Savanna Durr is an illustrator based in Richmond, VA and a Kent State University alum. She primarily illustrates digitally and loves adding textures and vibrant colors to her work. Savanna has always been inspired by animated movies, cartoons, and children’s books. She focuses on creating representation within her work in the hope that others can see themselves. Recent clients include Abrams BFYR and Macmillan BFYR.…

Savanna Durr

Savanna Durr is an illustrator based in Richmond, VA and a Kent State University alum. She primarily illustrates digitally and loves adding textures and vibrant colors to her work. Savanna has always been inspired by animated movies, cartoons, and children’s books. She focuses on creating representation within her work in the hope that others can see themselves. Recent clients include Abrams BFYR and Macmillan BFYR.…

Available to hire

Savanna Durr is an illustrator based in Richmond, VA and a Kent State University alum. She primarily illustrates digitally and loves adding textures and vibrant colors to her work.
Savanna has always been inspired by animated movies, cartoons, and children’s books. She focuses on creating representation within her work in the hope that others can see themselves.
Recent clients include Abrams BFYR and Macmillan BFYR.

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Work Experience

Visual Arts Teacher at Highland Springs Elementary (H CPS)
October 1, 2022 - Present
Designs and implements engaging visual arts curriculum for K-5 students, aligned with state standards; facilitates community art experiences and student showcases, including an annual school-wide art show; engages students through the creative process while applying the principles of art and design; leads the Special Programs committee and coordinates events; develops and adapts lesson plans to accommodate IPs, ELLs, and students with varied learning styles.
Children’s Literature Illustrator at Tugeau 2 Agency
July 1, 2022 - Present
Collaborates with authors and publishers to develop engaging illustrations for children’s books; creates character designs, storyboards, sketches, and final illustrations for print media; projects include pieces like 'Hair like Obama, Hair like Lebron', 'A Hug like Michelle’s, A Voice Beyond’s', 'Rewilding', and 'Auntie’s Baby' stories.
Story Art/ Graphics Fellow at Business Insider
January 1, 2022 - August 1, 2022
Conceptualized possible imagery for articles and produced drafts for review; read articles and created visual interpretations based on main ideas; presented and received feedback from design team; collaborated with reporters and editors to develop engaging thumbnails for the audience.
Designer at Kent State Student Media
August 1, 2019 - May 1, 2020
Developed print and digital advertisements with regard to style, size, and type; collaborated with a team to improve previous iterations; curated designs based on client target audiences and personal preferences.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Communication Design at Kent State University
August 22, 2016 - May 1, 2020

Qualifications

Collegiate Professional License, Visual Arts PreK-12 Virginia
July 20, 2023 - June 1, 2034

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services
    Rewilding

    Joy, an eleven-year-old often called “Bruiser” by her dad, isn’t as tough as she appears.
    With her dad gone and her mom falling into depression, the responsibility of managing the household and caring for her younger brother, Ian, falls on her small shoulders. She struggles with the reality of wearing old clothes that no longer fit and constantly dealing with Ian’s hunger. Joy lives in fear that the school counselor might contact Child Protective Services due to their situation.
    One day, a baby bird falls from its nest, reminding Joy of her dad’s warning, “You don’t know your own strength.” Desperate for help, Joy strikes a deal with their quirky neighbor, Ezzie, known as the “Ark Lady.” Through this new relationship, Joy, Ian, and her friend embark on a journey to restore the garden. In the process, they discover the concept of “rewilding,” which brings unexpected beauty and healing. This experience leads Joy to question her father’s views, opening her eyes to new possibilities and strengths within herself.

    Hair Like Obama's, Hands Like Lebron's

    From Colin Kaepernick to Martin Luther King, Jr. to Benjamin Crump, Hair Like Obama’s, Hands Like Lebron’s is a picture book celebration of Black history and excellence from New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated bySavanna Durr.

    A HUG LIKE MICHELLE'S, A VOICE LIKE BEYONCÉ’S

    From Misty Copeland to Rosa Parks to Nina Simone, this picture book companion to Hair Like Obama’s, Hands Like Lebron’s is a celebration of Black history and excellence from powerhouse author Carole Boston Weatherford

    Auntie’s Baby

    In this heartwarming celebration of familial love, Auntie’s favorite nephew has to navigate the growing pains of becoming a big cousin.