about

My mom and dad would tell you some of their prominent memories of me as a child was up at my desk drawing all day or bringing my “sketchbooks” and doodling on road trips. In my first grade finish-this-sentence journal, I wrote when I grow up I want to be a missionary and an artist. I feel so incredibly blessed that those things have come true! Though I have not physically travelled around the world as a missionary, my art and books have as they bring the gospel to people I will never even meet.

I am blissfully married to my best friend and we have the 3 most adorable kiddos in the world {mixed kids rock! OH & that reminds me, you may be surprised to see I am NOT Chinese! Tricked you!}. I love traveling, being outdoors, leading Bible studies, playing at the park, coaching soccer, and reading picture books.

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Life Verse Design began as a personal act of worship. While I was pregnant with number 3, I was having a really hard time memorizing Bible verses, as my brain was mush. I started “illustrating Scripture” in my own unique way to put around my house and gave prints to everyone in my Beth Moore Living in the Spirit bible study {the fruit of the spirit was the first piece I ever created.} They encouraged me to sell some at the little church craft fair, and I took a 6 week old nursing baby to the show and almost sold out of all of my products! I then opened a shop on ETSY and within months DEMDACO offered me a licensing contract. I also licensed briefly with Avalanche Publishing, creating calendars. It has been such a blessing seeing what God has done with my little offering. For His glory alone.

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My children have inspired every ounce of my photography. My family photography business has grown purely by word of mouth, which makes me happy. So many people had commented on my children’s photos, they kept asking me to take their family’s photos, and I finally took the plunge. Every session brings me joy and is unique and different. Read more about my philosophy under “Pricing”.

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My “real job” began with an interview the DAY before I got married, over 16 years ago. I have been blessed to design books for Tyndale House Publishers ever since and have such respect for their product and mission. I was “in house” for 7 years {before I had my babies} and have freelanced ever since. I cannot tell you how much I love designing books. Each and every one is a new creative challenge and you can surely say none of my work is ever dull.

I have worked on the original Left Behind series {carrying out the design by the amazing Catherine Bergstrom}, as well as creating covers for Ann Voskamp, Francine Rivers, Dr. James Dobson, and many others. I have not counted lately, but I think I have over 200 books on my shelf that I have designed in my career.

Since I studied illustration in college, my FAVORITE book I ever designed would have to be The Jesus Storybook Bible for Zonderkidz. It was so much fun working with author Sally Lloyd Jones and Jago, the fabulous illustrator. I got to thumbnail the entire book, design each and every page as well as the cover,  and art direct Jago in his illustrations. This Bible has sold over one million copies and is translated into many languages and is truly changing the lives of children around the world.

Please see my “On my Shelf” section of the blog to see some behind the scenes of my book design.