A LITTLE ABOUT

It was around age seven, that a character named Adealya sprung from Katie's imagination. Adealya had crazy curly hair, a dog called Pooch, and a best friend named Kimmy, who wore ridiculously tall platform shoes. Her new creations became part of a comic strip that began her illustration journey.

Many drawings later Katie created three children’s books based on her grandmother’s childhood. She continued writing and illustrating with the making of A Piano for Mona. The book was her contribution as a part of the MAD St. Arts Collaborative. The Collaborative celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the Casa Blanca community and her book told the childhood story of Simona, it’s matriarch. Katie's most recent effort was illustrating a book called, Boldly Brave, God’s Courageous Champions, published and released by Pacific Press Publishing Association early this year.

A lot happened during the creation of these books, including a BFA in painting and textiles, followed by a post baccalaureate in traditional oil painting, teaching art to junior high and high school students, and an MFA in visual development from the Academy of Art University. Through it all, her imagination has had the privilege of creating many new characters with all kinds of stories to tell. Since Adealya first graced the page with her audacious curls, Katie has eagerly sought every opportunity for story making.