Laura Watson

Laura Watson – Designer

Lighthearted but hard-working illustrator specializing in whimsical and heartfelt kids' books – I love to bring a story to life!

Overview

I'm a children's book illustrator and I love creating fun, fresh whimsical worlds, and spunky and relatable characters to live in them. After studying fine art at York University and illustration at Sheridan College, I began freelancing for educational publishers like Scholastic, Pearson and Quarto, for popular kids' magazines like Humpty Dumpty, Chirp, Girls' World and Highlights, and over the past few years was happy to create trade titles for Chronicle Books, Capstone, Orca Books and Kids Can Press.

In addition, I've been honoured to be chosen to work with a few brand new authors on book projects that had been close to their hearts for many years, and to help them bring life and colour to the characters they had imagined. In some cases these have been treasured stories the authors had told their children over the years. I've always been excited and humbled by having the chance to give visual life to a long held imaginary spark, and truly love the experience of working with an author to create a book from scratch. From the first conversation determining the author's vision and hopes for the book, through initial concept sketches, and on to final full-colour art and the completed project, I work hard to make the process fun and easy for the author, while keeping the project on time and on track.
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits
Fiction
Middle Grade Picture Books
Languages
English

Work experience

Self-employed

Sep, 2000 — Present

I've been freelancing as an illustrator for children's books, magazines, products and promotions, and for advertising and marketing components like menus, packaging, greeting cards, puzzles, etc., since 2000. Always looking for fun new opportunities!

Portfolio

Kids love to play follow the leader—and in this delightful book, Phil Smouse encourages them to do just that: follow Jesus and give Him their all. This updated edition of Jesus Wants All of Me—a kid-friendly version of the classic devotional My Utmost for His ... read more
Feel that springtime breeze? Lyrical, rhyming text takes young readers on a journey with adorable animals frolicking in the springtime wind.
Springtime weather can bring big storms. Lyrical, rhyming text takes young readers on a journey with furry and feathery friends to experience springtime hail.
April showers bring May flowers! Lyrical, rhyming text takes young readers on a journey with furry and feathery friends to experience springtime rain.
Where can you find animal babies? Why, nearly everywhere! Perfect for babies and toddlers, this adorable board book features a wide variety of baby animals and explores all of the places they live, from bays to burrows and beyond. With colorful, easy-to-turn p... read more

Laura has 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

brian S.

brian S.

Aug, 2022

This is my second collaboration with Laura, and it turned out as well as the first, if not better. Her talent and unique style are the perfect fit for my series of children's books. She understands what I'm trying to do, and makes my ideas better. Everything went according to plan, and I could not be happier with the result. I highly recommend her.
Laura W.
Thank you so much for the review, Brian! I loved working with you and can't wait to see the book in its finished form, out in the world! Your stories are a true delight to illustrate.
brian S.

brian S.

Jul, 2020

Laura has been an absolute pleasure to work with. She is a great communicator, very responsive, and open to suggestions. She worked very hard with me to create the title character for my book, and then brought the whole project to life with her creativity. At times, when I could not make up my mind about one detail or another, I was comfortable leaving it up to her judgment. I felt from the beg...
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