My career started in marine science! After completing my masters in 2020, I continued my work at the NOAA Hollings Marine Laboratory. My work involved responding to stranded marine mammals, conducting necropsies, and microplastic research.
One of the greatest perks of this job were the frequent field days exploring the marshes and secluded islands around Charleston. I really became interested in creatively capturing the flora and fauna around me.
In 2022, I illustrated “The Little Sailor’s ABCs,” by Elayna Carausu. I had zero experience illustrating and this was my first step into the world of picture books. Needless to say, I fell in love!
I’ve learned a lot about the industry, and am now taking a small hiatus to pursue a more traditional publishing route. I appreciate you being here and am excited to keep creating!
I was so enthralled, I began writing and illustrating my own picture book series, melding my love of adventure, and the environment. Thus, The Adventurous Readers Series was born!
I decided to follow this passion and pursue picture books full time, feverishly writing, illustrating, and publishing on Amazon KDP.
Past projects I’ve enjoyed on my art journey to picture books!
Vaga Bella Swim
Over the pandemic, I had the wonderful opportunity to create the artwork for the second collection of swimwear for Vaga Bella Swim. VBS is a non-profit swimwear line, co-founded by Elayna Carausu and Ava Brannon. VBS suits are made with 100% recycled yarns, ethically manufactured, and ship 100% plastic free.
Click the link below to shop Vaga Bella Swim!
SV Delos design
In 2018 I had the wonderful opportunity of working with Alex and the SV Delos crew to design this tank top. SV Delos is a group of amazing people with a passion for sharing adventure and love and respect for the ocean. They have been sailing the world for the past 10+ years and documenting their travels along the way. If you’re looking for some salty adventure I recommend checking out their YouTube channel below. You can also purchase these tanktops by checking out their website!
The Little Sailors ABC’s
When Elayna approached me about creating a children’s book I was over the moon. This has been by far one of my favorite projects! If you know a little one that would like to learn about sailing, check out this ABC book written by Elayna.
Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Silverwood Books.
The pink and yellow repeating crab print that imitates fish scales was a brain child of Elaynas. She wanted fins to match her dive belt and I was happy to bring her idea to life. Naturally, we needed to create a design for Riley and I wanted to make something that tied in not only their new trimaran, but also the sport of free diving itself. If you’re not already following Elayna, Riley and their two children as they explore the world by boat on YouTube, do yourself a favor and head over to their site now! You can also check out their online shop and support the LaVagabond family below!
Free diving fins
