Hi there! I'm a PNW based illustrator. I recently finished studying animation at Lipscomb University in Nashville, where I also interned for Pencillish Animation studios and the world-renowned portrait painter Michael Shane Neal. I've worked on four children's books over the past few years through Village Books Publishing. I would love to work with you to make your project come to life!…

Darla Tolsma

Hi there! I'm a PNW based illustrator. I recently finished studying animation at Lipscomb University in Nashville, where I also interned for Pencillish Animation studios and the world-renowned portrait painter Michael Shane Neal. I've worked on four children's books over the past few years through Village Books Publishing. I would love to work with you to make your project come to life!…

Available to hire

Hi there! I’m a PNW based illustrator. I recently finished studying animation at Lipscomb University in Nashville, where I also interned for Pencillish Animation studios and the world-renowned portrait painter Michael Shane Neal. I’ve worked on four children’s books over the past few years through Village Books Publishing. I would love to work with you to make your project come to life!

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Intern at Pencillish Animation Studios
August 17, 2023 - November 30, 2023
Internship: Worked on pitch packages for TV shows, concept art, character design, and visual development. Collaborated with teammates to create a final product and participated in weekly meetings with clients.
Intern at Michael Shane Neal
May 1, 2025 - May 1, 2025
Internship: Packaging paintings, creating presentations for events, various odd jobs.
Illustrator at Jamison Advertising Group
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Internship: Working on projects with design clients who needed illustration for graphic design projects.
Freelance Illustrator at Darla T Illustration
December 31, 2021 - November 11, 2025
Freelance illustration work in Lynden, WA, 2022–Present. Worked with various clients and authors through publishing companies to create their visions using digital art, acrylic paints, watercolors, and oils.
Set Art Director at Lynden, WA
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Designed and painted 3 sets and various pieces for a musical performance.
Lead Character Designer, Storyboard Artist, Animator, Inker, Painter at My Shadow Short Film
December 31, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Led character design, storyboard, animation, inking, and painting for the short film.
Animator at Lobos Short Film
December 31, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Animated sequences for the short film, including inking and painting.
Animator at Hats Short Film
December 29, 2022 - December 29, 2022
Animated sequences for the short film, including inking and painting.
Intern at Pencilish Animation Studios
December 1, 2023 - December 1, 2023
Worked on pitch packages for TV shows, concept art, character design, visual development. Collaborated with other employees to create a final product, as well as weekly meetings with clients.
Illustrator Internship at Jamison Advertising Group
December 31, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Internship, work on projects with design clients who needed illustrations on graphic design projects.
Freelance Illustrator at Freelance
January 1, 2022 - November 18, 2025
Worked with various clients to create their vision using digital art, acrylic paint, watercolors, oil paint, etc.
Set Art Director
December 31, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Designed and painted 3 sets and various pieces for musical performance.
Illustrator at Jamison Advertising Group
December 31, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Internship, worked on projects with design clients who needed illustrations for graphic design projects.
Set Art Director at Lynden, WA
December 1, 2023 - December 1, 2023
Designed and painted three sets and various pieces for musical performances.
Intern at Michael Shane Neal
November 1, 2024 - May 1, 2025
Internship, packaging paintings, creating presentations for events, various odd jobs.
Intern - Illustrator at Jamison Advertising Group
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023
Internship, worked on projects with design clients who needed illustrations on graphic design projects.
Freelance Illustrator at Lynden, WA
January 1, 2022 - Present
Worked with various clients to create their vision using digital art, acrylic paint, watercolors, oil paint, etc.
Set Art Director at Lynden, WA
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023
Designed and painted 3 sets and various pieces for musical performances.
Illustrator at Jamison Advertising Group
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Internship, working on projects with design clients who needed illustrations on graphic design projects.
Illustrator at Freelance Illustrator
January 1, 2022 - Present
Worked with various clients to create their vision using digital art, acrylic paint, watercolors, oil paint, etc.
Set Art Director at Freelance
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Designed and painted 3 sets and various pieces for musical performance.

Education

at Lipscomb University
September 1, 2023 - May 1, 2025
Animation (in progress) at Lipscomb University
September 1, 2023 - May 1, 2025
Area of study: Animation at Lipscomb University
September 1, 2023 - May 1, 2025
at Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN
September 1, 2023 - May 1, 2025
at Lipscomb University
September 1, 2023 - May 1, 2025
at Lipscomb University
September 1, 2023 - May 1, 2025
Area of study: Animation at Lipscomb University
September 1, 2023 - May 1, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services