring stories to life. Specializing in character-driven, whimsical, and expressive illustration—especially for picture books, middle-grade fantasy, and narrative-driven projects. I’m a professional children’s book illustrator and visual storyteller with 20+ years’ experience creating vivid, heartwarming imagery for readers of all ages. I illustrate children’s books that feel alive—expressive characters, cinematic moments, and colors that invite kids to turn the page. My work spans whimsical picture-book, watercolor/ink, realistic storybook, and 3D/Pixar-style illustration. Deliverables include print-ready JPG/PNG/PDF, layered PSDs, and (if you like) full production: cover design, page layout, and press-ready/Kindle exports. You’ll have clear milestones, reliable updates, and a commercial license that lets you publish confidently. You can also find my work on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart. Hit ‘Invite to Job’ with page count + deadline, and style preference, and I’ll reply the same day with an estimate and schedule. — Lauera VanderHeart · _Email not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_

Storybook worlds. Expressive characters. Art that feels alive. From watercolor whimsy to Pixar sparkle — I bring stories to life. Specializing in character-driven, whimsical, and expressive illustration—especially for picture books, middle-grade fantasy, and narrative-driven projects. I’m a professional children’s book illustrator and visual storyteller with 20+ years’ experience creating vivid, heartwarming imagery for readers of all ages. I illustrate children’s books that feel alive—expressive characters, cinematic moments, and colors that invite kids to turn the page. My work spans whimsical picture-book, watercolor/ink, realistic storybook, and 3D/Pixar-style illustration. Deliverables include print-ready JPG/PNG/PDF, layered PSDs, and (if you like) full production: cover design, page layout, and press-ready/Kindle exports. You’ll have clear milestones, reliable updates, and a commercial license that lets you publish confidently. You can also find my work on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart. Hit ‘Invite to Job’ with page count + deadline, and style preference, and I’ll reply the same day with an estimate and schedule. — Lauera VanderHeart · _Email not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_

Available to hire

Storybook worlds. Expressive characters. Art that feels alive.
From watercolor whimsy to Pixar sparkle — I bring stories to life.

Specializing in character-driven, whimsical, and expressive illustration—especially for picture books, middle-grade fantasy, and narrative-driven projects. I’m a professional children’s book illustrator and visual storyteller with 20+ years’ experience creating vivid, heartwarming imagery for readers of all ages. I illustrate children’s books that feel alive—expressive characters, cinematic moments, and colors that invite kids to turn the page.

My work spans whimsical picture-book, watercolor/ink, realistic storybook, and 3D/Pixar-style illustration. Deliverables include print-ready JPG/PNG/PDF, layered PSDs, and (if you like) full production: cover design, page layout, and press-ready/Kindle exports. You’ll have clear milestones, reliable updates, and a commercial license that lets you publish confidently.

You can also find my work on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.
Hit ‘Invite to Job’ with page count + deadline, and style preference, and I’ll reply the same day with an estimate and schedule.
— Lauera VanderHeart · Email not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup

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Language

Work Experience

Freelance Children’s Book Illustrator — 20+ yrs at US & international authors
June 1, 1994 - Present

Education

BFA in illustration at Ringling College of Art & Design
August 1, 1990 - May 30, 1994

Qualifications

Retail presence: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart (client-published), Adobe CC (Photoshop, InDesign) • Press-ready workflow • KDP/Kindle formatting Consistent character turnarounds • Storyboarding • Color scripting
June 1, 1994 - October 17, 2025

Industry Experience

Other, Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization