Two years ago I started learning to draw. Today I have published my first illustrated children’s book.

After drawing for a year I wanted to use my skills on something more than posting random drawings on Instagram. I needed a project.

4 years ago I started reading kids books which helped me build confidence in reading books cover-to-cover. It didn’t take long before I moved on to adult books and it has stayed with me — a couple of weeks ago I finished reading The Martian, and The Barefoot Investor. I’m currently reading Elon Musk’s biography.

I always have time to read more kids books though. And over time my attention has been drawn specifically towards picture books.

So I was happy (and scared) when Rachel Bes approached me and suggested we create a children’s book together. She wanted to write one and I wanted to illustrate one.

The project was born.

The Little Adventurer

Rachel and I have similar interests. One being we like to try new things and want to motivate others to do the same. I knew what Rachel was writing would resonate with me.

She told me she wanted to tell a story about a kid who loves to be brave and try new things. After our first discussion on how we would run things I went home and started designing the character.