ILLUSTRATOR noun il·​lus·​tra·​tor ˈiləˌstrātə(r) -ātə- also ə̇ˈləˌs- plural -s : one that illustrates specifically : an artist that makes illustrations (as for books, magazines, advertising copy), "YES, I AM WHAT I AM..."

I've been a children's book illustrator for a while now. There's been so many changes through the years; transitioning from traditional media to digital art, competing with stock imagery and now we're looking at you, Artificial Intelligence! Books need to compete with screens, organized activities and a world of choices to win over a kid's heart these days. The library and school market sales decline as political decisions pour more money into technology than books. What's an illustrator to do!?!

I used to use my own children for photo reference. Now they're grown and I see the world through my grandchildren's eyes. So life goes on, some things change, some stay the same.

Below are some images from books currently in progress; a chapter book, picture book, narrative nonfiction and board book. I still love all aspects of illustrating children's books, despite the challenges. Here's hoping book creators will always be able to continue their craft and live happily ever after.

Luna Loves Space, written by Tracy Blom, Book 2 in Wonder Lens Friends Series

Jericho the Painted Pony, You're Not Alone, written by Edward H. Cooke

Wilma's Worm, written by Nancy Oswald, (looking for an awesome publishing home)

Goodnight Fireflies, written by Tammy Wilson

Please see below, the interactive part of my blog:  

Step 1. Click each link below for more illustration samples, I've been busy.

Children's Book Portfolio 

Books Recently Completed 
 

New Work and Coming Soon Projects 

Step 2. Email me at cathy@cathymorrison.com to illustrate your awesome new project.

Step 3. Thanks, we'll create an amazing book together.

Please drop by the Denver Botanical Gardens on April 19, 2026 from noon to 3pm. I'll be there along with Brittany Cicchese, Jolene Gutierrez and Carmela LaVigna Coyle, all local children's book creators.

Meet Authors and Illustrators at Rooted in Reading | Denver Botanic Gardens

 We'll have story time, family activities, book signings and more. It'll be fun!

Thanks for taking time to scroll through my  Studio With A View Blog. 

You can click on an image for larger views and the highlighted words for more information. 

Cathy 

By the Light of the Moon

Looking out at White Pine Mountain, the Mummy Range and Poudre Canyon

I'm an early bird. One reason is the majority of my clients are on Eastern time, two hours ahead, so I feel a need to get on with my day. The other reason is that it's such a peaceful, solitary start of the day, just me and my fifth cup of coffee around this time of the morning.

To quote darling, "Life is Gouda!"

Above is a new and very fun project that I just completed for darling in NYC. This illustration was a little different for me. The art director and her team were actually darling to work with. I did the illustration and the agency handled the design.

Watch how a cheese label gets attached to a gouda wheel.

Below are illustrations from a variety of books in the works...

Gardener Girl (working title)

I Spy Blackberry Pie

The Tiny Giant (above and below images)

 

Mission Earth's SummerFest coming to Fort Collins this summer!

SummerFest 2018 focuses on climate change and it's impact on our planet by bringing together music, the visual arts and science for a month of concerts, lectures, film, art exhibits and STEAM-based educational events. Hope to see you there!

Thanks for taking a look. Tap on the images for a larger view or to follow a link with more information. And if you're an art director/editor, please send work!
Cathy